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Nike Golf’s VR Forged Wedges Feature More Grinds and Increased Precision

Thu, 23 May 2013 09:00:00 -0700

Nike Golf capitalizes on the success of its VR Pro forged wedges with the introduction of the highly crafted Nike VR Forged wedges. Now available at retail, the Nike VR Forged wedge family is finely crafted to deliver enhanced shot-making consistency, tour-level feel and long-life groove performance. The wedges are crafted of a soft 1025 carbon steel and finished in premium satin chrome.

Built for the needs of Nike Golf Tour athletes, the VR Forged wedge features three distinct sole grinds — Standard Grind, Dual Narrow Grind and Dual Wide Grind — to ensure ideal set-up from sand, fringe, fairway or deep rough.

Standard Grind: The VR Forged wedge with a standard grind is the most versatile profile for all conditions. This sole grind, which was inspired by feedback from Tiger Woods, ensures the correct address position without the need to open the face. This wedge is for the athlete who likes a multiple wedge system in their bag where loft is the primary difference.
Dual Narrow Grind: Featuring a dual narrow grind, the VR Forged wedge has a narrow sole width with higher bounce and extreme heel relief. The wedge sits low to the ball whether the face is square or open. The dual narrow grind was influenced by Nike athlete Paul Casey, who likes to create more shots with fewer wedges.
Dual Wide Grind: Through research in conjunction with Nike Golf’s European Tour staff, who often face very wet conditions and heavy morning dew, Nike created the VR Forged wedge with a Dual Wide Grind. With the help of Nike athlete Francesco Molinari, club experts found that the Dual Wide Grind has all the benefits of a wider sole with a low bounce. The easiest of the three grinds from any location around the green, this wedge is designed to get the ball up high in the air with ease. This grind allows the athlete to be accurate from the bunker but still deadly from the narrow lies. The Dual Wide Grind is an excellent second or third wedge option.

The VR Forged wedge features Nike’s high-frequency X3X grooves with a precision laser crosshatch pattern that is applied to the land area between the grooves. This pattern adds three times the surface texture versus conventionally finished faces, creating more spin in all conditions. With Nike’s X3X grooves, there are more grooves that are closer together and deeper on the clubface, which provides more control and consistency in all conditions off of the clubface, while conforming to the USGA and R&A rules.

VR Forged Standard Grind

Finish Options: Tour Satin and Black Oxide

Loft/Bounce Options: 48/10; 50/10; 52/10; 54/12; 56/14; 58/10; 60/10 (Available in RH)

52/10; 56/14; 60/10 (Available in LH) Tour Satin only

MAP: $129.99

VR Forged Dual Wide Grind

Finish Options: Tour Satin and Black Oxide

Loft/Bounce Options: 56/8; 60/6 (Available in RH)

MAP: $129.99

VR Forged Dual Narrow Grind

Finish Options: Tour Satin and Black Oxide

Loft/Bounce Options: 56/16; 58/14; 60/13 (Available in RH)

MAP: $129.99

Nike Free-Inspired TW’14 Delivers Enhanced Fit and Flexibility

Mon, 13 May 2013 09:00:00 -0700

Building upon the success of last year’s TW’13, Nike Golf brings enhancements and a modified look to the new Nike TW’14 footwear. Nike Athlete Tiger Woods debuted the new Nike shoe in a dramatic fashion with his 78th PGA Tour career victory at The Players Championship. The new iconic shoe is also the first Nike Golf shoe to be made available on NIKEiD with previews beginning May 20, 2013.

The original Nike TW’13 was driven by insights from Tiger Woods, who asked:

“I train with Nike Free technology all the time… I love training in it, running in it, lifting in it. So I asked, why can’t I play golf in it?”

Nike designers ran with the idea and set to work creating a Nike Free-inspired golf shoe tailored to maximize Woods’s game.

Nike TW’14 Evolution

Woods first debuted the TW’13 on Tour late in the 2011 season and the shoe took the marketplace by storm in 2012. Through his inspiration, hands-on testing and detailed feedback, Nike Golf has continued to collaborate with Woods on the Nike TW’14, further enhancing fit, feel and function.

The natural motion engineered outsole of the Nike TW’14 is designed to mimic and conform to the innate movement of the foot and still deliver all the protection and traction of a lightweight performance golf shoe. This innovative outsole allows the athlete to keep contact with the ground longer, better harnessing the energy of the foot to the shoe, and therefore, the shoe to the ground.

“These shoes provide freedom of movement and allow me to release more power through my swing,” Woods says.

The new upper features improved ventilation for increased breathability and comfort. This was achieved through strategically located perforations and a more comfortable mesh tongue providing athletes the ventilation they want without compromising the waterproof protection they need.

“With this shoe, we worked diligently to take every detail to a new level,” said Tobie Hatfield, Athlete Projects Innovator in Nike’s Innovation Kitchen. “Tiger’s relentless focus on getting better makes us better. His insights force us to never stop innovating and delivering technology that will enhance a golfer’s performance. In the TW ’14, he wanted more stability with mobility. We've accomplished that by using Nike's Dynamic Flywire technology, which moves with him but stabilizes his foot when he swings. We also increased breathability of the shoe by using a full mesh tongue."

The new TW’14 footwear stays true to Woods’s signature colors, White, Black and Red. A new colorway of Cool Grey with Vivid Blue and Venom Green accents also will be available Aug. 1.

Nike TW’14 on NIKEiD

With the fully customizable TW’14 iD version, consumers can create the perfect combination of breathability and traction for varying playing conditions. In addition to a wide-range of color combinations, golfers can choose between two distinct uppers: waterproof and breathable.

The waterproof upper is made of multi-stretch synthetic leather for weather protection and durability, and the breathable upper (available exclusively through NIKEiD) features lightweight mesh to keep feet comfortable on hot days.
The TW’14iD is available in two outsoles — the Spike version or the Integrated Traction option (molded rubber).
Consumers can also personalize their shoes by adding their names or an inspirational message to the inside tongues.

The Nike TW’14 Black/Reflective Silver-Varsity Red colorway will be available June 7; the Cool Grey/Black-Vivid Blue-Venom Green will be available Aug. 1 (MSRP: $220; MAP/Street: $180).

The Nike TW’14 iD will be on preview starting May 20 and available June 7 (MSRP: $ 225).

Nike Athlete Tiger Woods Claims Fourth Victory of the Season

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Nike Athlete Tiger Woods claimed an impressive fourth win of the season this weekend at The Players Championship. As he held off the field to capture his 78^th career PGA Tour victory, Woods took full advantage of his 14 Nike clubs and new Nike TW’14 shoe, which he debuted in the practice round last Tuesday.

The Nike TW’14 footwear improves upon last year’s TW’13, dellivering enhanced fit, feel and function. It features a natural-motion engineered outsole that allows Woods to keep contact with the ground longer, better harnessing the energy of the foot to the shoe and, therefore, the shoe to the ground.

On a tight course with even tighter driver landing areas, Woods’ VR_S Covert 3 and 5 fairway woods were key to his victory. The VR_S Covert features high-speed cavity back technology, moving weight to the perimeter to increase forgiveness and add even more distance to off-center shots.

First in par-5 scoring for the week, distance and control were imperative to his win.

“It was going so far out there," said Woods. "Like on 18, I had 200 yards to the hole, and I hit a little 8-iron in there and it flew flag high. 3-woods were going over 300 yards. My 5-wood was getting out there near 300.”

Woods continues his streak as No. 1 putter on Tour, with Method technology proving instrumental in his last seven PGA Tour wins for the Swoosh. The Nike Method franchise features Nike’s polymetal groove technology, generating a faster forward roll at impact for increased accuracy and less skid.

Woods also wore apparel from the Nike TW Collection available now in stores.

Woods’s Nike Golf Arsenal

Driver: Nike VR Tour 9.5-degree (Mitsubishi Diamana White Board 73X)
Fairway Wood: Nike VR_S Covert 3-wood/15-degree and Nike VR_S Covert 5-wood/19-degree
Irons: Nike VR Pro Blade (3-PW)
Wedges: Nike VR Pro 56-degree and 60-degree
Putter: Nike Method 001
Ball: Nike ONE Tour D
Footwear: Nike TW’14
Apparel: Nike Tiger Woods Collection

Nike Golf’s 2013 PGA Tour Victories

Tiger Woods- The Players Championship
Tiger Woods- WGC Cadillac Championship
Tiger Woods - Arnold Palmer Invitational
Scott Brown- Puerto Rico Open
Tiger Woods- Farmers Insurance Open
Russell Henley- Sony Open

Nike Golf’s 2013 International Victories

Scott Jamieson – The Nelson Mandela Championship (European Tour)
Charl Schwartzel – Alfred Dunhill Championship (European Tour)

Nike Golf’s 2013 LPGA Tour Victories

Suzann Pettersen- LPGA LOTTE Championship

Nike Golf’s 2013 Ladies International Victories

Suzann Pettersen- Mission Hills World Ladies’ Golf Championship

Nike Golf’s New Women’s Verdana Club Line is Light and Fast

Thu, 02 May 2013 08:30:00 -0700

Nike Golf brings performance designed specifically for women to its latest women’s club set, the Nike Verdana.

