Brooks Koepka: Is He Nike’s Next Big Target

Some in the sports world consider Nike to be The Evil Empire.

There is little doubt that when Nike wants a talented golfer on its staff, the first thing that will happen is that a pile of money will be dumped on the negotiation table.

Nike’s biggest staffer is Tiger Woods and rightfully so. Woods has earned it. But with the possibility that Woods’ playing days are numbered, it immediately turned its attention to young Rory McIlroy.

With Tiger Woods fading, McIlroy joined the Legion of the Swoosh. That was back in January of 2013 and the number was reported to be $250 million over 10 years.

So who will be Nike’s next target?

The easiest pickings are the young guys with Titleist. In a battle of pocketbooks, Nike vs. Titleist is a lopsided mismatch.

Could it be that young Brooks Koepka is front and center on the Nike radar?

He fits their criteria. He’s young and steadily climbing the world rankings. He’s No. 16 going into this season and he simply keeps getting better.

Koepka is also a Titleist guy. He has been since he turned pro.

Will he make the switch when the Swoosh beckons?

There’s only one thing to keep in mind.

Money talks and Nike’s voice is very loud.