Nike Golf Unleashes New Tour-Inspired Innovation with the Introduction of Victory Red Premium Drivers

Nike athlete Francesco Molinari becomes first to win with this new driver at the World Cup

Nike Golf, a leader in introducing ground-breaking golf products through the power of advanced technology, is unleashing new and exciting innovation in the premium driver category, and it already has gained global acclaim by collecting its first win by Nike athlete Francesco Molinari at the World Cup.  The new Nike Victory Red (VR) drivers are the latest addition to the premium VR line, which began with the introduction of the successful Nike VR irons in November, 2008.

Starting on February 1, 2010, two versions of Victory Red drivers, The Nike VR STR8-FIT Tour and the VR Tour will be available.  Each possesses a new shape and look, born from collaboration with the Nike Golf athletes who have accumulated more driver wins on the PGA Tour for the last three years than any other brand.   The new VR drivers were designed for avid golfers who are refining and optimizing distance in their game, desire a more traditional look and demand tailored performance with pin point accuracy. This premium line provides golfers all the benefits, adjustability, looks and performance that the Nike Athletes receive week in and week out on Tour.

The VR STR8-FIT Tour driver expands upon Nike’s award-winning STR8-FIT Face Angle Technology, giving players both the ability to select their shot shape as well as the flexibility to dial in the look of their driver like never before.  The VR STR8-FIT Tour Drivers offer 32 face angle positions for the ultimate in workability and confidence at address.  For the golfers who prefer a more traditional look, Nike has developed the VR Tour driver that is distinguished by a smaller “pear-shaped” head size and no adjustability trait.

The clubhead of both versions of the VR drivers conveys beauty, refinement and premium sophistication designed to appeal to the avid golfer who is seeking lower spin rates and a more penetrating ball flight.  Each driver features the distinctive red Compression Channel that is located on the sole and is lined from the toe to the heel paralleling the face.  The Nike Compression Channel increases the overall compression of the body, which produces increased, uniform ball speeds across the entire face.

“The Compression Channel technology takes the rigidity out of the sole and provides more flex in the heel,” said Tom Stites, Director of Club Creation for Nike Golf.  “By adding this technology, we have made the VR drivers more forgiving for the better players when they miss it in the lower zone of the heel.”

In the VR STR8-FIT Tour, the combination of Nike’s Compression Channel and the Face Angle Technology deliver longer distance and more shot-shaping control.  Differentiating from the VR STR8-FIT Tour, the VR Tour driver has a smaller, more traditional head design for more workability.  The VR Tour also has a longer hosel than that of the VR STR8-FIT Tour and has one glued head position without adjustability.

Availability: February, 1, 2010 at golf shops and specialty stores nationwide

VR STR8-FIT Tour Driver

Loft Options:  8.5 (RH); 9.5 (RH/LH); 10.5 (RH/LH); 11.5 (RH/LH); All available in:  R,S,X

MSRP: $479.99

VR Tour Driver

Loft Options:  8.5 (RH); 9.5 (RH); 10.5 (RH); All available in R,S,X

MSRP: $479.99

Editor’s Note: The post above is from a press release from Nike Golf.