Designed from the grip down, the Verdana line is the lightest women’s set ever produced by Nike Golf. Lightweight materials and construction from top to bottom combine to deliver faster swing speeds and more control.

The Nike Verdana set is a total game solution that includes 11 clubs: driver, 3 fairway wood, 4-6 hybrids, 7-PW, SW, putter, and a matching carry bag. This holistic full-set design takes distance gapping, trajectory, and spin profiles into account, producing a set engineered just for women.

“The set was designed specifically for female athletes looking to maximize distance and control,” said Tom Stites, Director of Club Product Creation. “With this ultra-light set, slower swing speeds can now gain more distance without sacrificing control the course demands.”

The Nike Verdana driver is ultra-lightweight with a 460cc head designed with additional loft for higher trajectory. An 18-degree 3 fairway wood features a low center of gravity in a large breadth profile for more forgiveness and easier ball striking. Hybrids feature wide soles and deeper iron-like faces with a slight offset. This allows athletes more forgiveness from a variety of angles and lies.

Irons and wedges include a wider sole design, larger face profiles, and variable face thickness for added distance. The Nike Verdana putter features a classic-shaped heel-toe weighted blade putter.

The Nike Verdana set also includes a fashionable carry bag, which utilizes a lightweight ergonomic design for ease of use, even weight distribution and improved comfort. The bag is highly versatile as it was designed to be used on a cart, but includes a stand with a dual strap for carrying.

The Nike Verdana set is available in standard and petite (-1”) lengths stores around the globe now.

Nike Verdana

Street Price: $899.99

Nike Verdana Driver

Specifications: 460cc (RH)

MRC Verdana Shaft Flex: W

Nike Verdana 3 Fairway Wood

Specifications: 3W: 18° (RH)

MRC Verdana Shaft Flex: W

Nike Verdana Hybrids

Specifications: 4H: 24° (RH), 5H: 27° (RH), 6H: 30° (RH)

MRC Verdana Shaft Flex: W

Nike Verdana Irons

Specifications: 7-9, PW, SW (RH)

MRC Verdana Shaft Flex: W

Nike Verdana Putter

Specifications: 33” (RH)

Located in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to ushering in the future of this great game by developing ground-breaking innovations that enable athletes to perform at their physical and mental peak. For more information on Nike Golf, visit www.nikegolf.com, www.twitter.com/nikegolf or www.facebook.com/nikegolf. Media in the U.S. seeking additional editorial information and downloadable images, please visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter.Iinternational journalists, please contact Nike Golf's public relations representative in respective countries for information.

Nike Athlete Suzann Pettersen Secures Playoff Victory

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Nike Athlete Suzann Pettersen, secured a playoff victory this weekend at the LPGA LOTTE Championship in Hawaii.

Pettersen won with 14 Nike clubs in her bag including the new VR_S Covert driver with the Nike FlexLoft adjustability system set at 9.5 N (Neutral). The stunning red driver features a cavity-back design, distinctive and simple FlexLoft adjustability system, and NexCor face. Petterson’s victory is her second win this season using the innovative VR_S Covert driver.

Pettersen fired 26 birdies and produced an average of 26 putts per round using her Nike Method Putter. The Nike Method franchise features Nike’s polymetal groove technology, generating a faster forward roll at impact for increased accuracy.

“It felt like I executed four good rounds under par in very different conditions. I've been feeling good with my putter, so I said to myself, ‘you know what, you might make a few errors but you're going to have plenty of opportunities to make birdies,’” Pettersen said.

Pettersen also played with Nike’s new 20XI X ball featuring Nike’s RZN Core technology. The RZN core provides a lighter, faster and more responsive experience than tradiitonal rubber. It also allows for less spin off the driver and more spin off the wedge, creating greater distance and control.

With her recent switch to the combination of the VR_S Covert and new 20XI X golf ball, Pettersen picked up an average of 18.5 yards off the tee since her last win at the Mission Hills World Ladies’ Golf Championship.

Pettersen wore Nike Golf Apparel from the Performance line and new footwear launching this fall.

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Pettersen’s Nike Golf Arsenal

Driver: Nike VR_S Covert 9.5 degree
Fairway Wood: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 3-wood/13-degree
Hybrid: Nike VR_S 18-degree
Irons: Nike VR Pro Cavity (4-5), VR Pro Combo (6-PW)
Wedges: Nike VR Pro 48-degree, 52-degree and 59-degree
Putter: Nike Method Core 3i
Ball: Nike 20XI X
Apparel: Nike Tour Performance Women’s Collection

Nike Golf’s 2013 PGA Tour Victories

Tiger Woods – Arnold Palmer Invitational
Tiger Woods- WGC Cadillac Championship
Scott Brown- Puerto Rico Open
Tiger Woods- Torrey Pines
Russell Henley- Sony Open

Nike Golf’s 2013 International Victories

Scott Jamieson – The Nelson Mandela Championship (European Tour)
Charl Schwartzel – Alfred Dunhill Championship (European Tour)

Nike Golf’s 2013 LPGA Tour Victories

Suzann Pettersen- LPGA LOTTE Championship

Nike Golf’s 2013 Ladies International Victories

Suzann Pettersen- Mission Hills World Ladies’ Golf Championship

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Located in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to ushering in the future of this great game by developing ground-breaking innovations that enable athletes to perform at their physical and mental peak. For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nikegolf.com. To follow Nike Golf on Twitter visit www.twitter.com/nikegolf and go to www.facebook.com/nikegolf to become a fan on Facebook. Editors and journalists in the U.S. seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter. For international journalists, please contact Nike Golf's public relations representative in respective countries for information.

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Nike Golf Releases New Ad: Nike RZN Trick Shot

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:00:00 -0700

Nike Golf recreates a memorable ball ad to highlight groundbreaking RZN technology found in the 20XI and ONE RZN golf ball franchises.

In 1999, Nike and Weiden + Kennedy created a spot that featured Tiger Woods bouncing a Nike golf ball on his wedge, then turning around and launching it. This notable television ad provided the inspiration for Nike Golf’s new RZN Trick Shot spot featuring Rory McIlroy, Nick Watney, Kyle Stanley, Suzann Pettersen and Paul Casey. These athletes juggle and pass to each other utilizing Nike's RZN core golf ball technology in the new spot, which is cut to music used in the 1999 ad.

The spot it set to launch on network television on April 20 during golf coverage.

Nike Golf Unveils Athlete Looks for First Major Championship of the Season

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 09:30:00 -0700

At the first major championship of the season, Nike Golf athletes will unveil new styles from its Spring 2013 Collection. Each athlete in the field will be “scripted” in new designs that incorporate key technologies such as laser perforations, no-sew bonding and ultra-lightweight fabrications.

As the No. 1 golf apparel company in the world, Nike Golf has outfitted its athletes at Major Championships for more than 10 years. Scripting is a process in which the Nike Golf Apparel team collaborates with athletes to select designs that will help them perform and look their best for each competitive round at a major.

“We work with our athletes up to a year in advance to determine which styles and colors they prefer to compete in at a Major Championship,” said Merritt Richardson, Vice President of Global Golf Apparel and Footwear for Nike Golf. “We share our newest innovations for the season with them and listen to their needs in terms of performance, comfort and style to ensure they are dressed to compete at their highest level.”

Eight Nike Athletes will compete in the first Major championship of the year including Russell Henley, Rory McIlroy, Francesco Molinari, Thorbjorn Olesen, Carl Pettersson, Charl Schwartzel, Nick Watney and Tiger Woods.

