Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods in a new video commercial that’s basically about the power of inspiration. (And that worldwide sports brand they both represent.)
Update:
Nike has also released some commentary on the video, quoting McIlroy and Woods (not included in the video, which is mostly visual apart from some personal dialogue between the characters).
McIlroy:
“As a kid, I looked up to Tiger,” said McIlroy, who hit a 40-yard drive at the age of just two. “When I first saw him on TV, I remember being completely enamored by the energy he brought to the sport. His will to win. His determination. His fight.”
“It’s been an incredible journey for me, going from massive fan to competitor. To think that not too long ago I was that little boy watching him on TV to where I am now. It’s been a cool journey and I’m very lucky I get to compete with and against him, because he inspired me as a kid and he inspires me now. He’s the best player I’ve ever seen.”
And Woods:
“I’ve been in that same situation,” said Woods. “Growing up, Jack was my idol. My first recollection of The Masters was 1986, when Jack won. I remember him making a putt at 17 and lifting that putter up. Fourteen years later at the 2000 PGA Championship, I got to play with and against him – someone I looked up to.”
Nike says
“The film begins with a re-enactment of a young McIlroy intensely watching Woods win his first U.S. Amateur Championship on TV in 1994. A few years later, still from his hometown in Holywood, Northern Ireland, McIlroy witnessed Woods’s electrifying performance of winning his first Masters title by an astounding 12 shots. As the film progresses, we see McIlroy emulating Woods’s work ethic, perfecting his game in the rain, working on his putting stroke on a putting green at his house (filmed at his actual childhood home), with his mother Rosie and father Gerry supporting him all the way.
The film culminates with the two professionals competing against each other, walking side by side down the fairway –inspiration for who’s next.”