Nike is set to stop selling golf equipment, it has emerged today.

The sports brand giants made the call after years of falling sales in clubs, bags and balls.

But they insist that they will continue to “accelerate innovation” in golfing footwear and clothing – some of which you can see by checking here.

Nike has been a huge part of the sport over the past two decades, signing up the game’s biggest players on lucrative sponsorship deals.

The the late 1990s, the sports firm invested heavily in golf by handing the rising Tiger Woods a five-year contract worth $40million.

But the 14-time major champion has suffered a huge fall from grace in recent years.

In 2013, Nike penned another money-spinning deal with Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy worth $100million over five years.

Despite the hefty spending on marketing, Nike has been struggling in the golf business.

Last year sales at Nike’s golf unit fell by 8% to $706m, the third year of declining sales.

World number four McIlroy tweeted after the announcement: “Sad for @nikegolf employees that worked so hard and made genuinely great golf equipment. Your support will always be appreciated #TeamNike”

Sad for @nikegolf employees that worked so hard and made genuinely great golf equipment. Your support will always be appreciated #TeamNike

— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) August 4, 2016

Nike Brand president, Trevor Edwards, said: “We’re committed to being the undisputed leader in golf footwear and apparel.

“We will achieve this by investing in performance innovation for athletes and delivering sustainable profitable growth for Nike Golf.”

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