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Nike Notes: Carl Petterson, VR_S, Lunar Controls and Molinari

January 11, 2012 By 1 Comment
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Hey all, the PGA Tour’s second stop, but first full-field event is under way this week at The Sony Open. The event will mark the first time many pros will use new equipment that they’ve mastered over the break. While Tiger Woods put in the new VR_S forged iron into play at the Emirates Australian Open in Nov 2011, Carl Pettersson is breaking out the VR_S forged iron for this week’s tournament. Posted by Golf WRX, Pettersson’s bag includes a VR_S forged 4-iron (TW used a similar 2-iron). Expect more players on tour this year to incorporate it into their bags.

Also check out the full gallery because you’ll notice at least 5 non-Nike Golf athletes sporting the Lunar Controls.

With new equipment changes this year, it also seems like Francesco Molinari may make the switch to the Vr Limited Edition driver as pointed out in his Twitter feed last night:

Filed Under: Athletes, Carl Pettersson, Francesco Molinari, Lunar Control, PGA Tour, Tiger Woods, VR Pro Driver, VR_S Forged Irons

Nike Golf Signs Kevin Chappell

January 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment
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Nike Golf Adds Rising Star Kevin Chappell to its Roster of Talented Athletes

-Chappell will play with Nike Golf clubs from its VR franchise; has switched to Nike’s 20XI ball; and will wear Nike Golf apparel and footwear-

Nike Golf today announced the signing of 25-year-old Kevin Chappell, who makes his professional debut as a Nike Golf athlete when he tees it up in the first round of the Sony Open in Honolulu, HI. Chappell has signed a multi-year agreement and will represent Nike Golf in clubs, ball, footwear, glove, bag, apparel, headwear and accessories. 

Chappell’s new bag of Nike Golf clubs are highlighted by Nike’s successful VR Franchise, including an 18-degree hybrid from Nike’s brand new award-winning VR_S line of clubs.  He also will be playing with the new Nike 20XI ball featuring RZN Core technology, a new lighter and faster innovative material that Nike believes will obsolete rubber core technology.  His putter is a Nike Method putter, featuring Polymetal Groove technology that reduces skid while generating a truer forward roll.  He will be wearing apparel from Nike Golf’s Sport and Performance line.

Chappell is no stranger to Nike Golf. Prior to signing with the Swoosh as a head-to-toe athlete, he wore the popular Nike Lunar Control golf shoe, featuring Nike’s Lunarlon Foam and Nike Flywire – two technologies that together result in a lightweight shoe providing maximum comfort and stability.

“From the moment I put on those shoes, I knew immediately what Nike Golf stands for – innovation.” said Chappell. “They bring a new vibe and style to the sport. I love that attitude. I’m excited to be playing with Nike clubs and am especially excited about the new 20XI ball.  It’s awesome.”

During his rookie season on the PGA Tour last year, Chappell posted three top-10 finishes, including a third-place finish at the U.S. Open, which was his first-ever major championship start on the PGA Tour. Chappell’s best finish was a tie for second at the Valero Texas Open.

Before earning his PGA Tour card, Chappell enjoyed an illustrious career in 2010 on the Nationwide Tour, which was highlighted by a win and seven top-10 finishes.

A native of Fresno, California, Chappell attended UCLA, where he led the Bruins to a national golf title in 2008 and was a three-time All-American selection.  Chappell also won the NCAA individual title and Player of the Year.

“Kevin is a super athletic guy with a wealth of talent,” said Mark Thaxton, Global Director of Sports Marketing Operations for Nike Golf.  “He’s a powerful player with an impressive short game.  We are excited to add him to our stable of athletes.”

Chappell’s Nike Golf Arsenal

Driver:  Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 9.5 

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

Irons:  Nike VR Pro Combo (3-5); VR Pro Blades (6-9)

Hybrids:  Nike VR_S 18-degree 

Wedges:  Nike VR Pro DS 48, 54 and 60-degree

Putter:  Nike Method 003 Prototype

Ball:  Nike 20XI

Apparel:  Nike Golf Sport and Nike Golf Performance

Footwear:  Nike Lunar Control

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


Filed Under: Athletes, Kevin Chappell, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, PGA Tour

Tiger is back at Pebble Beach in 2012

January 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment
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Nike Golf’s most prominent athlete, Tiger Woods announced via his website that his 2012 PGA TOUR debut will come at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, which will be played February 9-12.

This marks a long hiatus from the tournament which he last won in 2000. TW has not played in the National Pro-Am since 2002.

Citing the fact that AT&T is a great partner to the Tiger Woods Foundation, he decided to come back to the PGA Tour in February, after he will play in Abu-Dhabi at the end of January at the HSBC Golf Championship, another contributor to his Foundation.

“It’s always been one of my favorite spots,” said Woods.

For me, I am really excited for the new TW apparel for 2012. Pebble Beach will be a great chance to debut and showcase some of the lightweight material that Nike has developed for him and perhaps he will wear the new 2012 Zoom TW golf shoes along with the Nike Free prototypes that he wore last season.

