Forget major championship scripting, the pre-tournament press conferences have become the marquee time for outfitters to unveil their latest and greatest in apparel.
Beginning with Tiger Woods’ “Frank the Headcover” Nike polo as well as Tony Finau’s fictional Finau1 shoe logo. at the Masters earlier this year, the Swoosh showed off their latest collaboration on Wednesday at Royal Portrush.
Tiger’s Shirt The Biggest Takeaway From Press Conference
Rory McIlroy entered the interview room strategically donning a Nike + Stone Island rain jacket that will cost consumers upwards of $900.
“Knowing that the conditions during the tournament can change quickly, and can be quite challenging, we wanted to focus on outerwear,” Kelly Tweeden, VP and Creative Director for Nike Golf, Nike Tennis and Nike Skateboarding, said in a press release. “As experts in creating product that performs as well as it looks, Stone Island was a natural partner in finding the best solutions.”
The @Nike x @stoneisland rain jacket Rory was wearing today is going to run you $900. That’s not a typo. My dude @Sean_Zak has the scoop. https://t.co/JKEmgG1VKF pic.twitter.com/txjtwgHEgz
— Jonathan Wall (@jonathanrwall) July 17, 2019
“The Nike x Stone Island collaboration is a perfect combination of style and performance,” McIlroy said in the release. “As an athlete, it’s important that my apparel can comfortably handle the conditions of any course at any time. This collection will allow me to be prepared for the unpredictable climate of Northern Ireland but also sport a look that appeals to my personal style.”
Featuring “fabric innovation,” the “military specification cotton satin outer face… is bonded to a breathable, weather-resistant membrane… to increase breathability and act to lock in warmth, helping maintain optimal temperature throughout play.”
If the jacket is too steep at $900, there is also crew neck offering that you can buy for half the price, $450.