Here’s what McIlroy, Olesen, Schwartzel and Woods will be wearing:

McIlroy will sport looks from the Nike Tour Performance collection, featuring the latest innovations in lightweight, breathable performance fabrications. He will wear the Fashion Body Map Polo in Violet Force ($70), the Embossed Polo in Stadium Grey ($65), the Iconic Polo in Pink Force ($65), and the Light Weight Heather Polo in Squadron Blue ($60). He will wear bold colors each day with color pops in either his polo, trousers or his Nike Lunar Control footwear.

Making his Masters debut, Olesen will wear looks from the Sport Collection and the Nike Tour Performance Collection. He will don the Nike Swing Polo in Electric Yellow ($60), the Core Body Mapping Polo in white ($65), the Sport Gingham Novelty Polo in Light University Red Heather ($70), and the Nike Victory Polo in Poison Green ($50). He will complete his looks with the Nike Flat Bill Tour Cap ($30) and the Nike Lunar Control footwear.

Schwartzel will debut classic colors and designs from the Tour Premium Collection at the season’s first major. He will wear the Premium Stripe Polo in Midnight Turquoise ($100), the Premium Nike Precision Polo in Dynamic Pink ($85), the Premium Novelty Pocket Polo in Neo Turquoise ($90), and the Premium Half-Zip Plaid Polo in Black ($100). Schwartzel will complete his looks with the Nike Lunar Control footwear.

Woods will wear a new innovation from Nike Golf’s Tiger Woods Collection. Woods’s passion and competitive spirit fuel the continuous drive to create the most innovative and athletic products in the sport, and his apparel pieces exemplify this dedication to innovation. He will compete in the TW Jacquard Polo in Dark Grey ($80), the TW Modern Color Block Polo in White/Dandelion ($95), the TW Ultra Polo 2.0 in Squadron Blue ($95), and the TW Emboss Polo in Hyper Red ($85). These polos are extremely lightweight and utilize the laser-perforated collar for increased ventilation to keep the athlete cool while also reducing overall weight. Three of the four polos Woods will wear utilize the posture performance chassis, which has a kimono-style back design to allow Woods increased range of motion throughout his swing.

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Located at NIKE’s World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to ushering in the future of this great sport by developing ground-breaking innovations that enable and inspire athletes to become better. For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nikegolf.com. To follow Nike Golf on Twitter visit www.twitter.com/nikegolf and to become a fan on facebook go to www.facebook.com/nikegolf . To view Nike Golf videos subscribe to our You Tube channel at www.youtube.com/nikegolf. Editors and journalists in the U.S. seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter. For international journalists, please contact Nike Golf's public relations representative in respective countries for information.

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It’s Major Time: Nike Golf Adds Color to its Iconic TW ‘13

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 08:00:00 -0700

BEAVERTON, Ore. (March 26, 2013) – Combining groundbreaking innovation with longstanding tradition, Nike Golf has created the NIKE FREE Inspired TW ‘13 Limited Edition footwear in time for the first major championship of the season.

The Nike TW ’13 Limited Edition shoe (MAP $179.99) is crafted of waterproof multi-stretch synthetic leather in white, a NIKE FREE Inspired outsole popped in green, a touch of yellow on the top eye-stay and a hint of red in the TW logo on the tongue.

“The NIKE FREE Inspired TW ‘13 has done exceptionally well at retail with consumers raving about the performance of the shoe. Since its debut, we haven’t been able to keep the TW’13 in stock. We decided to release a limited edition version to celebrate the first major of the season.” said Lee Walker, Nike Golf’s Footwear Product Director.

The inspiration behind the Nike TW ‘13 footwear began with Tiger Woods himself. He asked for a shoe that gave him the same performance fit and feel as his NIKE FREE shoes when he runs and trains. That question ignited collaboration between Woods, Nike Golf’s footwear creation team and Nike’s Innovation Kitchen, led by Tobie Hatfield.

The NIKE FREE Inspired outsole is designed to mimic and conform to the natural motion of the foot, coupled with the protection and traction of a lightweight performance golf shoe. This innovative outsole delivers flexibility that allows the athlete to keep contact with the ground longer, unleashing the full power of their swing.

The Nike TW ’13 also features the Nike Dynamic Fit support system. Targeted support delivers unprecedented strength-to-weight ratio and one-to-one fitted support. Flywire infused nylon straps extend 360° from the footbed to the lacing system, securing the foot for an adaptive fit that provides golfers stability with mobility.

Limited quantities of this footwear will be available March 28, 2013 in retailers across the country as well as through www.nike.com.

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Located at NIKE’s World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to ushering in the future of this great sport by developing ground-breaking innovations that enable and inspire athletes to become better. For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nikegolf.com. To follow Nike Golf on Twitter visit www.twitter.com/nikegolf and to become a fan on facebook go to www.facebook.com/nikegolf. To view Nike Golf videos subscribe to our You Tube channel at www.youtube.com/nikegolf. Editors and journalists in the U.S. seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter. For international journalists, please contact Nike Golf's public relations representative in respective countries for information.

Nike Athlete Tiger Woods is Number One in the World Again

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 13:52:00 -0700

BEAVERTON, Ore. (March 25, 2013) - Nike Athlete Tiger Woods played Bay Hill like he usually does, and his putting with his Nike Method putter said it all. He defended his title at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and tied Sam Snead’s PGA Tour record by winning the same tournament eight times. With this win, Woods reclaims the title of world number one in the Official World Golf Ranking.

When asked if he thinks he can become as good as he once was, Woods replied, “I don’t want to become as good as I once was. I want to become better.”

En route to capturing his 77^th career PGA Tour victory, his 60^th win with Nike equipment in the bag, Tiger took full advantage of his 14-club Nike arsenal, including his Nike Method 001 putter. Woods led the field in strokes gained-putting and dropped clutch putts including 17 birdies and three eagles with technology that has been instrumental in his last seven global wins. The Nike Method franchise features Nike’s polymetal groove technology, generating a faster forward roll at impact for increased accuracy and less skid.

Woods hit exceptional shots with his Nike VR_S Covert 5-wood, which he added to the bag at this year’s WGC Cadillac Championship. When asked about his second shot on number six on Saturday, Woods replied, "That was nice; I had to take something off this 5-wood and throw it up in the air and bank it up against the wind and I just absolutely flushed it." The VR_S Covert features high speed cavity back technology, moving weight to the perimeter to increase forgiveness and add even more distance to off-center shots.

In addition to featuring Nike Golf apparel from the TW Collection, Woods also wore the Nike TW ’13 footwear.

Another Nike Athlete who had a solid performance at the Arnold Palmer Invitational was the young Danishman, Thorbjorn Olesen. Olesen tied Woods for the low round on Saturday posting a 66. He relied on the VR_S Covert family of clubs this week, including the VR_S Covert Tour driver, VR_S Covert 3-wood and VR_S Covert hybrid. Olesen finished seventh which is his best finish on the PGA Tour in his career.

Woods’ Nike Golf Arsenal

Driver: Nike VR Tour 8.5-degree (Graphite Design DI 6X)

Fairway Wood: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 3-wood/15-degree and Nike VR_S Covert 5-wood/19-degree

Irons: Nike VR Pro Blades (3-PW)

Wedges: Nike VR Pro 56-degree and 60-degree

Putter: Nike Method 001

Ball: Nike ONE Tour D

Footwear: Nike TW’13

Apparel: Nike Tiger Woods Collection

Nike Golf’s 2013 PGA Tour Victories

Tiger Woods – Arnold Palmer Invitational
Tiger Woods - WGC Cadillac Championship
Scott Brown - Puerto Rico Open
Tiger Woods - Farmers Insurance Open
Russell Henley- Sony Open

Nike Golf’s 2013 International Victories

Scott Jamieson – The Nelson Mandela Championship (European Tour)
Charl Schwartzel – Alfred Dunhill Championship (European Tour)

Nike Golf’s 2013 Ladies International Victories

Suzann Pettersen - Mission Hills World Ladies’ Golf Championship

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Located at NIKE’s World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to ushering in the future of this great sport by developing ground-breaking innovations that enable and inspire athletes to become better. For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nikegolf.com. To follow Nike Golf on Twitter visit www.twitter.com/nikegolf and to become a fan on facebook go to www.facebook.com/nikegolf . To view Nike Golf videos subscribe to our You Tube channel at www.youtube.com/nikegolf . Editors and journalists in the U.S. seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter . For international journalists, please contact Nike Golf's public relations representative in respective countries for information.

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Athlete Insights Drive Ergonomic Innovations in Tiger Woods Spring Collection

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 08:30:00 -0700

The pinnacle of Nike Golf's relentless innovation is exemplified in the Spring 2013 Tiger Woods Collection. Woods’ passion and competitive spirit continually fuels Nike to create the most innovative and athletic products in the sport.