Can’t wait!

Filed Under: Athletes, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, PGA Tour, Tiger Woods

VIDEO: Breakout Year — Charl Schwartzel

January 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment
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In this video on Nike Golf’s YouTube channel, Nike Athlete Charl Schwartzel discusses his breakout year last year, striving for consistency and his goals for the 2012 season:

VIEW THE “BREAKOUT YEAR: CHARL SCHWARTZEL” VIDEO >>

Filed Under: Athletes, Charl Schwatrzel, European Tour, ngnation.com, Nike Golf

VIDEO: AK and PC Talk Nike Dunk NG

January 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment
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The Nike Dunk NG golf shoe became available at retail yesterday, with additional colorways to become available on March 1st (read more in Nike Golf’s press release about the Nike Dink NG). The iconic Nike Dunk has been weatherized and spiked, and many fans of Nike Golf have been awaiting it’s launch. Both Anthony Kim and Paul Casey will wear this shoe in competition this year on the PGA Tour in addition to their Lunar Control footwear. In this video on Nike Golf’s YouTube channel, AK and PC talk about this innovative new golf shoe based on the classic Nike Dunk shoe design:

VIEW THE NIKE DUNK NG VIDEO ON NIKE GOLF’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL >>

READ NIKE GOLF’S PRESS RELEASE ABOUT THE NIKE DUNK NG GOLF SHOE >>

Filed Under: Anthony Kim, Athletes, Footwear, Footwear & Apparel, ngnation.com, Nike Dunk NG, Nike Golf, Paul Casey

VIDEO: Method Confidence

December 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Today Nike Golf posted this video featuring several Nike Athletes talking about what it takes to make putts. They talk about belief, confidence, eliminating doubt, strength of mind and more about the mental side of putting. In my opinion, this is one of the better videos Nike Golf has published on their YouTube channel. Check it out:

VIEW THE “METHOD CONFIDENCE” VIDEO ON NIKE GOLF’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL >> 

Filed Under: Anthony Kim, Athletes, Charl Schwatrzel, Equipment, European Tour, Jhonattan Vegas, LPGA Tour, METHOD Putter, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, Paul Casey, PGA Tour, Putters, Stewart Cink, Suzann Pettersen, Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods Wins Chevron World Challenge with Method 001 Putter

December 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Nike Athlete Tiger Woods Re-Takes the Stage with an Electrifying Win at the Chevron World Challenge

-Woods made two crucial putts on the last two holes with his Nike Method 001 putter to win-

Nike athlete Tiger Woods is back in the winners’ circle with a win at the Chevron World Challenge that came in a stunning dramatic “Tiger-like” fashion.

With two holes left to play in the final round, Woods needed a critical birdie putt on the 17th to tie and another one on the 18th to win. He accomplished both by making the 15-foot birdie putt on 17 and a 10-footer to seal his victory on 18, using his Nike Method 001 putter.  This marks his first win with the Nike Method putter and the 36th Method victory for Nike Golf on the worldwide professional tours.

With 14 Nike Golf clubs in his bag, Woods was also pleased with his iron play with his Nike VR Pro Blades.

“My iron play was pretty steady all week,” said Woods. “But I think that I hit two really good iron shots in the last two holes, which was nice.  I made two good putts, too.”

Rounding out his Nike arsenal were his Nike VR Tour driver, Nike VR Pro Limited Edition fairway woods and the Nike VR Pro wedges.  He also used the Nike ONE Tour D ball.

On the body, Tiger wore Nike Golf apparel from the Tiger Woods Collection as well as the new Nike TW Free-inspired prototype golf shoes that emphasize natural motion in the feet.  These Nike prototype shoes will become available in late Spring of 2012.

Another Nike athlete emerged at the top of the leaderboard — Paul Casey.  Casey made an amazing comeback after shooting 79 in the first round by charging up the leaderboard to finish in solo third position after posting three rounds in the 60’s from the second round on to finish.

Woods’ 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 5-wood/19-degree
Irons:  Nike VR Pro Blades (3-PW)
Wedges:  Nike VR Pro 56-degree and Nike VR Pro 60-degree
Putter:  Nike Method 001
Ball:  Nike ONE Tour D
Apparel:  Nike Golf’s Tiger Woods Collection
Footwear: Nike TW Free-Inspired Prototype Shoe

 

Nike Golf’s 2011 PGA Tour Victories

  • Tiger Woods – Chevron World Challenge
  • Lucas Glover – Wells Fargo Championship
  • Charl Schwartzel – The Masters Tournament
  • Jhonattan Vegas – Bob Hope Classic

 

Nike Golf’s 2011 International Victories

•   Simon Dyson – KLM Open (PGA European Tour)

•   Suzann Pettersen – Ladies Irish Open (Ladies European Tour)

•   Simon Dyson – Irish Open (PGA European Tour)

•   Paul Casey – Volvo Golf Champions (PGA European Tour)

