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Nike says it has signed a sponsorship deal with No. 1-ranked Rory McIlroy for a reported $200 million.

For the better part of his Ryder Cup career, Tiger Woods was the clear No. 1-ranked player in the world, his prowess in major championships looming over the sport. But that success never translated to the Ryder Cup.

Though betting has a certain stigma attached to it in the United States, it's a way of life in merry old England. So when the British Open begins this week, one thing is certain: Gamblers will be in their glory, writes ESPN.com's Bob Harig.