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There was a time when Jordan Spieth and Dustin Johnson seemed like they were going to define an era together. The 2015 U.S. Open was where their paths crossed most famously. Spieth beat Johnson in a finish that is still fresh in golf fans’ minds. Since then, their careers have gone in different directions, with different sponsors, different rhythms, and different tours. But now and then, the sport finds a way to get them back in the same frame. This time, the reunion isn’t happening on the golf course, but through a brand that’s slowly taking over the sport.

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Under Armour, a $2.4 billion sportswear company, has launched a new visual campaign focused on its newest line of golf shoes. The update came via Instagram when Under Armour Golf featured a lineup that includes Spieth and the 4Aces captain. 

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At the center of the promotional video was the Drive Pro Clone series, which has quietly become the main focus of Under Armour’s golf push. The auxetic “Clone” upper is what sets this shoe apart. It is designed to stretch and shrink with the foot, giving it a custom fit without the need for a break-in period.

Underneath that is the Swing Support System (S3), which is a traction framework made just for rotational stability. It’s not just about how well you can grip; it’s also about how well you can keep from moving sideways during transitions in the swing that put a lot of torque on the body.

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The spiked versions are more aggressive when it comes to digging into the ground, while the spikeless SL versions focus on being versatile without losing that locked-in feeling. The outsole has rubber traction zones and TPU reinforcement that are strategically placed from the lateral heel to the medial toe to mimic the pressure points in a golf swing.

Reflecting on the new shoes, Spieth previously said, “With Drive Pro Clone, the fit stays locked in no matter how many swings I’ve made. ArmourDry has that same sense of reliability – it dries quickly, moves with me, and never distracts from the shot in front of me. When your footwear and apparel both hold up through heat, pressure, and long stretches between swings, it frees you up to commit fully to every shot.”

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Now, Under Armour became the official clothing partner of Johnson’s LIV Golf team, 4Aces GC, in 2026. This adds another layer to the drop because it puts Johnson under the same brand umbrella that has long been associated with Spieth. The 4Aces will wear Under Armour’s new Drive Pro Clone shoes and ArmourDry Polo as part of their official team kits. They will also wear some of the brand’s golf clothing.

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Also, at the PIF Saudi International in December of last year, Johnson hinted at a possible signing with the brand. During that tournament, the two-time Major winner was seen wearing Under Armour’s Drive Pro Clone golf shoes, which hadn’t come out yet.

On the other hand, Spieth’s relationship with Under Armour has been long-standing. He signed with the brand in 2013, before he won any major tournaments. Then, in 2022, he signed an extension that lasts until 2029. So, he didn’t just wear the brand; he helped shape its golf identity. His signature line, starting with the Spieth One, set the standard: make stable shoes that are grounded in the details of his game. The Drive Pro series still follows that way of thinking.

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Now, while their paths have crossed, Spieth and Johnson haven’t been part of the same ecosystem for a long time. Spieth even admitted that while he misses many who made the move to LIV, Johnson remains at the top of his list.

“I think DJ being maybe the first one to go over there and somebody who is not, never was really controversial over here and more so just kind of worked his butt off, it paid off, got his breakthrough at the US Open, then went and won the Masters,” Spieth said in 2023.

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“Just a Hall of Fame player that didn’t create controversy with any other players and played on a bunch of Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup teams. Represented them really well. He was a friend of mine. He is a friend of mine. I just haven’t seen him.”

Clearly, the two are sure to love this turn of events. Besides that, there is also the excitement of the Limited Edition Under Armour Drive Pro Clone Azalea Print, a release that relies heavily on storytelling – bringing April Augusta vibes alive.

The azalea print goes all the way around the heel and tongue as a clear nod to Augusta, and the soft pink outsole ties the design to the season’s first major in a subtle way. The edition is built on Under Armour’s most advanced Drive Pro Clone platform, and the most important feature is adaptive Clone technology, which shapes to the foot for a custom, responsive fit throughout the swing. Notably, players like Spieth, Johnson, and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen will wear the model during Masters week, highlighting its tour-level credibility.

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What does Under Armour’s partnership mean for Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces?

Johnson has openly declared that he has admired the brand for ages. What stands out the most is the brand’s tendency to put athletes first in their projects. They focus on performance, customizing their products as per the athletes’ requirements. And that has excited Johnson and his team

Reflecting on their newfound relationship, Sean Eggert, the SVP of Global Sports Marketing at Under Armour, said, “At Under Armour, everything starts with helping athletes perform at their very best. We have a long history of outfitting some of the best players in golf and winning alongside them, so partnering with the 4Aces, led by proven major champions, felt like a natural fit. These guys compete at the highest level, where precision and confidence matter on every shot.”

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Chris Heck, LIV Golf President of Business Operations, further added, “This partnership between the 4Aces and Under Armour reflects the strength, visibility, and competitive credibility the 4Aces have built as one of LIV Golf’s elite teams within the world’s golf league.” 

The deal also brought to a close Johnson’s partnership with Adidas, which officially ended when he joined LIV in 2023, even though he continued wearing their footwear for the following two years.

“I’ve always admired Under Armour for the way they put athletes first in everything they do,” said Johnson.

“Their focus on performance and pushing boundaries matches how I approach the game, and that’s why the partnership feels so natural. I’m excited to have them behind me and our team.”

Now, with the partnership making strides, fans will be looking forward to seeing Spieth and Johnson together more often under this symbolic reunion.

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Written by

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Krushna Prasad Pattnaik

3,053 Articles

Krushna Pattnaik is a Olympic Sports writer at EssentiallySports, where he has spent the past three years covering prediction pieces, live event assignments, and beat reports with ease. Now a Senior Writer, he honed his editorial skills through our in-house Journalistic Excellence Program. Krushna briefly contributed to the ES YouTube team before returning to MMA reporting full-time.

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Shreya Singh

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