Super Sunday for Stricker
2/8/2010
For the fifth consecutive week, a FootJoy player claimed victory on the PGA TOUR as Steve Stricker (SYNR-G style #53883, PureTouch Limited glove) closed with a 1-under 70 Sunday for a two-shot victory over fellow FJ player Luke Donald (FJ ICON MyJoys) at the Northern Trust Open.
Stricker finished with a 16-under 268 total and won for the eighth time in his career and the fourth time in his last 15 starts. He also moved up to No. 2 in the world golf rankings for the second time in his career.
Stricker didn’t make it easy on himself, having to grind for pars as Donald kept pouring in birdies. But after Donald missed two short birdie attempts, Stricker fired off two straight birdies to restore a comfortable margin.
“It was hard today,” Stricker said. “I aged a lot out there. It was a grind from the get-go.”
Stricker seemed to struggle all day, missing several greens to the left but he had five consecutive one-putt greens and continued to get himself out of minor jams.
Half of Stricker’s eight career victories have come in the last eight months dating to his playoff win at Colonial. He turns 43 later this month, and shows no sign of letting up.
FootJoy Welcomes Geoff Ogilvy
1/7/2010
FootJoy, the #1 Shoe in Golf and #1 Shoe on every Tour Worldwide, announced today that it has entered into a multi-year agreement with Geoff Ogilvy.
Geoff is an international star who excels under the toughest conditions. A six-time champion on the PGA Tour, Geoff has topped some of the best fields in golf throughout his career. He famously won the 2006 United States Open with a chip-in par on the 17th hole and a clutch up-and-down par on the final hole. The victory was Geoff's first major championship and he became just the second Australian to win the tournament. He has also won three World Golf Championship events, which feature only the top ranked players in the world, including the Accenture Match Play Championship twice.
In 2009, Geoff was the first multiple winner of the season. He led wire-to-wire to win the season-opening Mercedes-Benz Championship, then claimed the second of his two Match Play Championship titles in Arizona where he resides. Geoff is one of only two players to win the event twice.
"Like many Tour players, I grew up wearing FootJoy golf shoes and gloves so putting them on again is a bit of a home-coming for me, said Ogilvy. “I’ve been using the new products and they’re fantastic. I'm really excited to start the season in FootJoy product."
Geoff joins the industry leader at a time when the brand has significant momentum with tremendous new product. The ultra-stable SYNR-G® shoe category continues to be the shoes of choice for many of the game's best players such as Padraig Harrington, Steve Stricker and Zach Johnson. In addition, the new flagship shoe category, FJ ICON, delivers the perfect blend of performance and stylish elegance. FJ ICON has quickly attracted a loyal following from elite players like Ian Poulter, Camilo Villegas, Rory McIlroy, Hunter Mahan and hundreds more. As the worldwide leader in golf gloves, Ogilvy will rely on the incredible feel and performance of the legendary StaSof® glove.
"Geoff is a fantastic addition to our staff as he embodies many of the qualities that define the FootJoy brand," said Rob Kelley, Director of Brand Marketing for FootJoy. "He is a global icon who plays the game with passion and integrity and has a proven record of success."
FootJoy®. The #1 Shoe and Glove in Golf
FJ Tour Players Look Back at 2009 and Ahead to 2010
12/22/2009
FootJoy ended 2009 just how it began...as the #1 Shoe and Glove at retail and on professional Tours around the world. Our Tour success featured memorable performances from some of the Tour's biggest stars. We recently caught up with a few FJ players to talk about the year that was and look ahead to 2010.
What was your favorite golf memory this year, either from the professional Tours or in your own game? Click on COMMENTS to share your thoughts.
Steve Stricker (SYNR-G, PureTouch Limited) made a run at Player of the Year honors on the heels of three strong wins throughout the year. After beginning the year with five top 10 finishes, Stricker captured his first win of the year in a playoff at Colonial when he stuck his approach to 3 feet on the second hole of sudden death. He was back for more at the John Deere Classic and set the course record with a 61 in round two before closing with a final round 64 to notch his second win in four starts. Strick then notched arguably the biggest victory of his career when he birdied the final two holes to win the Deutsche Bank Championship during the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
Lee Westwood (FJ ICON, PureTouch Limited) finishes the year as the highest placed European in the Official World Golf Rankings having won the inaugural Race to Dubai on the European Tour. He last won the Harry Vardon trophy in 2000, reaching Number Four in the World in the process, and equaled that feat in a momentous 2009 campaign. His superb season, capped by victories in the Portugal Masters and the Dubai World Championship, was one of the many highlights of an outstanding year.
Padraig Harrington (SYNR-G, PureTouch Limited) continued to work on some major swing changes and saw the fruits of his labor towards the end of the season. Beginning with the WGC-Bridgestone Invitaitonal, Harrington reeled off an incredible string of six consecutive top ten finishes, including all four FedEx Cup Playoff events which feature some of the strongest fields of the year.
Zach Johnson (SYNR-G, StaSof) got the year started off right by defeating fellow FJ players Adam Scott and David Toms in the first full field event of the year at the Sony Open in Hawaii then successfully defended his title at the Valero Texas Open.
SYNR-G Stars, Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly, Pair Up to Win Shark Shootout
12/14/2009
"Team Wisconsin," Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly, won the Shark Shootout this past weekend, posting a final round 13-under 59 for one shot victory after several teams made a late charge in the Scramble format. The duo, who both wear FootJoy gloves and SYNR-G shoes, began the day with a one shot lead and battled with another FootJoy team, Kenny Perry (SciFlex glove) and JB Holmes (SYNR-G shoes, RainGrip glove) until Perry and Holmes failed to convert birdie putts at the last that would have forced a playoff.
Perry and Holmes came out firing and quickly took the lead on the final day. They eagled the par-5 first hole, and birdied 11 of the next 13 to get to 25 under but Stricker and Kelly rallied coming up the back. They birdied 14, 15 and 16 but didn't actually take the lead again until Stricker made an eagle on the par-5 17th -- hitting the second shot and the putt.
The Kelly/Stricker combination was the only team in this week's field with both players posting victories on the PGA TOUR this season. