Jumeirah ends sponsorship of Rory McIlroy ahead of expected Nike deal

Jumeirah Group is to end its sponsorship agreement with world number one golfer Rory McIlroy ahead of his expected deal with Nike.

The UAE-based global luxury hotel company was one of the Northern Irish golfer's first corporate sponsors when they started supporting the then-18 year old.

"I would like to thank everyone at the company for their support in helping me become the player I am today," McIlroy said today in a statement.

"I have enjoyed five very exciting and successful years with Jumeirah and will always have great memories of my time with the company.

"Celebrating my first professional win at the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic with the Jumeirah team was a particular highlight."

Gerald Lawless, president and group CEO of Jumeirah Group, described McIlroy as a "tremendous ambassador for our brand, both as a consummate golfing professional and as a young man with a great future ahead of him."

The announcement allows McIlroy to pursue a lucrative endorsement contract, with strong indications that he will sign with Nike in the next few days.

In October, McIlroy cut ties with Acushnet, which had supplied him with Titleist and FootJoy gear since he turned pro five years ago.

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