Striving to make Woods’ apparel better, Kim Kenney, Design Director for Nike Golf, looked at distraction points for Woods throughout his career. “For Tiger, we found that the key areas of distraction were his collar and sleeves,” Kenney said. “Tiger was typically adjusting his sleeves before he addressed the ball, moving the garment’s shoulder seam back as a way to mark his golf stance. Then after he followed through, he had to adjust and pull his sleeves back to the original position.”

To solve this problem, a continuous shoulder seam was ergonomically engineered on the back side of his polo. The seam highlights a proprioceptive point that informs Woods he is in the desired position. In efforts to reduce distraction, the shoulder seam is constructed by ultrasonic line bonding to provide a “seamless” feel against the skin.

Additionally, an articulated kimono-style back with a posture-informing chassis was designed to maximize range of motion. The back of the sleeves are not traditionally sewn onto the body of the shirt, but instead, are engineered as one continuous piece along with the back body of the polo. The design reduces limitations in the area that endures the most tension in a swing – across the back.

"I consider my apparel to be as significant as the rest of my golf equipment,” said Tiger Woods. “My test sessions with the Nike apparel team led us to construct a polo that frees my swing starting at address and continuing through impact and follow-through. The new shoulder seam construction eliminates restrictions. This allows me to swing with power and complete confidence."

Styles in the Spring 2013 Tiger Woods Collection built on the posture-informing chassis include the TW Trajectory Polo ($100), TW Graphic Polo ($90), TW Stripe Polo ($90), TW Chest Stripe Polo ($95) and TW Modern Colorblock Polo ($95).

The center back seam commonly found in the Tiger Woods Collection is made of ultrasonic line bonding to provide shaping to the polo. This back seam allows the polo to fit perfectly when in the address position.

To keep the athlete cool, the Tiger Woods Collection features Nike’s Dri-FIT technology, which helps move moisture away from the athlete’s skin. The new collection utilizes a perforated collar that allows increased airflow to the neck. This perforated collar also helps reduce the overall weight in the polo to create a lighter feel for the athlete.

While the Tiger Woods Collection comprises the most innovative technology, bold patterns, bright colors and unique design detailing also feature in every piece. The TW Trajectory Polo ($100) and the TW Graphic Polo ($90) were designed using Woods’ launch monitor numbers to create a repeated graphic of his launch angle subtly displayed on the polos.

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Located at NIKE’s World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to ushering in the future of this great sport by developing ground-breaking innovations that enable and inspire athletes to become better. For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nikegolf.com . To follow Nike Golf on Twitter visit www.twitter.com/nikegolf and to become a fan on facebook go to www.facebook.com/nikegolf . To view Nike Golf videos subscribe to our You Tube channel at www.youtube.com/nikegolf . Editors and journalists in the U.S. seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikeinc.com. For international journalists, please contact Nike Golf's public relations representative in respective countries for information.

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New Nike Golf Ad features Rory McIlroy and the Nike VR_S Covert driver

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:00:00 -0700

From the course to the clubhouse, from London to Tokyo, the world stops to watch as Rory McIlroy steps onto the tee box with his new Nike VR_S Covert driver. He bombs it and the crowd erupts. Packed with industry-leading innovation, the world's first high-speed cavity back driver equals distance. In only the third time McIlroy used the visually stunning driver in competition, he led in driving distance, averaging 312-yard drives. The 30-second spot aims to capture the anticipation as McIlroy fixes his sights down the fairway. McIlroy and the Nike VR_S Covert give distance a new name.

Nike Athlete Tiger Woods Claims his 76th Victory

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Nike Athlete Tiger Woods once again tamed the TPC Blue Monster at the Trump Doral Golf Resort and Spa to secure his runaway victory at the WGC Cadillac Championship.

Helping to capture his 17^th World Golf Championship win was his bag of 14 Nike clubs, including his Nike Method 001 putter. Woods was second in putts per round draining a total of 27 birdies, just one short of his record for the tournament.

Woods produced a career-best 100 putts for the tournament using technology that has been instrumental in his last six PGA Tour wins. The Nike Method franchise features Nike’s polymetal groove technology, generating a faster forward roll at impact for increased accuracy and less skid.

The newest addition to Woods’s bag this week is the Nike VR_S Covert 5-wood. The VR_S Covert features high-speed cavity back technology, moving weight to the perimeter to increase forgiveness and add even more distance to off-center shots.

On his switch to the new VR_S Covert 5-wood, Woods said, “I hit it a little bit further, so there's a little bit bigger gap between the 3-iron and the 5-wood, but I can hit this 5-wood a little bit higher, so I can actually take something off it and throw it up in the air, which is nice.”

Woods wore Nike Golf apparel from the TW Collection as well as Nike TW ’13 footwear.

Winning weekend for Pettersen and Brown

Suzann Pettersen and Scott Brown also secured victories this weekend on their respective tours. Pettersen came from two behind to capture the trophy at the Mission Hills World Ladies’ Golf Championship. Pettersen, who has the new Nike VR_S Covert Tour driver in her bag, had a bogey-free final round, sinking six birdies with her Nike Method putter.

Brown claimed his first PGA Tour win at the Puerto Rico Open with 14 Nike clubs in the bag. Brown went from a one-shot deficit to a one-shot victory Sunday when he drained a birdie putt on the 18^th with his Nike Method putter. Brown earned a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour and a spot in the PGA Championship this summer.

Woods’s Nike Golf Arsenal

Driver: Nike VR Tour 8.5-degree (Graphite Design DI 6X)
Fairway Woods: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 3-wood/15-degree and Nike VR_S Covert 5-wood/19-degree
Irons: Nike VR Pro Blades (3-PW)
Wedges: Nike VR Pro 56-degree and 60-degree
Putter: Nike Method 001
Ball: Nike ONE Tour D
Footwear: Nike TW’13
Apparel: Nike Tiger Woods Collection

Pettersen’s Nike Golf Arsenal

Driver: Nike VR_S Covert Tour 9.5-degree, neutral position
Fairway Woods: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 3-wood/15-degree
Hybrid: Nike VR Pro 18-degree
Irons: Nike VR Pro Cavity (4-5), Nike VR Pro Combo (6-PW)
Wedges: VR Pro 48-degree, 52-degree and 59-degree
Putter: Nike Method Core 3i
Ball: 20XI X Footwear: Nike Lunar Links
Apparel: Nike Tour Performance Women’s Collection

Brown’s Nike Golf Arsenal

Driver: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 8.5-degree
Fairway Woods: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 3-wood/15-degree; Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 5-wood/19-degree
Irons: Nike VR Pro Blades 3-PW
Wedges: Nike VR Pro 54-degree and Nike VR Pro 60-degree
Putter: Nike Method 001 prototype
Ball: Nike 20XI
Footwear: Nike Lunar Control
Apparel: Nike Tour Performance Collection

Nike Golf’s 2013 PGA Tour Victories

Tiger Woods- WGC Cadillac Championship
Scott Brown- Puerto Rico Open
Tiger Woods- Torrey Pines
Russell Henley- Sony Open

Nike Golf’s 2013 International Victories

Scott Jamieson – The Nelson Mandela Championship (European Tour)
Charl Schwartzel – Alfred Dunhill Championship (European Tour)
Nike Golf’s 2013 Ladies International Victories
Suzann Pettersen- Mission Hills World Ladies’ Golf Championship

Located at NIKE’s World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to ushering in the future of this great sport by developing ground-breaking innovations that enable and inspire athletes to become better. For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nikegolf.com. To follow Nike Golf on Twitter visit www.twitter.com/nikegolf and to become a fan on facebook go to www.facebook.com/nikegolf . To view Nike Golf videos subscribe to our You Tube channel at www.youtube.com/nikegolf . Editors and journalists in the U.S. seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter . For international journalists, please contact Nike Golf's public relations representative in respective countries for information.

Nike Golf launches new ad: "Apologies"

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 08:52:00 -0800

The Nike VR_S Covert driver means distance. Nike Golf conveys the power of its VR_S Covert driver with a new advertisement that shows consumers hitting into the groups ahead. The golfers are sorry that they have hit into someone…but really…they’re not. They’re ecstatic that they have just hit the drive of their life with the VR_S Covert. It ends on a lighthearted note when players realize the group ahead is actually Nike Golf athlete Tiger Woods. Distance has a new name: the Nike VR_S Covert.

