Nike Golf’s Shingo Katayama Wins in Japan
BEAVERTON, Ore. (October 31, 2005) – Just as the Biggest Footprint In Golf, Nike Golf’s SasQuatch Driver began arriving in stores nationwide, Nike Golf staff member Carl Pettersson simultaneously claimed the first PGA Tour victory of his career using the Tour version of the SasQuatch Driver at the Chrysler Championship. Prior to Pettersson’s victory, Nike Golf’s K.J. Choi and Keiichiro (Kay) Fukabori used the SasQuatch Driver to win the Chrysler Classic Greensboro Open and the Japan PGA Tour’s (JGT) Ana Open, respectively, totaling three worldwide victories on the professional tours for Nike Golf’s newest driver.
Taking advantage of the SasQuatch’s radical geometry, Pettersson averaged 300-yard drives in the final round and won his first PGA TOUR event just two months after switching to the SasQuatch. Joining Pettersson’s success within Nike Golf, were Stewart Cink, Bo Van Pelt and Chad Campbell, who all recorded top-10 finishes.
Pettersson, born in Sweden but raised in North Carolina, started the final round tied for the lead with Steve Lowry. The highlight of his round came on the 15th hole, when he executed an incredible chip with his Nike Golf Forged Wedge from a buried lie in the rough to save par. On the 16th hole, he stayed clear of trouble by saving par after chipping to three feet and – again using Nike Golf’s Forged Wedge.
Using Nike Golf’s Pro Combo Irons and the winning Nike Golf One Platinum ball, Pettersson consistently attacked pins with accurate and controlled iron shots as evidenced by his ranking of tied for third in greens in regulation. Completing Pettersson’s winning arsenal are Nike Golf’s 49, 55 and 59-degree wedges, Nike Golf apparel, SP-6 Footwear and a Dri-FIT Tour Glove.
This success by Nike Golf doesn’t just end in the United States. On the Japan PGA Tour (JGT), Nike Golf’s Shingo Katayama won his second tournament in three weeks to maintain his number one position on the JGT money list, a title he owned in 2004. Katayama uses the Nike Ignite Driver, Nike Pro Combo OS irons, a Nike Utility iron, 46 degree and 51 degree Nike Forged Wedges and the Nike One Black ball. Katayama also added a flash of flair and color to the field by wearing Nike Golf apparel and the SP-5 Nike Golf footwear.
This victorious weekend brings Nike Golf’s total wins to 24 worldwide.
Located in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to honoring and respecting the traditions and heritage of the game, and to providing committed golfers with the absolute best equipment in the game. In 2005, Nike Golf’s Tour Staff have accumulated 11 PGA Tour victories and 34 top-10 finishes. LPGA player Grace Park has recorded three top-10 finishes on the LPGA Tour so far.
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Contact:
Beth Gast – Nike Golf
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Beth.Gast@nike.com
