BEAVERTON, Ore. (December 19, 2005) – As Holiday shoppers look to fill the stockings of golfers with stylish golf apparel, or golfers themselves already look ahead to kit themselves for the new 2006 golf season, Nike Golf takes pride in the fact that it was the original pioneer and leader of incorporating technical fabrics into golf apparel design. Thanks to Nike Golf, the number one golf apparel company in the world, the days of strictly cotton polos are over.
Through the years, Nike Golf’s apparel category has galvanized the golf industry by inspiring onlookers to view golf fashion differently. In so doing, Nike Golf has made golf look different and it has made what you wear an important ingredient in how you perform.
In the world of golf fashion, the ’70s decade was dominated by sansabelt pants. The ’80s were about a mismatch of colors and plaids. The 90’s was a conservative decade and featured mostly solid-colored shirts and pants. Then, Nike Golf came onto the scene and not only has golf apparel never looked the same, it has never performed the same.
Who would have thought that technology geared towards runners or tennis players could be applicable to golfers? Nike Golf did. The fact of the matter is that Nike Golf thought about it first because Nike Golf believes that golfers are athletes too. They sweat. They get hot. They get cold. Simply put, men and women golfers seek comfort with less distraction so that they can perform well and with confidence. Oh, and look good at the same time.
With all of this in mind, Nike Golf pioneered the use of technical fabrics in golf fashion by introducing features such as moisture management, dimension of stretching, sweat zone ventilation, evaporation and airflow, lightweight compression for range of motion, and much more.
Following outlines the evolution of Nike Golf technology and how designers have been breaking down traditional boundaries of golf fashion each season — one polo at a time:
Dri-Fit – First developed for running at Nike Inc., Dri-Fit is a moisture-wicking performance fabric that is lightweight and less-restrictive. Dri-fit technology dries more quickly and promotes moisture management, while preventing clinging to the skin. It moves perspiration from your skin to the outside for rapid evaporation.
Dri-Fit Stretch UV -To enhance Nike Golf’s Dri-Fit technology, Nike added UV protection to prevent sunburn through the fabric. Nike Golf also improved the original Dri-Fit by adding a new dimension of stretching capabilities which enabled more range of motion.
Dri-Fit Body Mapping – Nike Golf has combined stretch and ventilation into a fabric with emphasis on zone performance. Nike implemented studies in a climate chamber, which helped determine where heat is on the body. Based on the results from the tests, Dri-Fit Body Mapping is designed to allow more ventilation in high sweat zones. All about cooling, Body Mapping technology features mesh in areas where the body heat release is high. This technology also keeps the body dry.
Nike Sphere React – Nike Golf’s latest technology, Nike Sphere React, is able to react and adapt to the changes in an athlete’s environment, including conditions inside and outside the garment. The intuitive construction features tiny holes in the Nike Sphere React fabric that open up as the body heats up, allowing perspiration to evaporate and create increased airflow to the skin. After the perspiration has evaporated, the fabric closes up. There’s also Nike Sphere Dry, Nike Sphere Pro and Nike Sphere Thermal.
Nike Pro – Nike Pro Compression apparel, made with stretch Dri-FIT fabric, provides lightweight support. Tight fit reduces bulk and increases comfort and range of motion.
When it comes to suspect weather conditions, Nike Golf’s Storm Fit, Clima-Fit and Therma-Fit technology comes to the rescue:
Storm-Fit Convertible – Comprises three layers and has a convertible jacket and pant. This multi-functional outerwear piece is very lightweight and can adapt to changing temperatures by converting the jacket to short-sleeve; and from pant to shorts. Waterproof. Windproof. Breathable. Lifetime guarantee.
Storm-Fit Softshell – The Softshell also has three layers and is all about stretch. The Soft Shell includes a jacket, pant and pullover. Waterproof. Windproof. Breathable. Lifetime guarantee.
Storm-Fit Light – Comprises 2 layers and is very easy to pack due to the lightweight material. Waterproof. Windproof. Breathable. Lifetime guarantee.
Therma-Fit – Therma-Fit fabric insulates your body by trapping tiny pockets of air, keeping you warm and comfortable without bulk. Keeps heat in and wind out.
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 four top-10 finishes on the LPGA Tour so far. For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nikegolf.com. 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.
Contact:
Beth Gast – Nike Golf
(503) 532-8852
Beth.Gast@nike.com
