July 23, 2008; Phoenix Arizona: University of Alabama All-American Michael Thompson, the low amateur at this year’s U.S. Open and the world’s top-ranked amateur before recently turning professional, has agreed to endorse PING® golf equipment, PING Chairman & CEO John Solheim announced today.
The 23-year-old Thompson will make his professional debut this week at the Nationwide Tour’s Children’s Hospital Invitational playing 11 PING clubs, carrying a PING bag and wearing PING headwear. He’ll play a PING Rapture® driver, Rapture hybrid, S58® irons, a Tour-W® wedge and an Anser® 4 putter.
The Tucson, Arizona native joins the professional ranks after a career highlighted by a runner-up finish at the 2007 U.S. Amateur which earned him invitations to this year’s Masters and U.S. Open. At the time he announced his decision to turn professional, he was the No. 1 amateur in the world according to the World Amateur Ranking System. In three professional events this season where he competed as an amateur, he made the cut in two events, including the U.S. Open where he tied for 29th.
“Michael’s been associated with PING throughout his outstanding collegiate career,” said Solheim. “Now that he’s turned professional, we look forward to furthering that relationship. He’s already proven he can compete at the major championship level. We’re excited to have him join our staff and all of us at PING look forward to following his progress.”
Thompson, who began his collegiate career at Tulane in 2004, transferred to Alabama after Hurricane Katrina forced Tulane to disband its golf program. In two years at Tulane, he won four tournaments. At Alabama, he earned 2nd team All-American honors in 2007 and 1st team honors in 2008.
“I’ve relied on PING equipment since my freshman year at Tulane,” said Thompson, who was named 2008 SEC Player of the Year. “I have been amazed at both the product technology and the service they provide to ensure my every need is being met. As I begin the next stage in my golf career, I have added confidence knowing PING is committed to helping me achieve my goal of succeeding at the highest level.”
Thompson has chosen Wasserman Media Group to handle his business affairs. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
For more information, contact Pete Samuels (602) 687-5487.
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PING, Anser, Rapture, S58 and Tour-W are trademarks of Karsten Manufacturing Corporation.
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