McIlroy tees off at the Burj Al Arab – considered the World’s Leading All-Suite Hotel by the World Travel Awards

Jumeirah Group and the management company of world number one golfer Rory McIlroy have jointly agreed to bring the sponsorship agreement which started in September 2007 to a close.

The global luxury hotel company began sponsorship of Rory McIlroy as soon as the young golfer launched his professional career at the age of 18.

Since then, the Ulsterman has risen to become the world’s number one golfer.

In the same period, Jumeirah has doubled the number of hotels it operates around the world.

McIlroy commented: “Jumeirah became my first corporate sponsor when I turned professional back in 2007, and I would like to thank everyone at the company for their support in helping me become the player I am today.

“I have enjoyed five very exciting and successful years with Jumeirah and will always have great memories of my time with the company.

“Celebrating my first professional win at the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic with the Jumeirah team was a particular highlight.”

Rory McIlroy has been an ardent advocate of Jumeirah’s hotels, staying in its properties in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, the Maldives, London and Rome, as well as participating in events with the company’s guests, partners and employees.

Jumeirah Group president Gerald Lawless said: “We are extremely proud of Rory’s rise to the number one spot with Jumeirah as his principal sponsor since he turned professional.

“We are delighted with his consistent support of Jumeirah hotels and resorts around the world.

“He has been a tremendous ambassador for our brand both as a consummate golfing professional and as a young man with a great future ahead of him.

“We wish him continued success and we will continue to share a passion for his achievements and to welcome him in each of our hotels.”

Nike

McIlroy is expected to be unveiled as a new ambassador for Nike in Abu Dhabi later, making him one of the highest paid sports stars in the world.

The deal is reported to be worth US$100 million over five years.

Ahead of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship this week, McIlroy will sit alongside the Nike golf president, Cindy Davis, at a special media conference in the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Hotel to outline the deal.