From idol to rival – new Wieden spot focuses on Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods

The US Masters is arguably the most anticipated event in the golfing world, and as Thursday’s tee-off draws ever nearer all eyes are on British hopeful Rory McIlroy. But as ever there’s also a lot of attention on Tiger Woods, whose scintillating talent can’t be ignored despite his much-publicised personal problems. With a lot made of the showdown between the two, it’s interesting to think that for years Rory idolised Tiger and this journey from fanboy to rival is played out with typical aplomb in Wieden + Kennedy’s new Nike spot.

I wrote recently that W+K’s brilliance lies in knowing where the line is between inspiring and cheesy and this is another good example of that skill. We follow Rory from toddler prodigy to making waves on the junior circuit, knowing full well that this is heading to his coming toe-to-toe with his hero. But when it happens the denouement is impressively restrained, and Tiger’s respect is all the more powerful for being so underplayed.