(LONDONDERRY, New Hampshire) – Renowned Danish shoemaker ECCO announces that staff player Thongchai Jaidee wore its World Class Collection golf shoes while capturing the Volvo Masters of Asia this past weekend at Thai Country Club in Bangkok.
A national hero in his native Thailand, Jaidee carded a final-round 72 to finish one stroke ahead of Frankie Minoza of the Philippines and two strokes clear of Korean Charlie Wi. With the win, the 37-year-old Jaidee moved into second place on the final 2006 Asian Tour Order of Merit.
‘It is good to win in Thailand," said Jaidee. "I feel great as I tried my best. My driver and putting worked this week. My putting was good coming in and I made everything. It was very good.’
"Thongchai is one of the best Asian players in history and it’s great to see him return to the winners circle," adds Jesper Thuen, Sponsor and Event Manager, ECCO Golf. "He’s been a superb ambassador for the ECCO brand and he’s in good form going into the New Year."
A former paratrooper in the Royal Thai Army, Jaidee is the leading career money earner in Asia, with more than $2 million (USD) in winnings since 1999. He made history in 2004 when he became the first Thai ever to win an event on the PGA European Tour, a title he defended in 2005. The two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner (2001 & 2004) is currently No. 75 on the Official World Golf Ranking. Earlier this year, he opened a youth golf academy for 20 youngsters in is home town of Lop Buri to help develop the game.
Matching innovative designs with cutting-edge technology and out-of-the-box comfort, the Spring/Summer 2007 ECCO Golf Collection includes classic, casual and sport models in a variety of new styles and colors alongside several returning favorites.
In addition to Jaidee, ECCO golf shoes are worn in competition by international Tour stars Fred Couples, Juli Inkster, Colin Montgomerie, Thomas Bjorn, Aaron Baddeley, Meena Lee, Sophie Gustafson, Anna Rawson and others. The shoes provide the ideal platform for the perfect swing via a network of performance technologies, including:
Ultra-soft, high-grade leathers with hydrophobic treatments for superb water-resistance
A direct-injection process unique to ECCO in the golf industry that ensures durability, comfort and shock-absorption
Internal stabilizer which reduces torque and creates a stable swing platform
Double-layer insole that provides extra cushion and absorbs heel force to reduce stress on the knees, hip and back
Internal Air-Circulation System that maintains a fresh, dry and cool foot environment
Dynamic Energy Return System which produces a trampoline effect during foot-strike and follow-through to reduce fatigue during the course of a round
Advanced grip systems include Eclipse cleats with the Fast Twist insert system, Stinger cleats with the Q-Lok insert system, and molded traction bars
ECCO is the official footwear sponsor of the Ladies European Tour and the 2007 European Solheim Cup team.
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 10,500 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
