As you can imagine, the past day has been super busy for us, but we’re excited to announce that we’ve acquired Cobra Golf, an equipment brand, to strengthen and expand our up-and-coming and flourishing golf brand.
“Through the acquisition of Cobra Golf, we reinforce PUMA’s commitment to our sports performance business by strengthening our growing and successful Golf category,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman and Chief Executive of PUMA. “Cobra Golf has a history of innovative performance products fused with an edge and is therefore a perfect fit for PUMA, reinforcing our overall mission of becoming the most desirable Sportlifestyle company.”
The sale will be official this spring.
Rickie Fowler played in style on his way to a second place finish at the Waste Management Open. The 21-year-old fell just one shot short of a playoff against fellow Oklahoma State Cowboy Hunter Mahan.
In only nine starts on the PGA Tour, he’s been in a playoff and had a putt to go into a playoff — not too shabby. He has two top-5 finishes in his past four tournaments. Expect that first W to come in just a matter of time. He’s definitely proved he’s the real deal.
Rickie jumps to 13th place in the FedEx Cup standings and 14th on the official money list.
[Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images]
After a slow start to his rookie season, Rickie Fowler found his game last week at Torrey Pines in the Farmers Insurance Open.
Competing in only his 11th PGA Tour event, Rickie was in contention for the second time coming down the stretch. However, an unfortunate mistake on the 17th hole on Sunday forced him to settle with a T5 finish. Still, not too shabby. It was his third top-10 finish since he turned pro last fall.
His takeaway from the experience?
“Just knowing that I can compete out here, a little more confidence in that. I played well for a couple events in the Fall Series last year at Vegas and Fry’s in Scottsdale. This just kind of reminds me that I can go out and win if I put myself in position,” the 21-year-old said.
He’ll get his shot this week at the Northern Trust Open. Watch out!
[Photo by Donald Mirelle/Getty Images]
PUMA Golf’s 007-esque shoes are now available. They’re complete with super cool features like replaceable Smart Quill® spikes, which have what we call directional locking technology. They’re equipped to help your golf swing, too — you’ll have traction where you need it most. Be warned: these are only made for baddest of the best!
With this cutting-edge interactive video featuring PGA Tour rising star Rickie Fowler, you can play around and click to learn more about the cleat. It’s a must-do! Check it out and we’d love to hear your feedback.
Like the pink shades of red Rickie Fowler has been sporting on the PGA Tour recently? Well, here’s your chance to see more (and buy some)!
The PGA Merchandise Show takes place in Orlando this week from Wednesday to Friday, and PUMA Golf will be showing off our latest footwear, apparel and accessories. We’ll be showing the company’s in-store launch of the Spring 2010 lines and sell-in for Fall/Winter 2010.
We’ll be exhibiting in a meeting room just off the showroom floor. So, come take a peek and introduce yourself! Look forward to seeing you there.
[Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images]
While You-Know-Who is still missing in action, there is actual real golf being played this week. The PGA Tour opens the year with the SBS Championship on Thursday. The “winners-only” field of 28 players stars the likes of all four 2009 majors champions and multiple tournament winners, such as Brian Gay, Zach Johnson, Geoff Ogilvy, Kenny Perry, Steve Stricker and Y.E. Yang.
Who’s your favorite to win?
We’re just looking forward to four days of watching some great play (on the links) and beautiful views of the Maui beaches!
[Photo via]
Anna Nordqvist, currently the world’s number seven ranked golfer, capped off a spectacular 2009 with a great showing at the Dubai Ladies Masters. She shot a total 11-under to finish T4.
On Saturday she was also awarded the Ryder Cup Wales Rookie of the Year for 2009 at the Ladies European Tour’s end of year awards ceremony held at the Emirates Golf Club, the venue for the Dubai Ladies Masters.
Anna won twice on the LPGA Tour in 2009, including a major — the McDonald’s LPGA Championship — in her fifth start as a professional. Her second victory came at the LPGA’s season-ending Tour Championship. She was also a key member of the European Solheim Cup Team.
