⛳ Tiger's 5-Way Fight, Malbon's 3 New Ambassadors, The Els Club Dubai, plus more.
⛳ Tiger's 5-Way Fight, Malbon's 3 New Ambassadors, The Els Club Dubai, plus more.
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Welcome back to the Baller Golf newsletter.
Tiger Woods has found himself in the middle of a brand tug-of-war as a man without a brand, since parting ways with Nike, we take a look at the alleged front-runners for that lucrative signature. Also, some more big moves from Malbon Golf this week.
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In this week’s free edition of Baller Golf 👇
Tiger Woods Involved in Five-Ish-Way Fight for His Signature 🏌️
Malbon Golf Signs Three More Pro Ambassadors
Bucket List Golf: The Els Club, Dubai.
Learn How to Grow Your Golf Brand and Business 🏌️♂️
Tiger Woods Involved in Five-Ish-Way Fight for His Signature
Tiger Woods bid farewell to Nike after a 27-year partnership, marking the end of an era for the golfing legend. Woods, whose affiliation with Nike began in 1996 when he turned pro, played a crucial role in establishing himself as a global sports icon. As he navigates the twilight of his illustrious career, Woods is not ready to hang up his golf clubs just yet.
It has been reported that sources within the PGA Tour and close to Woods have disclosed that he’s actively pursuing lucrative endorsement deals, with five prominent sporting brands expressing interest. Adidas, a longstanding rival of Nike, and Skechers, making strides in golf and other sports, are at the forefront. Greyson Clothiers, *Malbon, and New Balance are also reported to be in contention for collaboration with the golfing legend.
Woods' initial five-year deal with Nike raised eyebrows as it garnered $40 million, but his ascent in the golfing world propelled his endorsement earnings to unprecedented heights. Subsequent deals, including an eight-year contract in 2006 worth approximately $160 million and his final deal with Nike in 2013 valued at $200 million, showcased the magnitude of Woods' marketability.
Despite severe back issues and the challenge of adding to his major championship tally, Woods remains an attractive figure for endorsement deals. The sources close to Woods anticipate potential offers ranging from $8 million to $12 million, with the possibility of a deal reaching up to $14 million annually.
With numerous interested parties vying for Woods' endorsement, who is estimated to be worth $1.1 billion, may entertain multiple brands to maximize the end of his career. He will likely adopt an ambassadorial role with any new sponsor, creating a mutually beneficial situation for all parties involved. Meanwhile, Nike, amid plans to reduce expenditure by $2 billion over the next three years, has stepped back from golf in recent times, discontinuing the production of clubs and balls in 2016 and parting ways with one of their most prominent stars.
Woods is set to make his next appearance at the Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles in February, where potential sponsors such as *Malbon Golf and Greyson Clothiers have a presence. Skechers, known for its ventures into sports and entertainment, is also in the mix, boasting associations with rap superstar Snoop Dog and 2022 U.S. Open winner Matt Fitzpatrick.
As Woods contemplates life after competitive golf, it’s important he makes some savvy decisions to continue growing his legacy in golf and popular culture for years to come, just like Michael Jordan.
*See the article below for Stephen Malbon’s comments regarding this.
Malbon Golf Signs Three More Pro Ambassadors
Following on from the Tiger Story, as you’re all probably aware by now, Jason Day joined Malbon Golf, a streetwear-inspired golf brand founded by Stephen and Erica Malbon in 2017, aiming to provide an alternative to conventional golf apparel offerings. The recent Sentry tournament in Hawaii marked the debut of Day wearing Malbon Golf, prompting considerable online discussion about his fashion choices.
This move marked a significant development as Day became the first PGA Tour player to sign with the brand that is expanding its reach into the PGA sponsorship arena by also bringing on board three more professional golfers: LPGA players Charley Hull and Jeongeun Lee (Lee6), and Jesper Parnevik, a Swedish professional golfer currently playing in the PGA Tour Champions league.
Contrary to rumours about Tiger Woods potentially joining Malbon, Stephen clarified that such speculations were unfounded.
Nevertheless, the addition of these notable golfers represents a strategic step for Malbon Golf into the mainstream golf scene.
Malbon highlighted the distinctive fashion focus of the new ambassadors, particularly noting Jeongeun Lee's genuine interest in fashion among LPGA players. Charley Hull's fashion-forward approach was evident to Malbon during a Rolex Evian pro-am event, where she confidently showcased her style.
Malbon Golf, known for pushing the boundaries of golf fashion, offers both avant-garde and more conservative styles. The ambassadors, each with their unique style, are expected to contribute to the brand's diverse appeal.
The brand aims to make golf more approachable and cool, particularly for younger individuals intimidated by the sport's rules. Looking forward, Malbon expressed openness to signing more golfers, emphasizing the brand's criteria of selecting individuals not just for their golf prowess but also for their qualities as humans.
If you missed it, I wrote an article about golf and its relationship to fashion for growing the game.
Growing the Game of Golf Through Fashion
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Bucket List Golf
Linna Golf: The Els Club, Dubai, UAE.
Designed by Ernie Els, former US Open and Open Championship winner. This signature golf course is a ‘desert links’ with a natural look and feel; in essence, a combination of a links golf course and traditional ‘classical era’ design.
Renowned as one of the finest golfing destinations in the Middle East, the unique experience of The Els Club is one that creates everlasting memories and should be on every golfers must-play list.
Laid out in two returning loops of nine holes, this 18-hole championship course has been designed for golfers of every handicap, with a choice of four tees at every hole.
More information: The Els Club
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