Nike Golf Takes Flight: Bringing Culture, Style, and Inclusivity to the Game

Isaac Contreras

My interest in Nike Golf’s latest collaboration with Eastside Golf and the launch of their “Take Flight” footwear collection started with my love for golf and curiosity about how big brands are changing the face of traditional sports marketing. Golf is a sport I enjoy because it combines skill, mental focus, and a connection with nature. However, golf marketing can sometimes feel exclusive or outdated. Seeing Nike’s fresh approach that blends golf performance with streetwear culture caught my attention and made me excited to learn more.

The article I read highlighted three main points that helped me understand the campaign’s importance. First, Nike and Eastside Golf released their second “Take Flight” footwear line, which combines advanced golf technology with trendy streetwear designs. This is aimed at serious golfers as well as young people who want golf-inspired style on and off the course. To celebrate the launch, Nike created a pop-up event in New York City that helped generate buzz and direct consumer interaction.

Second, Nike is focusing heavily on inclusivity with this campaign. The marketing targets young and diverse audiences who might not have previously thought of golf as an option for them. By connecting cultural identity with golf and breaking traditional barriers, Nike hopes to expand the sport’s appeal to new communities.

Third, this partnership fits into a broader strategy Nike has for growth within the golf and lifestyle markets. The brand faces challenges such as rising import tariffs and fierce competition, so innovative product launches paired with culturally relevant marketing help Nike stand out and maintain leadership.

Nike’s value proposition goes beyond just performance gear. Their promise is to deliver high-quality, technologically advanced products that empower athletes of all backgrounds. Nike’s famous motto, “if you have a body, you are an athlete,” reflects their dedication to inclusivity and inspiration. They want everyone to feel welcome in sport, and Nike Golf is no exception.

What makes this campaign stand out is the way Nike merges culture, fashion, and sport into one cohesive marketing effort. The “Take Flight” shoes feature streetwear-inspired designs that appeal to urban millennials and Gen Z consumers, making golf stylish and accessible. The campaign includes real athlete stories, vibrant social media content, and experiential events like the New York pop-up, all designed to build strong emotional connections with customers.

Embed the Nike x Eastside Golf Instagram video here:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPUyC39jsuF/

Nike must overcome significant challenges, including import tariffs that affect prices and margins, as well as strong competitors in the golf footwear and apparel market. Additionally, today’s consumers expect authenticity and cultural relevance from brands, so Nike’s strategy to use partnerships and digital marketing helps bridge those gaps and build loyalty.

The campaign appeals to a broad and culturally diverse audience, which is unique in golf marketing. Traditionally, golf has been seen as an exclusive sport, but Nike’s inclusive message and diverse athlete lineup reshape golf as a welcoming lifestyle choice for many. This approach highlights how Nike stays innovative and relevant by connecting with consumers beyond the core golfer demographic.

From a marketing perspective, this campaign fits well with the AIDA framework. Nike grabs attention with bold designs and influencer athletes, sparks interest and desire with lifestyle storytelling, and encourages action with interactive pop-ups and online engagement. However, to secure long-term loyalty, Nike will need to sustain quality and engagement to convert curious newcomers into repeat customers.

If I were the product manager at Nike Golf, I would focus on strengthening connections with local golf communities by organizing diverse events that highlight inclusion. Digital storytelling could be further expanded with real customer journeys to humanize the brand and connect deeper emotionally. Feedback from new consumer groups would help tailor future products and messaging more effectively.

Another thing I would do differently is bring legendary Nike golfers back into prominent ads. Tiger Woods remains one of the most iconic golfers in history, and his inspiring comeback story resonates worldwide. Featuring him again would remind fans of Nike’s deep roots in golf excellence. Rory McIlroy’s youthful energy and global appeal also make him the perfect ambassador to bridge tradition and modern style. Their presence in campaigns would add emotional weight and credibility, appealing both to longtime fans and new ones discovering golf through Nike’s fresh lenses.

This assignment showed me how a legacy brand like Nike uses partnerships, culture, and storytelling to expand its market and stay at the forefront of sports marketing. It also highlighted the importance of evolving marketing messages to reflect changing demographics and cultural trends without losing brand heritage.

For a better look at the campaign, here is the link to the Instagram video from Nike Golf and Eastside Golf: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPUyC39jsuF/ and the article I used for this analysis: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/nike-nke-latest-golf-collaboration-113334059.html. You can also learn more about Nike Golf by visiting https://www.ngf.org/top-100-business-in-golf/nike-golf/.

In conclusion, Nike Golf’s collaboration with Eastside Golf and their inclusive “Take Flight” campaign exemplify how marketing can refresh a sport like golf, making it appealing, diverse, and stylish. By combining performance innovation with cultural relevance and iconic athlete endorsements, Nike is charting a vibrant future for golf that welcomes everyone to the game.