When Rory McIlroy slipped on the green jacket at The Masters this past weekend, Nike wasted no time in celebrating one of the most emotional victories in modern golf.
But they didn’t just roll out another generic sports spot for passive scrollers to watch. They did what great brands do best: they created an authentic tribute that evoked emotion and made people feel.
It’s a cinematic nod to greatness, anchored by a voice that’s just as timeless as The Masters itself.
To really capture something that felt cinematic, nostalgic, and full of heart, Nike partnered with Portland-based Blue Ox Films and landed on a gem from the golden age of soul:
“Georgia Morning Dew” by Johnny Adams.
Found deep in Musicbed’s collection of vintage music, the song’s title alone nods to the iconic setting. But it’s the rich vocals and upbeat tempo that elevate the piece from a highlight reel to a moment of hearty congratulations.
This wasn’t a random pick; it was a deliberate, tasteful choice that proves how much music selection really matters. It proves that music provided by those middle-of-the-century voices can add even more heart to an already touching tribute.
By tapping into Adams’ soulful legacy, this spot doesn’t just celebrate Rory’s victory—it grounds it in something richer, something we’ve been anticipating for a long, long time.
It connects emotion to image, story to sound, and fan to community in a way that feels human, thoughtful, and unforgettable.