For her eighth LPGA rookie blog, she writes about her travels to Asia and recent tournament experiences. Here’s an excerpt:
Texas was quite a special event as well. It was such a long week with all the delays and I am not really used to getting Friday and Saturday off during the week. It was nice to get some time to rest and relax. I used the time wisely and decided to get a haircut Saturday afternoon. Normally, I like to have everything planned out, but this was kind of an impulsive decision. Trey Gillian, working at the Urban Retreat salon in Houston, Texas, came down to help us get ready for the Rolex Award Ceremony earlier during the week, so I decided to visit the salon during the rain delays. Trey did an amazing job, and I am very pleased with the result! I must admit I was a little bit scared once he cut my bangs and I realized there was no turning back. (I’ve never had bangs in my whole life.) Very stylish and something new!
Go HERE to read more.
Congrats on a fantastic year, Anna! We look forward to seeing more great things from you in 2010.
[Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images Europe]
After fourteen holes in the third round of the final stage of the PGA Tour Q-school, Rickie Fowler was 10-under. He jumped on the birdie train quickly with six on the front nine to shoot 30. On the back, he continued his hot streak, carding two birdies, an eagle and a par, and took a one-stroke lead at one point. But unfortunately, as these things happen sometimes, he made some costly mistakes down the stretch and played the last four holes four-over. Still, a great round of 6-under 66.
At the halfway mark of the grueling six rounds of Q-school, Rickie is T13 with a three-day total of 8-under, four strokes behind the leaders. He’s in excellent position to secure his 2010 Tour card — the top-25 finishers receive full exempt status for next year. Rickie’s play is especially impressive given he’s a first timer.
As you may remember, Rickie almost dodged even going to Q-school by finishing in the top-125 on the 2009 PGA Tour money list. Playing in his first PGA Tour event as a professional at the JT Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, he placed T7. The following week he almost won, narrowly losing in a three-way playoff. At the end of the season, he was ranked 135th on the money list, allowing him to bypass the first and second stages of Q-school.
Most important this week, he’s having fun and maintains a relaxed and composed attitude. Yesterday he enthusiastically professed, “Two months ago, I had nothing. Now I know it will be easier for me to get starts next year and I have a place to play. In a way, this is kind of a stress-free week for me.”
Seriously! Most pros would utter just the opposite. And with Rickie’s chill, fearless temperament, look for him to take his play up another notch in the final three rounds. Go, Rickie!
[Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images]
After a week plagued with heavy rains and delays, the season-ending LPGA Tour Championship (finally) concluded play on Monday at Houstonian Golf & Country Club. PUMA athlete Anna Nordqvist played a remarkable final round, firing a 7-under 65 for a total 13-under to win her second LPGA tournament. She edged out world’s number-one Lorena Ochoa by two strokes.
Anna had a stellar rookie year — in June, the Swede won her first LPGA event, the LPGA Championship, a major, no less! She was also a key member of European Solheim Cup team. Now, she’s a two-time winner on the Tour.
Congratulations, Anna! We can’t wait to see what she does next season.
[Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images]
20-year-old rising star Rickie Fowler is set to play in the Shark Shootout hosted by Greg Norman at the Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida, from December 9-13.
After kicking off his professional career with two top-10 finishes in three starts, Rickie will be the youngest player in Shootout history to compete. He’s teamed up with PGA Tour veteran Chris DiMarco in the 24-player field (12 teams). Rickie expressed his enthusiasm for the event:
I am obviously thrilled to be playing in The Shark Shootout. Greg Norman is one of the most dynamic players in our game’s history and it is very exciting to be invited to play in an event that he hosts. In addition, I have learned we will be helping raise awareness and funds for CureSearch. It will be a pleasure for me to assist this organization and the tournament as they both seek ways to benefit the lives of children not as fortunate as me.
The tournament will feature a modified alternate shot format during the first round, best ball on Saturday and concludes with a scramble on Sunday. Other bold-faced names competing include Fred Couples, Kenny Perry, Ian Poulter, Zach Johnson, Brian Gay, Jerry Kelly and Steve Stricker.
We can’t wait to see Rickie grind it out and vie for the title!
[Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images]