About Nike Golf

Located in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to ushering in the future of this great game by developing ground-breaking innovations that enable athletes to perform at their physical and mental peak. For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nikegolf.com. To follow Nike Golf on Twitter visit www.twitter.com/nikegolf and to become a fan on Facebook go to www.facebook.com/nikegolf. Editors and journalists in the U.S. seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter. For international journalists, please contact Nike Golf's public relations representative.

Nike Golf Welcomes David Duval Back to its Athlete Roster

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 11:38:00 -0800

This week, golf fans may notice something that looks familiar – David Duval in the Swoosh. Nike Golf today announced that Duval has re-signed with Nike Golf. He will make his 2013 debut in the Swoosh at this week’s AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

Duval, who was the first Nike athlete to win a major championship using Nike clubs in 2001, will be teeing up the world’s first high speed cavity back driver that conforms to USGA and R&A rules, the Nike VR_S Covert driver. He will also game the Nike VR Pro Limited Edition fairway wood, Nike VR Pro Blade irons, Nike VR Pro wedges and a Nike Method Prototype putter. For his golf ball, Duval will play with Nike’s new 20XI-X featuring more RZN technology. On the body, he’ll wear Nike Golf apparel from its Tour Performance Collection and the new Nike Lunar Control footwear.

A fan of the Nike Brand since he first signed with the company in 2001, Duval returns to the Swoosh after missing the products and the people involved. “I could not be more excited to once again become a Nike Athlete,” said Duval. “Nike Golf has been a major player in the success I have had throughout my career. I am thrilled to return to the Swoosh and continue my career with a brand that focuses on developing innovative products.”

Duval has 13 career victories on the PGA Tour, including the 2001 Open Championship. He has been on three Presidents Cup Teams, two US Ryder Cup teams, and two World Cup teams over his career.

“We have always had a great relationship with David and are happy to welcome him back to the Nike family,” said Mark Thaxton, Global Director of Sport Marketing Operations for Nike Golf.

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Duval’s Nike Golf Arsenal

Driver: Nike VR_S Covert 8.5-degrees, neutral position (Diamana White-Board 73X)
Fairway Wood: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 3-wood/15-degree
Irons: Nike VR Pro Blades (2-PW)
Wedges: Nike VR Pro 53-degree and 58-degree
Putter: Nike Method 006 prototype
Ball: Nike 20XI X
Apparel: Nike Golf Tour Performance Collection
Footwear: Nike Lunar Control

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Located in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to ushering in the future of this great game by developing ground-breaking innovations that enable athletes to perform at their physical and mental peak. For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nikegolf.com. To follow Nike Golf on Twitter visit www.twitter.com/nikegolf and to become a fan on Facebook go to www.facebook.com/nikegolf. Editors and journalists in the U.S. seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter. For international journalists, please contact Nike Golf's public relations representative.

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Nike Golf Brings RZN Tour Performance Technology to an Amateur Golf Ball

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 08:30:00 -0800

Nike Golf utilizes innovative RZN technology to create revolutionary distance for amateurs with the ONE RZN golf ball.

ONE RZN is the latest edition to the RZN family, incorporating groundbreaking technology into a golf ball suitable for a wider range of players. ONE RZN features the same larger, softer RZN core found in the new Nike 20XI tour ball, but with a slightly different formulation. This formulation is dialed and designed for increased distance when it counts.

RZN replaces conventional rubber cores with a radical new game-changing material. RZN is a highly neutralized polymer that’s faster and lighter, engineered to produce longer distance and more controlled shots.

With tour proven results, Nike Golf ball engineers sought to enhance the already innovative RZN technology. Refining the formula to increase core size and performance, engineers worked to create an even faster engine for the new generation of golf balls. This larger, softer RZN core improves feel off all shots while maintaining driver distance.

“With ONE RZN, we are able to bring revolutionary advances in golf balls to a wider range of athletes,” said Rock Ishii, Nike Golf’s Product Development Director for golf balls. “There’s not a product out there in this category of golf ball that has technology of this magnitude.”

ONE RZN will be available in two versions, ONE RZN and ONE RZN X. With ONE RZN, players can expect to experience longer and straighter shots with softer feel on impact. ONE RZN X will deliver longer, more penetrating shots by generating maximum velocity on impact.

Both versions of the ONE RZN will be available globally, February 1, 2013

Availability: February 1, 2013

MSRP: $40.00

Street Price: $29.99

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Located at NIKE’s World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to ushering in the future of this great sport by developing ground-breaking innovations that enable and inspire athletes to become better. For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nikegolf.com <http://www.nikegolf.com/> . To follow Nike Golf on Twitter visit www.twitter.com/nikegolf <http://www.twitter.com/nikegolf> and to become a fan on facebook go to www.facebook.com/nikegolf <http://www.facebook.com/nikegolf> . To view Nike Golf videos subscribe to our You Tube channel at www.youtube.com/nikegolf <http://www.youtube.com/nikegolf> . Editors and journalists in the U.S. seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter <http://www.nikegolf.com/presscenter> . For international journalists, please contact Nike Golf's public relations representative in respective countries for information.

# # #

Nike Athlete Tiger Woods Captures His 75th PGA Tour Victory

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:24:00 -0800

Nike Athlete Tiger Woods secures his 75th PGA Tour win with a runaway victory at Torrey Pines. He ranks second in all-time PGA Tour career wins.

Helping capture his seventh Farmers Insurance Open victory was his full bag of 14 Nike Golf clubs, including his Nike Method 001 putter. The Method franchise features Nike’s polymetal groove technology, generating a faster forward roll at impact for increased accuracy. The Nike Method technology has been instrumental in Woods’ last five wins.

Relying on Nike’s VR Pro wedges, Woods electrified the crowds around the greens with his vintage-Tiger shot making.

“My short game was back to how I know it can be,” said Woods. “That allowed me to save some pars, save some birdies, and move my way up the leaderboard.”

In addition to featuring Nike Golf apparel from the Tiger Woods Collection, Woods also wore the Nike FREE-inspired TW ’13 footwear.

Nike Golf is off to a solid start in 2013 having won two of the first four events on the PGA Tour with Russell Henley and Woods, respectively. On the PGA European Tour, Nike athlete Scott Jamieson claimed the Nelson Mandela Championship title and new Nike athlete, Thorbjørn Olesen finished tied for second at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

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Woods’ Nike Golf Arsenal

Driver: Nike VR Tour 8.5-degree (Graphite Design DI 6X)

Fairway Wood: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 3-wood/15-degree and Nike SQ II 5-wood/19-degree

Irons: Nike VR Pro Blade (3-PW)

Wedges: Nike VR Pro 56-degree and 60-degree

Putter: Nike Method 001

Ball: Nike ONE Tour D

Footwear: Nike TW’13

Apparel: Nike Golf Tiger Woods Collection

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Nike Golf’s 2013 PGA Tour Victories

Tiger Woods – Farmers Insurance Open
Russell Henley - Sony Open

Nike Golf’s 2013 International Victories

Scott Jamieson – The Nelson Mandela Championship (European Tour)

_____________________________

Located at NIKE’s World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to ushering in the future of this great sport by developing ground-breaking innovations that enable and inspire athletes to become better. For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nikegolf.com. To follow Nike Golf on Twitter visit www.twitter.com/nikegolf and to become a fan on facebook go to www.facebook.com/nikegolf . To view Nike Golf videos subscribe to our You Tube channel at www.youtube.com/nikegolf . Editors and journalists in the U.S. seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter . For international journalists, please contact Nike Golf's public relations representative in respective countries for information.

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Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy star in new Nike Golf ad

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 07:15:00 -0800

BEAVERTON, Ore. (January 14, 2013) – On the heels of Nike Golf’s major announcement today that Rory McIlroy has joined its athlete roster, Nike Golf is also unveiling a new TV spot that features global sports icon Tiger Woods and McIlroy.

The 60-second spot (30-second also available), produced by Wieden + Kennedy, is set to air from Wednesday, January 16 to Monday, January 21 on ESPN and The Golf Channel in the United States, on TSN in Canada, and on Sky Sports in Europe. The “No Cup is Safe” piece showcases the athletic competitiveness, remarkable talents, and playful attitudes of the two best golfers in the world.

“I really like the ad,” Woods said. “It shows the fun side of us and I had a good time shooting it.”

“I’m genuinely excited about the first Nike TV ad I will be appearing in as a Nike athlete,” McIlroy said. “The theme of the ad is really cool and it’s a great way to kick off my career at Nike.”

