Tour Pro shares the inner workings of gear deals. There are 3 snack bars here

In 2013, Rory McIlroy signed a mega deal with Nike Golf for a stunning figure. The numbers $100 million and $200 million were thrown around – but no one knew secureoutside of McIlroy’s team and the Swoosh.

The deal reaffirmed what has become increasingly clear in recent years: equipment deals are shrouded in secrecy.

For some reason, equipment manufacturers have been reticent to offer financial terms when deals have been announced, leaving us to wonder and guess what a ball-only deal or a full bag deal would be worth could.

Enter tour professional Michael Kim, who recently provided some much-needed clarity. The former PGA Tour winner uses his Social media account to answer questions from followers and provide insider insights on a variety of topics, including how gear deals work on tour.

Below you will find the three most interesting findings Kim’s recent social media post on the subject.

Short and sweet

If the words “multi-year contract” are mentioned in a new contract, do not assume that it is for a term of more than two to three years. When his agent negotiates a new contract, Kim said it usually takes about one to three years.

“Because you have to earn your card each time [year] “On tour, there are generally no long-term contracts (unless you’re a well-known guy),” Kim said. “Often the upfront price is lower, but the bonus is bigger if you get into the top 70 or 50 [in the FedEx Cup] (performance based).”

The only exception to the rule would be someone in the top tier of professional golf — think Rory, Rahm and Scheffler — but even then, there’s no guarantee that equipment companies and players will want to go beyond a third year.

No free ride

Kim confirmed something I’ve believed for five years: equipment deals are no longer a guarantee if you make it to the top tier of professional golf.

“Companies are also much more selective about the players they sign,” he said. “In the 2000s, if you had a PGA Tour card you were guaranteed a deal. Now you either have to be in the top 75 or be a young man with potential. That’s why there are a lot more free agents these days.”

As brands add social media influencers to the “Tour” stable, the share of gear advertising on the PGA Tour has shrunk significantly. Manufacturers still see value in having a group of pros pushing their product, but it is no longer necessary to sign every available free agent to a deal just to get the driver or the iron.

As tournament funds continue to increase, don’t be surprised if the number of equipment offerings continues to decline. For both sides, it’s important to find the right fit and be selective.

Take it or leave it

For professionals considering a gear deal, the days of picking the best number for a wood-only and/or iron-only deal are long gone.

As the number of deals shrinks, the balance of power has shifted back in favor of the device maker. In other words, if you want a deal, you have to be willing to play with at least 10 clubs of one brand. And the driver is an absolute must.

“Drivers and woods are a must on a 10-12 club requirement contract,” said Kim. “In the past, you could do a mix-and-match deal where it was just the timbers with one company and the wedges with another company. But these days companies are really pushing to produce the full bag (13 including driver) and the ball.”

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Jonathan Wall

Golf.com Publisher

Jonathan Wall is GOLF Magazine and managing equipment editor at GOLF.com. Before joining the team in late 2018, he spent six years working on equipment for the PGA Tour. He can be reached at jonathan.wall@golf.com.