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Nike announces sponsorship deal with McIlroy

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FILE - In this June 6, 2011 file photo, Rory McIlroy distributes bars of soap to children at a kindergarten run by UNICEF in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. McIlroy wants to help children around the world through a foundation and on his golf bag. On Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013, McIlroy announced he has started The Rory Foundation. Among the first projects is to bring attention to children by putting the name of charities on his bag when possible. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa, File)

(AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa, File)

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Nike says it has signed a sponsorship deal with No. 1-ranked Rory McIlroy for a reported $200 million.

The deal was announced in a lavish ceremony in the United Arab Emirates ahead of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, which begins this week.

Nike now represents golf's two biggest stars in McIlroy and Tiger Woods, who has been with the sportswear company since turning pro in 1996.

In October, McIlroy cut ties with Acushnet Co., which had supplied him with Titleist and FootJoy gear since he turned pro five years ago. And this month, Jumeirah Group announced it was not renewing its five-year sponsorship deal with the Northern Irishman.

Updated January 14, 2013

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