McIlroy and Woods are captured on the driving range lightheartedly taking turns to one-up each other by making amazing shots into a variety of different cups. The viewer is reminded that these two Nike Golf athletes can excite, engage and perform like no others in the sport today. While the ad displays their playful manner, it also conveys the competitiveness between two of the best golfers in the world.

To view/embed the ad: http://youtu.be/2NCDYjHtEcU

Click here for the HD broadcast quality video.

Rory McIlroy signs with Nike Golf

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 06:45:00 -0800

BEAVERTON, Ore. (January 14, 2013) – Nike Golf today announced at a press conference in Abu Dhabi that Rory McIlroy has signed a multi-year agreement with the company. McIlroy now represents the Swoosh in clubs, balls, footwear, glove, apparel, headwear and accessories. He is making his debut as a Nike athlete this week at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.

A self-professed sports nut, McIlroy has been a fan of the Nike brand since he was a child and is excited to continue his career with the No. 1 sports brand in the world. “I chose Nike for a number of reasons,” McIlroy said. “It’s a company and a brand that really resonates with me. It’s young. It’s athletic. It’s innovative. They are committed to being the best, as am I. Signing with Nike is another step towards living out my dream.”

“Rory is an extraordinary athlete who creates enormous excitement with his on-course performance, while at the same time connecting with fans everywhere,” said Cindy Davis, President of Nike Golf. “He is the epitome of a Nike athlete, and he is joining our team during the most exciting time in Nike Golf’s history. We are looking forward to partnering with him to take his remarkable career to the next level.”

The 23-year-old Northern Irishman, who is known for his length off the tee, will be playing with the world’s first high speed cavity back driver that conforms to USGA and R&A Rules, the Nike VR_S Covert. “The new VR_S Covert driver is completely different,” McIlroy said. “It’s the first cavity back driver. It’s striking, it looks cool and it performs unbelievably well.”

Rounding out McIlroy’s Nike Golf arsenal are the Nike VR Pro Limited Edition fairway woods, Nike VR Pro Blade irons, Nike VR Pro wedges and a Nike Method prototype putter. McIlroy will play Nike’s new 20XI golf ball featuring more RZN technology. He will wear apparel from the Nike Golf Tour Performance Collection and the new Nike Lunar Control footwear.

In switching to exclusively play and wear Nike Golf products, McIlroy is making his first manufacturer change during his six-year career as a tour professional. “I visited The Oven and I was seriously impressed with both the craftsmanship of the Nike club engineers and also how much R&D and product innovation goes on there,” McIlroy said. “To be honest, I’ve been blown away by the attention to detail when it comes to product. Nike Golf is clearly committed to being the best and that gives me a lot of confidence in what we can achieve together on the golf course.”

McIlroy had a standout year in 2012, becoming the world’s No. 1, securing five global wins, a Ryder Cup victory for Team Europe and taking countless season titles across the PGA and European PGA Tours. His five global wins in 2012 include his second Major Championship victory (PGA Championship) and two PGA Tour playoff events (Deutsche Bank Championship and BMW Championship). He won the 2012 PGA Championship with the largest margin of victory in the event's history. McIlroy and Tiger Woods are the only two active players under the age of 40 with multiple Major wins.

McIlroy also earned the 2012 US PGA Tour Player of the Year award and led both the PGA Tour and PGA European Tour money lists for 2012. To cap off a sensational season that saw McIlroy post career-highs in earnings and wins, he closed his year with a victory at the DP World Tour Championship and became the second youngest athlete to achieve the top spot as No. 1 in the world golf rankings. McIlroy has 10 global career wins on his resume, including two Major Championships.

McIlroy’s Nike Golf Clubs

Driver: Nike VR_S Covert Tour 9.5-degree, neutral position
Fairway Wood: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 3-wood/15-degree and 5-wood/19-degree
Irons: Nike VR Pro Blades (3-PW)
Wedges: Nike VR Pro 54-degree and 60-degree
Putter: Nike Method 006 Prototype
Ball: Nike 20XI X
Apparel: Nike Golf Tour Performance Collection
Footwear: Nike Lunar Control

For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nikegolf.com. To follow Nike Golf on Twitter visit www.twitter.com/nikegolf and to become a fan on Facebook go to www.facebook.com/nikegolf. Editors and journalists in the U.S. seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter. For international media, please contact Nike Golf's public relations representative.

Nike Golf athlete Russell Henley secures his first PGA Tour victory

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 03:16:00 -0800

Nike Golf Athlete Russell Henley secured his first PGA Tour victory in his rookie debut at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Henley won with 14 Nike clubs in the bag.

Henley is the first PGA Tour professional since 2001 to win in his rookie debut. With an outstanding three-shot victory, he birdied his way to the trophy, utilizing the new Nike 20XI X golf ball and Nike Method 006 prototype putter.

This week marked Henley’s switch from the 2012 version of the 20XI X golf ball to the 2013 version of 20XI X, noting its increased distance and softer feel around the greens.

Nike’s new 20XI golf ball includes a larger, softer RZN core that improves feel off all shots while maintaining driver distance. With an added RZN mantle it produces longer shots off irons while providing a softer short game feel. This combination of core size and mantle translates into two times more RZN material than the previous generation 20XI.

Birdieing his last five holes, Henley was unstoppable with his Nike Method 006 prototype putter. He had 33 one-putt greens for the tournament including seven within the final nine holes. The Method franchise features Nike’s polymetal groove technology, generating a faster forward roll at impact for increased accuracy.

Henley wore Nike Golf apparel from the Performance line and the new Nike Golf Lunar control footwear.

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Henley’s Nike Golf Arsenal

Driver: Nike VR_S 9.5-degree (Graphite Design HD-7X)

Fairway: Nike SQ Sumo 3-wood/13-degree

Hybrid: Nike VR Pro 18-degree

Irons: Nike VR Pro Cavity (3-6), VR Pro Combo (7-9)

Wedges: Nike VR Pro 47-degree, 53-degree and 59-degree

Putter: Nike Method 006 prototype

Ball: Nike 20XI X

Nike Golf’s 2013 PGA Tour Victories

Russell Henley- Sony Open

Nike Golf’s 2013 International Victories

Scott Jamieson – The Nelson Mandela Championship (European Tour)

_____________________________

Located in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to ushering in the future of this great game by developing ground-breaking innovations that enable athletes to perform at their physical and mental peak. For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nikegolf.com. To follow Nike Golf on Twitter visit www.twitter.com/nikegolf and go to www.facebook.com/nikegolf to become a fan on Facebook. Editors and journalists in the U.S. seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter. For international journalists, please contact Nike Golf's public relations representative in respective countries for information.

# # #

Nike Golf announces that Seung Yul Noh joins its athlete roster

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 16:02:00 -0800

Following on the heels of the recent announcement that Nick Watney, Kyle Stanley and Thorbjørn Olesen have signed with Nike Golf, another young rising star, Seung Yul Noh, has joined the Nike Golf Tour staff.

Noh entered into a multi-year agreement with the Swoosh and will represent Nike Golf in clubs, ball, footwear, glove, apparel, headwear and accessories.

“Nike is the number one sports brand in the world,” said Noh. “The best players in the world trust the Swoosh and I am proud to be a part of that group.”

The 22-year-old from Gangwon-do, South Korea, will play with the world’s first high speed cavity back driver, the Nike VR_S Covert driver. Rounding out his bag of Nike Golf equipment include the Nike VR Pro Limited Edition fairway woods, Nike VR_S Forged irons, Nike VR Pro wedges, and the new Nike Method Midnight 006 putter. He also will play with Nike’s new 20XI golf ball, featuring more RZN technology. On the body, he’ll wear Nike Golf apparel from its Tour Performance Collection and the new Nike Lunar Control footwear.

“Seung Yul is an impressive athlete, who is powerful and long off the tee,” said Mark Thaxton, Global Director of Sports Marketing Operations. “He has a tremendous future with Nike Golf and we are thrilled to have him among our strong stable of athletes.”

Noh impressively cemented his place in Asian golf history by becoming the youngest winner of the Asian Tour Order of Merit at the age of 19 in 2010. He is the winner of two tournaments on the Asian Tour, the 2008 Midea China Classic and the 2010 Maybank Malaysian Open.

In his first full season on the PGA Tour in 2012, Noh competed in 28 events, finished in the top 10 three times and made 24 consecutive cuts.

