The new year has already brought changes for former world number one Jason Day.
Although Day has worn Nike for the past seven years, he is no longer an ambassador for the iconic brand. The last time he wore the Swoosh in a professional setting was when Day won the Grant Thornton Invitational with Lydia Ko.
The Australian was wearing Malbon Golf apparel when he arrived in Kapalua for the Sentry Tournament of Champions. The brand was launched in his 2017 in the luxury golf apparel space and has been climbing the ladder ever since.
PGA Tour Writer Sean Martin broke the news on Monday on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Will this be Nike's first domino as a golf company?
Rumors of Tiger Woods leaving the brand skyrocketed at the end of 2023. He gave a cryptic answer about their relationship at the PNC Championship, but he didn't admit anything.
It also sparked debate over whether the brand might withdraw from golf altogether. The fact that Mr. Day's resignation became public has only added fuel to the fire. This isn't the first time a small luxury brand has acquired a big name. Justin Thomas went to Grayson Crozier after breaking up his relationship with Ralph Lauren.
Travis Matthews is another company that has made a big splash in the golf world. They brought in Jon Rahm, the reigning Masters champion turned LIV golfer, to their ambassador program. But Nike has long been a staple of the sport.
Day Vacation further confirms the perception that the brand is an afterthought in golf.
Reactions to the news were warm and cold. Those who love the Malbon brand were excited, while others just wanted to crack a joke.
Jason Day is about to look even fresher than ever.I can't wait to see him
— TE3ZY12 (@TE3ZY12) January 2, 2024
Buy him some gear that people might want to buy and lose their stupid shoes right now.
— Metaverse (@badfullback) January 2, 2024
Photo 3 is All the Dads in 1990, with tee time at 8 a.m. and duties as Little League third base coach at 2 p.m.
— Mick Adams (@MickAdamsMA) January 2, 2024
Sleeves give it a mid-2000s vibe
— PB (@PB_MKE) January 1, 2024
It happened whether people liked the change or not. Nike lost its first big name in golf, but Day could be the first of many. These players are turning the slogan “New Year, New Me” into “New Year, New Gear.”
Who will be next to enter the apparel industry?
Savannah Lee Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation's Playing Through.If you want to know more about golf, please follow us. @_PlayingThrough On all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirls and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.
