Nike Golf Tour Staff Members to Benefit from Power Platform Technology at Ryder Cup
BEAVERTON, Ore. (September 20, 2006) – Last month’s PGA Championship set the stage for eventual champion Tiger Woods to debut Nike Golf’s SP-8 TW Tour footwear, which is available in stores this fall. Since donning the stylish new design, which incorporates Nike’s newest ground-breaking footwear technology, the Nike Power Platform, Woods’ results have been astounding.
Not only did Woods go home with the Wannamaker Trophy after putting Nike’s newest technology on his feet, but his average driving distance has since increased by nearly 10 yards. Prior to wearing the SP-8 TW Tour, Woods averaged 304.3 yards off the tee. Now, since wearing the SP-8 TW Tour, he is averaging 313.8 yards off the tee, according to PGA TOUR statistics. Also, among his recent five consecutive victories, three of them were with his Nike SP-8 TW Tour shoes.
"My right foot is grounded, my left foot has rolled forward and I’m in good balance," said Woods about his new footwear. "I definitely feel like I have more traction at impact."
At this week’s prestigious Ryder Cup in Ireland, Nike Golf’s Chad Campbell, Stewart Cink and Paul Casey all will enjoy the same significant benefits, when they debut Nike Golf’s new SP-6 footwear, which also features Nike’s Power Platform technology. Woods will again be wearing the SP-8 TW Tour.
At the request of U.S. Captain Tom Lehman, Woods, Cink and Campbell all will wear black and brown colorways. Casey, captained by Ian Woosnam for the European Team, will likely feature four different colorways in the SP-6 Border style: White/Black, White/Tan, Black/Graphite and White/Navy. Each Nike player’s shoe will be personalized with their name etched on them as well as the Ryder Cup logo.
Nike Golf’s Power Platform technology will result in better balance, smoother weight transfer and a stronger push through at impact. The innovative Nike Power Platform is an outsole that comprises four vital technologies, all of which provide Total Traction with Nike Golf’s fifth generation of the Traction @ Contact technology; and Total Comfort, which is a combination of flexibility, cushioning, weight reduction and waterproof technology. The four technologies include the Nike Power Channel; Forefoot Flex Channel; Medial (Inside) Push Plate and the Lateral (Outside) Stability Plate.
Nike Power Channel – liberates your feet to push for more power.
Forefoot Flex Channel – helps the golfer flex their foot like it’s suppose to.
Medial (Inside) Push Plate – helps the medial side (inside) of the shoe stay on the ground longer creating more power.
Lateral (Outside) Stability Plate – located on the lateral (outside) of the shoe, the Lateral Stability Plate controls weight shift back and through the swing.
The success of Nike Golf’s new footwear has also translated into a 48% increase in bookings at retail over last year. According to Datatech, Nike Golf has held the #2 position in the U.S. market for more than 8 years and has enjoyed double-digit market share growth over the past five years.
"We are most excited about the success we are experiencing across the entire Nike Golf footwear line with Power Platform Technology in Tiger’s Signature shoe, SP6 Saddle and SP6 Swoosh, SP5 and in both men’s and women’s styles," said Mike Forsey, Category Business Director of Footwear for Nike Golf. "This new outsole technology is ground breaking as it combines both comfort and the important technology to keep the golfer balanced, allow a smooth weight transfer and produce more power at impact."
The SP-6 will be available in stores on October 1 with a suggested retail price of $155.00. The SP-8 TW Tour will be available in stores on November 1 with a suggested retail price of $220.00.
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 2006, Nike Golf’s PGA Tour Staff has accumulated 13 PGA tour victories and 60 top-10 finishes, as well as one victory on the Nationwide Tour and five additional international wins. 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
