BEAVERTON, Ore. (February 23, 2011)- Twenty years ago, Nike, Inc. introduced the NikeFIT System of material technologies, becoming the first of its kind and, as such, transforming athletic apparel into athletes’ competitive advantage. As a result, Nike athletes have smashed world records, won Olympic Gold medals, won major championship titles and World Cup Championships in these advanced technical fabrics.
In line with Nike’s two decades of athletic innovation, Nike Golf takes pride in the fact that it was the original pioneer and leader of incorporating technical fabrics into golf apparel design. In fact, in 1998, Nike Golf first introduced Dri-FIT technology to golf, and golf fashion has never been the same since.
“When Nike brought Dri-FIT into golf, trust me, it was welcome,” said Nike athlete Tiger Woods. “Before that it was cotton. Heavy cotton just sagged on you. It didn’t feel very good. For me I was always tugging on my shirt trying to get it to fit, it just never did. With Dri-FIT, it keeps me cool and because of the stretch in the fabric, it moves with you and doesn’t hold you back.”
Thanks to 20 years of Nike Innovation, Nike Golf athletes around the globe are wearing Nike Dri-FIT, Nike Therma-Fit and Nike Storm-FIT technology from head to toe, including tops, bottoms, outerwear, headwear, gloves and socks.
Nike’s Dri-FIT technology has grown to be one of the most successful performance technologies in the world. First developed for running at Nike, Inc., Dri-FIT technology is a moisture-wicking performance fabric that is lightweight and less restrictive. Dri-FIT technology dries more quickly and promotes moisture management, while preventing clinging to the skin. It moves perspiration from your skin to the outside for rapid evaporation.
“Dri-FIT is the key ingredient in every essential item in the golfer’s wardrobe: the Polo, Pants, Shorts, Caps, Gloves, Socks, Base Layers and Cover Ups – every piece now uses proprietary Nike Dri-FIT technology, and every piece delivers every advantage in every condition,” said Doug Reed, Global Category Business Director for Apparel, Footwear and Accessories. “In fact, the #1 item in Nike’s total global apparel business is the Nike Golf Dri-FIT Tech UV Polo (MSRP $45), and the #1 Polo in Golf just got better for Spring 2011 with the addition of more stretch into this great core basic.”
Over the years, Nike Golf has evolved Dri-FIT technology into new levels of innovation, including Dri-FIT UV for sun protection, Dri-FIT Stretch for increased motion, Dri-FIT Body Mapping for a combined stretch and ventilation with “sweat zoning” in mind.
Just as Nike Dri-FIT technology keeps you cool, Nike Golf’s Therma-FIT and Storm-Fit technology keeps you warm and dry, respectively. Combined, NikeFIT’s system of material technologies ensure that the golfer’s experience is enhanced from dawn to dusk, no matter the conditions.
This week at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, some of the technical fabrics that the Nike athletes will be featuring include Nike Sphere Dry, Stretch UV Tech and Body Mapping.
Located at NIKE’s World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to ushering in the future of this great sport by developing ground-breaking innovations that enable and inspire athletes to become better. For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nikegolf.com
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