McIlroy pays homage to Bryant with shoes at Masters

Omnisports 23:45 - 07 April 2016

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Rory McIlroy honoured NBA and Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bryant with an inspired pair of golf shoes at the Masters.

As Bryant prepares to farewell basketball on April 13, fellow Nike athlete McIlroy paid tribute on the opening day at August, showcasing predominantly black and gold coloured cleats.

The Bryant-inspired shoes were also marked with "4/13", in reference to the five-time NBA champion's retirement date, which will pit the Lakers against the Utah Jazz.

World number three McIlroy ended the opening round four shots adrift of leader Jordan Spieth after carding a two-under-par 70 on Thursday.