Sportswear giant Nike (NYSE:NKE) has decided to drop golf clubs, ball and bags from its roster after sales faltered in an increasingly competitive market.
The company will continue to make golf clothing and shoes and also sponsor leading players.
Brand president Trevor Edwards said the company was committed to being the leading supplier in these areas.
Nike currently sponsors multiple major tournament winners Rory Mcilroy and Tiger Woods, but both have struggled recently with indifferent form and injuries.
Woods was synonymous with the brand at his peak but has not won a tournament for almost three years due to persistent back problems.
Four–time major winner McIlroy, meanwhile, signed a five year deal reportedly worth US$100mln in 2013.
He tweeted after the news;
"Sad for @nikegolf employees that worked so hard and made genuinely great golf equipment. Your support will always be appreciated #TeamNike"
Nike’s sales of golf equipment fell 8% to US$706mln in the year to May, with most of this income stemming from footwear.
In the highly competitive golf club market Nike has struggled to make headway against established brands such as Ping, Titleist and Callaway.
New entrants such as Under Armour, which sponsors 22- year old former US Masters winner Jordan Spieth, have also made big inroads in the clothing market.