It's that time of year when brands announce new tour player partnerships - here's all you need to know
Jessica Korda signs a multi-year partnership with FootJoy
Jessica Korda is the first LPGA athlete to wear FootJoy from head-to-toe, including shoes, full-line women’s golf apparel and a golf glove.
FootJoy is already the #1 shoe and glove on the LPGA Tour, chosen by players like Ariya and Maya Jutanugarn, Brittany Lincicome, Austin Ernst, Bronte Law and countless others.
Korda will be the first player to wear FJ women’s apparel. A six-time winner, with her most recent victory coming last year at the 2021 Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions where she won on the first play-off hole. This capped a tremendous year in which she made the cut in all 17 events that she competed.
This season Korda has already achieved two top 10 finishes in four events, including a solo second place at the season’s first major championship.
“I’m super excited to be part of the FootJoy team going forward and honoured to be the first professional female player to represent the brand from head to toe,” said Korda. “I spend a lot of time figuring out what shoes and apparel are best for my game and to work with a company that only focuses on the game of golf is such an awesome advantage. They really understand my needs as a player.”
Korda has been working closely with the FootJoy Apparel team to not only find items that fit her style but also influencing products in the development process based on her experience as a female athlete and one of the best female golfers in the world.
Linn Grant signs with adidas Golf
adidas Golf has announced the signing of Linn Grant to a multi-year contract that will see her wear adidas headwear, apparel, footwear, and accessories on the course.
Before turning professional, Grant played as part of the women’s golf team at adidas-sponsored Arizona State University where she won four individual titles between the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
“Having worn adidas during my time at Arizona State, I’m extremely excited to be joining the 3-Stripe family as a professional,” said Grant. “I’m proud to be joining such a tremendous roster of great players and I’m looking forward to wearing the amazing product adidas has to offer.”
After turning professional in August 2021, Grant had two successive second place finishes on the Ladies European Tour, before claiming her first victory in October at the Terre Blanche Ladies Open in France on the Ladies European Tour Access Series. She also earned her LPGA Tour card in December of last year through the tour’s Q-series program.
“We are really excited to have Linn join the adidas family and are not surprised that she has gotten off to such a fast start in her professional career,” said Matt Blackey, senior manager sports marketing, adidas Golf. “She’s an astounding athlete and we’re looking forward to supporting her as she continues to build upon her career as a professional.”
Grant has already won twice on the Sunshine Ladies Tour in South Africa this year and will start her Ladies European Tour schedule in March with the Joburg Ladies Open and Investec South African Women’s Open.
Pia Babnik signs a multi-year agreement with TaylorMade
The two-time LET winner, who finished second in the Race to Costa del Sol last season, has signed a multi-year agreement to play a full bag of TaylorMade equipment and golf balls.
Mark Thistleton from TaylorMade said:
“No question Pia is an exceptional talent and has a bright future in the game. When she attained her full LET card as a 16-year-old this turned a lot of heads in the golfing world and it was at this point as a team we started following her progress with keen interest.
"We knew that competition to sign her would be high, so we worked hard on establishing a relationship with Pia herself and her family throughout 2021 and using our experience as equipment experts to showcase how our brand and the technologies of our products might benefit her career.
"Pia’s speed and distance is something few can match in the women’s game so we are all excited at the potential Pia shows and thrilled to be working with an exceptional player.”
The 18-year-old said of the partnership:
“I am so delighted and proud to sign with TaylorMade Golf. It is a brand that associates itself with the very best golfers across the world and I am excited for my future using the best equipment there is.
This season Pia will be gaming: Stealth Plus 9.0 driver, Stealth Plus 15.0 fairway, Stealth Plus 19.0 fairway, P790 4-PW, MG3 50, 56, 60 wedges, Spider GT Splitback putter and TP5 Golf Ball.
Stacy Lewis rejoins Mizuno
Mizuno was delighted to confirm that two-time Major champion Stacy Lewis had rejoined Mizuno will be playing Mizuno equipment on the 2022 LPGA Tour.
As well as playing Mizuno equipment, including the new ST-X 220 Driver and JPX921 Forged irons, Lewis will also become a mentor to Mizuno’s younger talent. Lewis said:
“I’m back! So excited to be joining Team Mizuno again and going back to where it all began. Putting the irons back in the bag felt so comfortable, and the new driver is amazing. Mizuno is like family, and I’m excited about our future together.”
International Leisure Group Partners with Carly Booth
International Leisure Group (ILG) Ltd, incorporating American Golf and Online Golf has secured a two-year partnership with LET professional Carly Booth, which will see her take on an ambassador role, alongside apparel sponsorship and promotion of the Stromberg, Golfino and Benross brands, effective from February 1, 2022.
Championing inclusivity and diversity within golf, 29-year-old Carly will stand beside ILG to drive forward positive change in the industry. Carly said:
“The landscape for female golfers has changed dramatically over the last 20 years, with international brands like American Golf stepping up to ensure course inclusivity. I’m looking forward to helping ILG lead this conversation, by supporting exciting female apparel launches, the business’ sponsorship of equal opportunity tournaments - such as HANDA World Invitational and the Rose Ladies Series – and their Leisure Range developments.”
Brooke Henderson joins Team Taylormade with multi-year agreement
Canadian Brooke Henderson, currently ranked No. 11 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, has signed a multi-year contract with TaylorMade Golf to play TaylorMade’s flagship golf ball franchise, TP5x, as well as wear the Tour Preferred Glove. The 24-year-old said:
“Right away the TP5x performed at a high level. I gained yardage off the tee, which is huge for me, while I still was able to have the right amount of spin and great feel around the greens. I also noticed that my iron shots were piercing through windy conditions and holding the line very well. It was really eye-opening and I am beyond excited to put the TP5x in play this season.”
LPGA and LET signings for Team Galvin Green
American Mina Harigae joins Team Galvin Green and leads the brand’s presence on the LPGA Tour after five top 10s in 2021. She is joined by Scottish golfer and Women & Golf Tour Ambassador Gemma Dryburgh. On the LET and LET Access Tours, Amy Boulden, Hazel MacGarvie, Corinne Viden and Reme Cortes will all wear a host of striking outfits throughout the 2022 season.
ECCO GOLF signs Nanna Koerstz Madsen
Danish footwear brand, ECCO® GOLF, has announced the signing of fellow Dane, Nanna Koerstz Madsen on multi-year deals. The 27-year-old Solheim Cup star said:
“I’m delighted to be signing with ECCO GOLF. I’ve been wearing their shoes for a while now and they have always been perfect in terms of comfort, performance, and style. I can’t wait for next season to start, and hopefully it will be a great one for myself and ECCO!”