Noh’s Nike Golf Arsenal

Driver: Nike VR_S Covert Tour 8.5-degree Neutral
Fairway Wood: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 3-wood/15-degree
Irons: Nike VR_S Forged (2-3), Nike VR Pro Blades (4-9)
Wedges: Nike VR Pro 48-degree, 54-degree and 60-degree
Putter: Nike Method Midnight 006
Ball: Nike 20XI
Apparel: Nike Golf Tour Performance
Footwear: Nike Lunar Control

___________________________

Located in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to ushering in the future of this great game by developing ground-breaking innovations that enable athletes to perform at their physical and mental peak. For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nikegolf.com. To follow Nike Golf on Twitter visit www.twitter.com/nikegolf and to become a fan on Facebook go to www.facebook.com/nikegolf. Editors and journalists in the U.S. seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter. For international journalists, please contact Nike Golf's public relations representative.

# # #

Nike Golf adds Thorbjørn Olesen to its athlete roster

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 00:02:00 -0800

Nike Golf today announced the addition of PGA European Tour athlete Thorbjørn Olesen to its Tour Staff. Entering into a multi-year agreement with Nike Golf, Olesen will showcase the Swoosh in clubs, ball, footwear, glove, apparel, headwear and accessories.

Olesen will be making his debut as a Nike Golf athlete at the Volvo Champions in South Africa on the PGA European Tour in January. Featured in his bag will be the world’s first high speed cavity back driver, the Nike VR_S Covert Tour. His Nike Golf arsenal will also include the Nike VR Pro Blades, VR Pro wedges, VR Pro Limited Edition fairway woods, VR_S hybrids and the highly acclaimed Method 001 putter. Nike’s new 20XI ball featuring more RZN technology will also be in play. He will be sporting Nike Golf apparel from the Tour Performance and Sport Collections and the new Nike Lunar Control II footwear.

Danish born Olesen, who turned professional in 2008, made his breakthrough on the PGA European Tour with a win in the 2012 Sicilian Open and bagged six other top 10’s to finish 15th in The 2012 Race to Dubai. He currently stands 50th in the Official World Golf Rankings.

A football fanatic following both FC Copenhagen and Manchester United, 23-year-old Olesen first came to prominence in 2011 after a stellar first year on Tour with three runner-up performances and a debut appearance in the World Cup of Golf in China. He gained his European Tour card courtesy of the 2010 European Challenge Tour where he finished third.

“Nike is one of the most recognized and respected sport brands in the world,” said Olesen. “I want to be with a company that focuses on developing products that help me perform at my best. To be part of a brand that respects but challenges the traditions of the game is an honor.”

“Thorbjørn is an exciting and talented athlete,” said Mark Thaxton, Global Director of Sports Marketing Operations at Nike Golf. “His ability is obvious and since his debut on Tour in 2011 he has shown the kind of consistency that creates champions. We know he will make a great addition to our stable of Nike Golf athletes globally.”

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Olesen’s Nike Golf Arsenal

Driver: Nike VR_S Covert Tour 8.5-degree Neutral
Fairway Wood: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 3-wood/15-degree
Irons: Nike VR_S Forged (2), VR Pro Blades (3-9)
Wedges: Nike VR Pro 48-degree, 54-degree and VR Pro Dual Sole 58-degree
Putter: Nike Method 001
Ball: Nike 20XI
Apparel: Nike Golf Tour Performance and Sport Collection
Footwear: Nike Lunar Control

___________________________

Located in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to ushering in the future of this great game by developing ground-breaking innovations that enable athletes to perform at their physical and mental peak. For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nikegolf.com. To follow Nike Golf on Twitter visit www.twitter.com/nikegolf and to become a fan on Facebook go to www.facebook.com/nikegolf. Editors and journalists in the U.S. seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter. For international journalists, please contact Nike Golf's public relations representative.

# # #

Nike Golf officially welcomes Nick Watney to its roster

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 10:01:00 -0800

Nike Golf today announced that Nick Watney, currently ranked 20th in the world, has joined its Nike Golf Tour Staff.

In a multi-year agreement, Watney will represent Nike Golf in clubs, ball, footwear, glove, apparel, headwear and accessories. Most notably, Watney will be making his debut as a Nike athlete playing with the world’s first high speed cavity back driver, the stunning Nike VR_S Covert driver as well as Nike’s VR_S Covert fairway woods. Rounding out his bag of Nike Golf arsenal are the Nike VR Pro Combo irons, Nike VR Pro wedges and a Nike Method Prototype putter. He also will play with Nike’s new 20XI ball, featuring more RZN technology. On the body, he’ll wear Nike Golf apparel from its Tour Performance Collection and the new Nike Lunar Control II footwear.

A fan of the Nike brand since he was a child, Watney is thrilled to continue his career with the number one sports brand in the world. “I am excited to call myself a Nike athlete,” said Watney. “I am proud to wear the Swoosh because it’s the symbol of excellence across all sports and golf is no exception.”

In switching to exclusively play and wear Nike Golf products, Watney is making his first manufacturer change during his 10-year career as a tour professional. The 31-year-old from Dixon, California, played golf at Fresno State University and turned professional in 2003 competing on the Nationwide Tour.

Watney, who joined the PGA Tour in 2005, has since won five times on the PGA Tour with victories at the 2007 Zurich Classic of New Orleans, 2009 Buick Invitational, 2011 World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship, 2011 AT&T National and the 2012 Barclay’s. With his most recent victory at the CIMB Asia Open, Watney has seven global career wins on his resume.

Mark Thaxton, Global Director of Sport Marketing Operations for Nike Golf is equally excited about welcoming Watney to the Nike Golf family. “Nick is a tremendous athlete with a passion for sports and the Nike Brand. He is a good, solid, consistent player and one of his main strengths is that he has no weaknesses,” said Thaxton. "We are thrilled to welcome Nick to the Nike family.”

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Watney’s Nike Golf Arsenal

Driver: Nike VR_S Covert 11.5-degree, neutral position
Fairway Wood: Nike VR_S Covert 3-wood/14-degree and 5-wood/18-degree
Irons: Nike VR Pro Combo (3-PW)
Wedges: Nike VR Pro 55-degree and 59-degree
Putter: Nike Method Prototype
Ball: Nike 20XI
Apparel: Nike Golf Tour Performance Collection
Footwear: Nike Lunar Control

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Located in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to ushering in the future of this great game by developing ground-breaking innovations that enable athletes to perform at their physical and mental peak. For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nikegolf.com. To follow Nike Golf on Twitter visit www.twitter.com/nikegolf and to become a fan on Facebook go to www.facebook.com/nikegolf. Editors and journalists in the U.S. seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter. For international journalists, please contact Nike Golf's public relations representative.

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Kyle Stanley switches to Nike Golf

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 08:01:00 -0800

Nike Golf today announced the addition of PGA Tour athlete Kyle Stanley to its Tour Staff. Stanley has entered a multi-year agreement with the Swoosh and will represent Nike Golf in clubs, ball, footwear, glove, apparel, headwear and accessories.

Making his debut as a Nike Golf athlete at the PGA Tour’s season opener, the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, Stanley will play with the world’s first high speed cavity back driver, the Nike VR_S Covert. Rounding out his bag of Nike Golf arsenal are the Nike VR Pro Blades and VR Pro wedges. He also will play with Nike’s new 20XI-X ball, featuring more RZN technology. On the body, he’ll be wearing Nike Golf apparel from its Tour Performance Collection and the new Nike Lunar Control II footwear.

An avid sports fan who grew up in Gig Harbor, Washington, Stanley said it has always been a dream to be a Nike Athlete. “Nike is the most powerful sports company in the world,” said Stanley. “They want to have the best athletes on board and it’s an honor to be a part of that and represent them.”

As the top player for the Tigers for three years, Stanley enjoyed an illustrious collegiate career at Clemson University breaking 19 school records. He was the first player to earn ACC Player of the Year and ACC Freshman of the Year. Stanley was also three-time first team All-ACC and two-time first-team All-America at Clemson. A winner of the Ben Hogan Award, Stanley was also a member of the 2007 winning Walker Cup team during his amateur career.

After securing his PGA Tour card for the 2011 season, Stanley had a solid rookie year with four top-10 finishes. He clinched his first PGA Tour win at the 2012 Waste Management Open after finishing second the week prior at the Farmers Insurance Open.

“Kyle is a solid player with incredible talent,” said Mark Thaxton, Global Director of Sports Marketing Operations at Nike Golf. “He’s a terrific ball striker with incredible confidence. We know Kyle will shine as a Nike Golf athlete and we are thrilled to welcome him to the Nike family.”

