Thursday, October 1, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

Nike Signs No. 3 Amateur Rachel Heck as 1st NIL Golf Athlete

  • The Tennessee native won the 2021 individual NCAA national championship as a freshman.
  • Her other NIL deals include Beats by Dre, Ping, Whistle Sports, and Six Star Pro Nutrition.
John Meore/The Journal News

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Nike is wasting no time locking in one of women’s golf’s brightest young stars.

Stanford’s Rachel Heck is signing with the sportswear giant to be its first NIL golf athlete, she announced on her social pages.

Heck’s other NIL deals include Beats by Dre, Ping, Whistle Sports, and Six Star Pro Nutrition.

The Tennessee native won the 2021 individual NCAA national championship as a freshman after shooting an 8-under 280 after 72 holes last May. She ranks third in World Amateur Golf Rankings.

Heck failed to qualify for the 2022 individual championship, but she and her Stanford teammates will compete for the team title starting May 20.

Nike isn’t the only recent athletic apparel brand to test the NIL waters.

Lululemon made former NBA player J.R. Smith its first male college endorser back in April.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Extending WNBA Playoffs Would Cost Owners Up to $1 Million

The No. 1–seeded Lynx exited the playoffs after just two games.
Exclusive

WPBL CEO Fires Board Member After $600K Offer to Drop Case

The firing effectively ends Mina Kim’s case.

Sen. Eric Schmitt Doubles Down After Viral ‘Hawks’ Flub

The senator appeared to mix up the Atlanta Hawks and Iowa Hawkeyes.

U.S. Presidents Cup Comeback Delivers Viewership Boost for NBC

NBC drew two million viewers for the final round.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

9/30/26 – Man City Found Guilty, NBA’s $12B Vegas Race, College Sports Bill Passes

0:00

Featured Today

Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
September 25, 2026

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.
A Bar of Their Own
September 25, 2026

Women’s Sports Bars: Novelty Has Worn Off, ‘That’s a Good Thing’

They’re leveling up, but sustainability remains the first consideration.
Hot & Social/Mets
September 18, 2026

Sports Teams Are Playing a New Role: Matchmaker

The latest promotion at the stadium? Love.
Exclusive
September 18, 2026

Vicious Infighting Is Jeopardizing the Future of Women’s Baseball

The WPBL’s own CEO admits there’s a “power struggle.”

Ted Cruz: Critics of ESPN ‘College GameDay’ Appearance ‘Partisans’

The Texas Republican defended his appearance in an interview with FOS.
Arizona State Head Coach Greg Powers watches the season opener against Mercyhurst on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019.
September 30, 2026

ASU Hockey Coach Greg Powers Put On Leave After Player’s Collapse

The move follows growing public pressure from fans, parents, and lawmakers.
Detroit Cass Tech players warm up ahead of a high school football game against rival Detroit King at Cass Technical High School in Detroit on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. The Detroit skyline is seen in the background.
September 30, 2026

Rivals’s $399 Evaluations Test What a Recruiting Ranking Is Worth

Coaches are split on whether rankings still matter in recruiting.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
AZ state flag
September 29, 2026

Arizona Lawmakers Join ASU Hockey Players in Call for Outside Review

An independent inquiry has not yet been commissioned by Arizona State.
Apr 24, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Mammoth owner Ryan Smith speaks to the media before game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Utah Mammoth and the Vegas Golden Knights at Delta Center.
September 29, 2026

Ryan Smith Says BYU Will Get Windfall When He Dies

“The roster is deep,” he said. “It’s not just me.”
October 14, 2022; Tempe, Ariz; USA; ASU mascot Sparky during a ribbon cutting ceremony at Mullett Arena. Ncaa Hockey Asu Hockey Opening Night At Mullett Arena Colgate At Asu
September 28, 2026

ASU Men’s Hockey Players Dispute School’s Account of Athlete’s Collapse

Seven players requested the coaching staff be put on administrative leave.
September 27, 2026

SEC’s Big-Money Rosters Shake Up College Football Rankings

The top two slots remained unchanged.