SQ Sumo² Is The Sound and Shape of Things to Come
BEAVERTON, Ore. (October 30, 2006) – Nike Golf’s new square shaped SasQuatch Sumo² driver made a resounding statement on the PGA TOUR in only its second showing. This radical driver, which is causing a stir in the marketplace, helped Nike Golf Tour staff member K.J. Choi capture his fourth PGA Tour victory at the Chrysler Championship in Palm Harbor, Florida. Choi’s powerful and accurate drives throughout the week were proof positive that the SQ Sumo² performs as explosively as it sounds.
Choi, who became the first player on the PGA Tour to put a square shape driver in his bag at the Funai Classic last week, produced a wow factor for both on-site and television spectators. He confidently and strategically boomed long drives straight down the middle of fairway after fairway en route to his four-stroke win. His victory with the new SQ Sumo² continues Nike Golf’s unequaled dominance on the PGA Tour, bringing to 16 the number of wins in 2006, while sustaining its lead in driver, irons, fairway woods and wedge wins.
Meanwhile, Nike Golf extended its dominance at the top of the Japan Golf Tour’s official money list when season leader Shingo Katayama extended his number one position by using his Nike Golf arsenal to win his third Japan Golf Tour win of 2006 at the ABC Championship. Katayama’s victory this weekend is Nike Golf’s 11th international tour victory this year, and the 27th globally.
Named SUMO for the SUper MOment of Inertia created by Nike Golf’s geometric designs, the SQ SUMO² features golf’s highest MOI of 5300. Boasting a high visual distinction due to its square head design, the advanced MOI is created by the geometric square design combined with the utilization of a multi-material construction. A deeper beta titanium face, a titanium body and a composite crown combine to bring about material weight savings that are redistributed into the square design, making the driver hotter, longer and more responsive. As such, the square geometry dramatically enhances the SQ PowerBow and SQ Max Back Center of Gravity (CG) technologies, which work together to increase MOI. The SQ SUMO² and the new SQ SUMO, which boasts a super MOI of 4950, both will be shipped in mid-January 2007, to be available for sale in stores nationwide on February 1.
In addition to his new addition of the Nike SQ SUMO², Choi’s victorious Nike Golf weapons of choice included Nike Forged Blade irons and a new Nike One Platinum ball featuring updated technology that is due in stores on February 1. Choi also used a 17-degree Nike Hybrid, 54-degree Pro Combo wedge and the SV 60-degree wedge. Choi also wore Nike Golf apparel, Nike Dri-FIT glove and Nike Golf’s SP-6 footwear.
Katayama’s arsenal included the SasQuatch Tour driver, SasQuatch fairway metals, Pro Combo OS irons, Nike wedges and the Nike One Black ball. Katayama also wore Nike Golf apparel. Beyond the major tours, Nike Golf made its presence felt at the recent Senior PGA Professional National Championship when Nike Golf professional staff member Jeff Coston took the title in a sudden-death playoff against fellow Nike staff member Chris Starkjohann. Coston is a teaching professional at Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club in Blaine, Washington.
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 16 PGA tour victories and 67 top-10 finishes, as well as one victory on the Nationwide Tour and 11 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
