Former world number one and 2001 Open Championship winner David Duval is returning to his roots by signing a new deal with Nike Golf. Duval was with Nike at the peak of his career and helped build the brand to one of the most powerful companies in golf. Although it’s been awhile since Duval has been among the game’s best, he’s working on his game for a potential return to glory on the PGA Tour.
Duval’s first event of the year was at the 2013 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. He Tweeted news of his new sponsorship agreement with Nike a couple weeks earlier.
The first Nike athlete to win a major championship using Nike clubs in 2001, David Duval will be using Nike’s new high speed cavity back driver that conforms to USGA and R&A rules, the Nike VR_S Covert driver. Duval will also have the Nike VR Pro Limited Edition fairway wood, Nike VR Pro Blade irons, Nike VR Pro wedges and a Nike Method Prototype putter in his bag. For his golf ball, Duval will play Nike’s new 20XI-X, while he wears Nike Golf apparel from its Tour Performance Collection and the new Nike Lunar Control footwear.
“I could not be more excited to once again become a Nike Athlete,” said David Duval. “Nike Golf has been a major player in the success I have had throughout my career. I am thrilled to return to the Swoosh and continue my career with a brand that focuses on developing innovative products.”
During his career, Duval has finished in the top ten at all four majors. His most recent brush with major glory was at the 2009 US Open at Bethpage Black where he finished third. Duval’s best season over the past decade was in 2010 when he finished 106th on the PGA Tour money list.