•   Charl Schwartzel – Joburg Open (PGA European Tour)

•   Pablo Martin – Alfred Dunhill Championship (PGA European Tour)

 

Nike Golf’s 2011 LPGA Tour Victories

•   Suzann Pettersen – Safeway Classic

•   Suzann Pettersen – Sybase Match Play Championship

 

Nike Golf’s 2011 Champions Tour Victories

•   John Cook – Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am

•   John Cook – Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai

•   John Cook – Montreal Championship

 

Nike Golf’s 2011 Japan LPGA Tour Victories

•   Kumiko Kaneda – Fuji-Sankei Classic

 

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

Filed Under: Athletes, Equipment, METHOD Putter, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, PGA Tour, Putters, Tiger Woods, Tournaments

Tiger Woods Wins the Chevron World Challenge

December 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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“I hit two good putts.”

“It feels awesome, whatever it is.”

Tiger is relieved, Tiger is confident, Tiger is a winner…again, for the first time in over 2 years. After trailing Zach Johnson by 1-shot after 54 holes, they battled neck and neck coming down the wire, to have Tiger birdie 17 and 18 to win by 1 shot.

Since his last win at the 2009 Australian Master, Tiger has had 8 Top 10s and 0 wins. At this same event last year, Tiger finished 2nd to Graeme McDowell in a playoff, after hitting 2 clutch shots on 18. This year, Tiger his another great shot on 18. But this time, Zach Johnson missed his birdie putt and Tiger made his.

This was Tiger’s 4th win at this event and his win couldn’t have come at a better time. Personally, I think Tiger will win two majors next year. Seeing his emotion on 17 and 18 was a thing of beauty. He’s back, folks.

TW sported a red polo, with a black vest over it and black trousers. He also wore the white version of the Nike Free-Inspired prototype shoe, which is non-traditional as he typically wears black shoes on Sunday.

With this win, Tiger moves to 20th in the World Golf Rankings

Fellow Nike Golf athlete, Paul Casey, finished 3rd.

Check out the full leaderboard here >>

Filed Under: Apparel, Athletes, Paul Casey, Tiger Woods

VIDEO: Oven Tech — Method Core Drone

November 29, 2011 By 3 Comments
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On Thanksgiving Day I asked Suzanne Pettersen on Twitter what her favorite piece of Nike Golf equipment was and why, and got the following response:

It’s obvious that Suzann is a big fan of the new Nike Golf Method Core Drone putter, and in this video we hear from the staff at The Oven about the technology behind the Method Core Drone, and more from Suzann herself about why she loves this groundbreaking new putter:

VIEW THE “OVEN TECH: METHOD CORE DRONE” VIDEO >>

Filed Under: Athletes, Equipment, Method Core Drone, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, Putters, Suzann Pettersen

Georgia’s Russell Henley Joins Nike Golf Staff

November 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Nike Golf Adds University of Georgia Stand Out Russell Henley to its Stable of Professional Athletes

Nike Golf today announced the signing of 22-year old University of Georgia graduate Russell Henley.  Henley has signed a multi-year agreement to represent the Swoosh and will be using Nike Golf clubs, ball, footwear, glove, bag, apparel, headwear and accessories.

“I am excited to join the Nike Golf family as a professional athlete,” stated Henley.  “Playing with Nike Golf equipment throughout college, I am anxious to begin my professional career with a brand that I know and trust.”

Henley was born in Macon, Georgia and played college golf at the University of Georgia.  A four-time All-American, Henley had an illustrious college career.  He won the 2010 Haskins Award as the most outstanding collegiate golfer.  He also played in the 2010 US Open and tied for low amateur.  Henley tied the University of Georgia men’s golf team record for most career wins with seven and was also named the university’s Student Athlete of the Year in 2011.

Henley competed in the Nationwide Tour’s 2011 Stadion Classic at UGA and won the event.  He became only the second amateur in Nationwide Tour history to win a Nationwide tournament.  Henley was a member of the 2011 US Walker Cup team before turning professional in September 2011 at the Nationwide Tour’s Soboba Golf Classic.

“Russell had a great college career with an impressive Nationwide Tour win as an amateur,” said Mark Thaxton, Director of Global Sports Marketing Operations for Nike Golf.  “We are thrilled to welcome Russell into the Nike Golf family and look forward to being a part of his continued success as a professional.”

Henley’s Nike Golf Arsenal:
Driver:  Nike VR Pro 9.5-degree
Fairway Wood:  Nike SQ II 3-wood/13-degree
Hybrid: Nike VR Pro 18-degree
Irons:  Nike VR Cast (4-6), VR Pro Combo CB (7-9)
Wedges: Nike VR Pro 47-, 52-, 56- and 59-degree
Putter: Nike Method 001 prototype
Ball:  Nike 20XI – X
Apparel:  Nike Golf Tour Collection
Footwear:  Nike Golf Lunar Control

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

Filed Under: Athletes, New Athlete Signings, ngnation.com, Nike Golf