Two-time Major champion Rory McIlroy added an athletic twist to the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony when he opened Dubai’s first Nike Golf stand-alone retail store in front of a mass of delighted fans and shoppers at Dubai Mall.
Ahead of this week’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic, Rory showed off his finely tuned short-game skills to open Sun & Sand Sports’ new store, putting the new RZN Black ball across the shop’s threshold using his Method 006 putter.
Adding a bespoke, personal touch to the exclusive Nike Golf brand store, Rory took the time to carefully scroll his name in Arabic on one of the walls using a calligraphy pen. The gesture reflected Rory’s fondness of the region, having been competing in the UAE since 2006.
Rory said. ‘It’s great to be part of the Nike Golf team. Nike is all about innovation and expanding the game across the globe. It’s great to see Nike Golf open a store like this in the Middle East where more golf courses are opening up. Nike recognises golf as an athletic sport and it’s great to see that reflected in the equipment on sale in the store.’’
‘We are delighted that Rory McIlroy chose to open our new Nike Golf retail store in Dubai Mall, and we hope his season goes from strength-to-strength following a superb performance at the recent Abu Dhabi Championship’ said Angus Moir, Nike Golf EMEA General Manager.
‘Golfers in Dubai and from across the UAE region will be able to buy the latest equipment and apparel from Nike Golf, including the Covert 2.0 Tour and RZN Black ball as used by Rory himself, as well as the Lunar Control II shoes and the Lightweight Innovation Colour polo he will be wearing this week,’ he added.
Inside the store, Rory met and took pictures with fans who had won competitions in the week leading up to the launch, and presented them with special signed Nike Golf outfits.
Mohammad Baker, Deputy Chairman of Sun & Sand Sports, commented: “We were honoured to have special guest Rory McIlroy with us to launch Nike Golf, the world’s most prestigious golf brand, in Dubai Mall, the world’s largest and most iconic shopping mall. It was extremely pleasing to see the store full of shoppers, buying the latest men’s, women’s and kids’ golfwear – as well as the latest clubs, equipment and spikes – all designed to bring out the athlete in every golfer.”
Following Rory’s appearance, the crowds flooded into the store as it was officially opened for business. Shoppers were able to admire the classic Omega Dubai Desert Classic Trophy, which was showcased in the store during the opening. This week Rory aims to repeat his 2009 success and clinch the impressive piece of silverware, with the help of Nike Golf’s innovative VRS Covert 2.0 Tour Driver and the revolutionary new RZN Black golf ball.
The 135sq.m store is located close to Nike inc. store that sits on the Ground level in the world-famous Dubai Mall, and is open from 10.00 – 22.00 Sunday to Thursday and 10.00 – midnight Friday and Saturday.
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