jan9 shwartzel joins nike
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South African star Charl Schwartzel has joined the growing ranks of Nike players on the European Tour.
Schwartzel has agreed to a multi-year relationship that incorporates a head-to-toe deal made up of equipment, bag, ball, glove, headwear, footwear, accessories, eyewear and apparel. He previously played for Callaway.
“I’m really looking forward to starting my relationship with Nike Golf and it is reassuring to know that I will have the support of one of the world’s leading manufacturers behind me,” said Schwartzel, speaking about his new contract. “Nike Golf is making some of the finest clubs and golfing equipment around and it is an exciting time for me to join the brand.”
Schwartzel turned professional in 2002 after an amateur career which included victories in the Brabazon Trophy and Indian Amateur Open Championship and representing South Africa in the Eisenhower Trophy.
At the age of 20 and on home soil Charl clinched his first European Tour victory at the Dunhill Championship and followed it up with a second place in the same tournament a year later. Two further second place finishes in 2006 catapulted Charl to a career-high 18th place on the Order of Merit. The Open de Espana was the scene of his second Tour win in 2007, establishing Charl as a key player on the European Tour.
Schwartzel won three consecutive Southern Africa PGA Tour Order of Merits en route to establishing himself amongst Europe’s elite circle of multiple Tour winners. He closed out the 2007 European Tour season in 35th position in the European Tour Order of Merit.
“The Nike Golf brand epitomises youth and talent and signing Charl underlines that ethos,” said Robin Murray, Nike Golf’s EMEA sports marketing manager. “We will be offering him all the support that he needs to ensure that he can continue to grow in stature and grace the winners circle again.”
Schwartzel’s bag will include one of the most technologically designed and crafted drivers in golf, the new Nike SQ SUMO 5000 driver. He will also play Nike forged irons, Nike SQ SUMO fairway woods, Nike SV Tour wedges and the Nike One Black ball. He will also step out in Nike Golf’s footwear and wear the Nike Dri-FIT Tour glove and a selection of award winning apparel from the new 2008 spring/summer range.
