While there had been whispers occasionally regarding Nike getting out of the golf equipment business, this still comes as a bit of a surprise.

Today, Nike released a statement announcing that the company would turn their focus towards apparel and footwear, while transitioning out of equipment.

“We’re committed to being the undisputed leader in golf footwear and apparel,” said Trevor Edwards, President, Nike Brand.

Even though I’ve pretty much been a “Nike guy” since I started playing golf (yes, I’m part of the Tiger generation), the company never really made the kind of dent in that market that many thought they would.  Their revenue even fell behind Taylormade, who earlier this year announced Adidas would be shedding that piece of their business due to slumping sales.

The announcement, naturally, set-off a flurry of “Rory to PXG” predictions.

While that may be a bit of a stretch at this point, the question remains, where do the Nike pros go from here?

Nike has developed quite the stable of pro golfers from both the men’s and women’s professional tours.  Will Rory go back to his “old” equipment?  Will Michelle Wie, who has been using Nike equipment for the majority of her career, struggle with an equipment change?

And there’s the Tiger angle.  This is the guy that brought Nike into golf in the first place.  Where does he go and how will the change affect his already struggling game?

All of this will obviously play itself out over the next few weeks and months.

Finally, a moment of silence for my Nike PD Soft golf balls.  You’ll be missed, old friend.  You will be missed.

Cover Photo via Twitter