(LONDONDERRY, New Hampshire) – Renowned Danish shoemaker ECCO announces that PGA Tour star Aaron Baddeley wore its exclusive World Class Collection golf shoes while capturing the Heritage Classic this past weekend at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
Baddeley notched the victory, his first in a three-plus-year PGA Tour career, by riding a hot putter to finish 15-under-par and best 10-time PGA Tour winner Jim Furyk by a stroke. Tied for the lead coming into the final round, the 25-year-old Australian moved ahead for good by birdieing Nos. 14 and 15 – two of the hardest holes on the PGA Tour. He then sunk a tricky, six-footer for par at the closing hole to seal the victory.
The nearly $1 million USD winner’s check moves Baddeley to 23rd on the 2006 money list and guarantees and two-year PGA Tour exemption. He also advanced to No. 78 (from No. 198) on the Official World Golf Rankings.
"It’s a relief to win, but it’s a dream – a goal that’s been reached – so it’s very satisfying," said Baddeley. "I knew it was going to be a tough day. I thought just to keep plugging away, keep trying to play solid. I hit some good shots at the right time."
"This is a very special win for Aaron and marks the first PGA Tour victory of the year for ECCO," says Jesper Thuen, Sponsor and Event Manager, ECCO Golf. "We’ve been partners a long time and it’s wonderful to see him break through at such a prominent event."
Known his fashion flare and sterling short game, "Badds" wears ECCO golf shoes and displays the ECCO logo on his shirt collar during all on-course activities. In 2005, he finished 78th on the PGA Tour money list, recording five top-10 finishes and earning more than $1 million in a season for the first time.
One of the most celebrated amateurs in history, Baddeley burst onto the international golf scene in 1999 by becoming the youngest player (17) ever to capture the Holden Australian Open. He has been a consistent performer since earning a spot on the PGA Tour via a 10th place finish on the 2002 Nationwide Tour.
ECCO are preferred by the world’s most discerning players, including international Tour stars Colin Montgomerie, Thomas Bjorn, Thongchai Jaidee, Juli Inkster, Meena Lee, Iben Tinning, and Sophie Gustafson.
Highlighting the keen attention to fashion, form and function that has distinguished ECCO for more than 40 years, the 2006 ECCO golf collection includes numerous new styles for men and women, including several fully waterproof Gore-Tex® options. Each model features water- and weather-resistant leather, distinctive comfort and cushion features, and is made using a direct-injection process unique in the field of golf footwear.
About ECCO
ECCO Sko A/S is an international group founded in 1963 by Karl Toosbuy in Denmark. Today, ECCO is a global player in the dress and casual footwear industry, with direct subsidiaries in Europe, the Far East and North America, and partners worldwide. ECCO has more than 10,000 employees worldwide. ECCO USA, Inc. is based in Londonderry, New Hampshire. For more information: www.eccousa.com , (800) 886-3226.
Contact:
Tom Williams
Buffalo Communications
703.891.3322
twilliams@billycaspergolf.com
