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Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

Tiger Woods passes the torch to Rory McIlroy in emotional Nike ad

James Dator
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.

This Nike ad is just about perfect. We’re witnessing the torch being passed from arguably the greatest golfer of all time to a new superstar, but understanding that change means going back to the beginning. In this case it’s watching Rory McIlroy grow from a young Tiger Woods fan to the man teeing off after him.

It truly feels like one book is closing and the sequel is just beginning. Between this ad and the new video game being named after Rory, it’s clear times are changing.

SB Nation presents: Rory McIlroy is the world’s best golfer

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