Rory McIlroy, the humble, 22-year-old golf phenom who stunned the sport with his record-breaking win at the US Open, has won a coveted place in line to score a sponsorship portfolio on par with that of dethroned champ Tiger Woods, the New York Post reported Tuesday.
Experts said McIlroy could rival Woods' $1 billion career earnings by offering sponsors over time what the scandal-scarred Woods failed to deliver -- a long-lasting, wholesome public image.
"The golf and sports marketing communities are hungering for that next golf superstar and want to anoint someone right away," said sports marking guru Kevin Adler, president of Engage Marketing.
"Rory is humble and cracks an easy smile without being such a robo-golfer about it all," said Adler, referring to Woods' stoic facade. "With a few more big wins, Rory can easily start monetizing his image in huge way by doing more US tournaments."
Prior to his weekend victory, McIlroy had just four sponsors in relatively modest deals totaling around $10 million, with some set to expire in coming months, said industry sources. His endorsement contracts likely have performance-based provisions triggered by his win. Sponsors include Titleist, sunglasses maker Oakley and luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet, whose timepieces cost up to $30,000.
The hats and shirts he wore in the tournament advertised Dubai-based hotel chain Jumeirah, whose sponsorship is up for renewal this year through his agent International Sports Management.
"The hat and the shirt each are going to become two of the most valuable pieces of real estate in golf," Adler said. "He's the image sponsors want for the young end of the luxury market. He's the leader of the young guns influencing the game today."
Experts expected automakers such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz to compete for possible McIlroy deals. Smartphone purveyors Samsung, LG and AT&T were also expected to line up to sponsor the golfer.