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Stanley’s Nike Golf Arsenal

Driver: Nike VR_S Covert 9.5-degree, neutral position
Fairway Wood: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 3-wood/15-degree
Irons: Nike VR Pro Combo (2), VR Pro Blades (3-9)
Wedges: Nike VR Pro 52-degree, 56-degree and 60-degree
Ball: Nike 20XI X
Apparel: Nike Golf Tour Performance
Footwear: Nike Lunar Control

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Located in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to ushering in the future of this great game by developing ground-breaking innovations that enable athletes to perform at their physical and mental peak. For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nikegolf.com. To follow Nike Golf on Twitter visit www.twitter.com/nikegolf and to become a fan on Facebook go to www.facebook.com/nikegolf. Editors and journalists in the U.S. seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter. For international journalists, please contact Nike Golf's public relations representative.

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Nike Athlete Charl Schwartzel secures back-to-back wins

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 10:24:00 -0800

BEAVERTON, Ore. (December 17, 2012) – Nike Athlete Charl Schwartzel dominated the field at the Alfred Dunhill Championship, securing back-to-back wins.

Coming off last weekend’s 11-shot victory, Schwartzel coasted to a 12-shot win, locking up his eighth European Title with 14 Nike clubs in the bag. His 24-under-par score of 264 is the lowest tournament total at Leopard Creek Country Club.

Schwartzel set himself up for an incredible 25 birdies and one eagle with his Nike VR Pro blades. Averaging 83.3%, Schwartzel led the field in greens in regulation for the tournament. He fired at tough pins, capitalizing on the consistency and workability of his irons.

The Nike VR Pro blades feature X3X high frequency grooves which result in a cleaner, more consistent ball flight and spin. With more grooves closer together and deeper on the clubface, the Nike VR Pro Blades ensure more control and consistency in all conditions.

Schwartzel was also hot with his Nike Method 001 putter, sinking crucial putts for a breakaway lead in the third round. Averaging 27 putts per round, Schwartzel was first in overall putting for the tournament. The Nike Method franchise features Nike’s polymetal groove technology, generating a faster forward roll at impact for increased accuracy.

Rounding out Schwartzel’s bag is the Nike VR Pro Limited Edition driver. He averaged 307.7 yards for the tournament, third in overall driving distance.

Schwartzel wore Nike Golf apparel from its Premium line as well as the Nike Lunar Control footwear.

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Schwartzel’s Nike Golf Arsenal

Driver: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 8.5-degree

Fairways: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 3-wood/15-degree and 5-wood/19-degree

Irons: Nike VR Pro Blades (3–9)

Wedges: Nike VR Pro 48-degree, 54-degree & 60-degree

Putter: Nike Method 001

Ball: Nike One Tour D

Apparel: Nike Golf Tour Premium

Footwear: Nike Lunar Control

Nike Golf’s 2013 International Victories

Charl Schwartzel - The Alfred Dunhill Championship (European Tour)

Scott Jamieson – The Nelson Mandela Championship (European Tour)

Nike Golf’s 2012 PGA Tour Victories

Tiger Woods – AT&T National

Tiger Woods – The Memorial Tournament

Carl Pettersson – RBC Heritage

Tiger Woods – Arnold Palmer Invitational

Nike Golf’s 2012 International Tour Victories

Charl Schwartzel - Thailand Golf Championship (Asian Tour)

Carly Booth – Deutsche Bank Swiss Open (Ladies European Tour)

Francesco Molinari – Reale Seguros Open de Espana (PGA European Tour)

Carly Booth – Abderdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottis Open (Ladies European Tour)

Nike Golf’s 2012 LPGA Victories

Suzann Pettersen - KEB HanaBank Championship

Suzann Pettersen - Taiwan Championship

Nike Golf’s 2012 Web.com Tour Victories

Russell Henley – Chiquita Classic Russell Henley - Winn-Dixie Jacksonville Open

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Located in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to ushering in the future of this great game by developing ground-breaking innovations that enable athletes to perform at their physical and mental peak. For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nikegolf.com. To follow Nike Golf on Twitter visit www.twitter.com/nikegolf and go to www.facebook.com/nikegolf to become a fan on Facebook. Editors and journalists in the U.S. seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter. For international journalists, please contact Nike Golf's public relations representative in respective countries for information.

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Nike Golf athlete Scott Jamieson wins with VR_S Covert Tour driver

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:54:00 -0800

Nike Golf athletes dominated the weekend with wins from Scott Jamieson and Charl Schwartzel on the European Tour and Asian Tour, respectively. Both Nike Golf athletes won with 14 Nike clubs in their bags.

At the European Tour’s season opener, the rain-shortened Nelson Mandela Championship, Jamieson won on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff to secure his first professional victory.

Highlighting Jamieson’s bag was the new Nike VR_S Covert Tour driver with the Nike FlexLoft adjustability system set at 10.5 R (right). Last week marked only the fourth time he’s used it in competition. The stunning red driver has made a statement in the industry with its arresting appearance, cavity back design, distinctive and simple FlexLoft adjustability system, and NexCor face. Jamieson’s victory validates the winning performance of the combined innovative technologies.

Jamieson’s previous club testing with his new Nike VR_S Covert driver revealed that he gained seven yards in carry distance.

He almost secured his win outright when on his final hole he drove the green on the 305-yard par 4 ninth, just missing his eagle putt. Jamieson is the first Nike athlete to win with the VR_S Covert driver. The world’s first high speed cavity back driver will be available to consumers in 60 days on February 8, 2013.

Jamieson also used the Nike VR Pro Combo irons, Nike VR Pro Limited 3-wood, Nike VR_S hybrid (18), Nike VR Pro wedges, the Nike Method Core Drone and a new prototype Nike 20XI golf ball.

On the Asian Tour, Nike athlete Schwartzel blistered the field, winning by 11 strokes. Leading from start to finish, Schwartzel posted four rounds in the 60’s. It was his first victory since last year’s Masters. Schwartzel also won using a full bag of clubs from Nike’s VR Pro Line, as well as a Nike Method putter.

Both Nike athletes wore Nike Golf apparel and Nike Golf Lunar control footwear.

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Jamieson’s Nike Golf Arsenal

Driver: Nike VR_S Covert Tour set at 10.5 R (right)

Fairway: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 3-wood/15-degree

Hybrid: Nike VR_S 18-degree

Irons: Nike VR Pro Combo (3-PW)

Wedges: Nike VR Pro 53-degree & 60-degree

Putter: Nike Method Core Drone

Ball: Nike 20XI prototype

Apparel: Nike Golf Tour Performance

Footwear: Nike Lunar Control

Schwartzel’s Nike Golf Arsenal

Driver: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 8.5-degree

Fairways: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 3-wood/15-degree and 5-wood/19-degree

Irons: Nike VR Pro Blades (3–9)

Wedges: Nike VR Pro 48-degree, 54-degree & 60-degree

Putter: Nike Method 001

Ball: Nike One Tour D

Apparel: Nike Golf Tour Premium

Footwear: Nike Golf Lunar Control

Nike Golf’s 2013 International Victories

Scott Jamieson – The Nelson Mandela Championship (European Tour)

Nike Golf’s 2012 PGA Tour Victories

Tiger Woods – AT&T National

Tiger Woods – The Memorial Tournament

Carl Pettersson – RBC Heritage

Tiger Woods – Arnold Palmer Invitational

Nike Golf’s 2012 International Tour Victories

Charl Schwartzel- Thailand Golf Championship (Asian Tour)

Carly Booth – Deutsche Bank Swiss Open (Ladies European Tour)

Francesco Molinari – Reale Seguros Open de Espana (PGA European Tour)

Carly Booth – Abderdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottis Open (Ladies European Tour)

Nike Golf’s 2012 LPGA Victories

Suzann Pettersen- KEB HanaBank Championship Suzann Pettersen- Taiwan Championship

Nike Golf’s 2012 Web.com Tour Victories

Russell Henley – Chiquita Classic Russell Henley- Winn-Dixie Jacksonville Open

Located in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to ushering in the future of this great game by developing ground-breaking innovations that enable athletes to perform at their physical and mental peak. For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nikegolf.com. To follow Nike Golf on Twitter visit www.twitter.com/nikegolf and go to www.facebook.com/nikegolf to become a fan on Facebook. Editors and journalists in the U.S. seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter. For international journalists, please contact Nike Golf's public relations representative in respective countries for information.

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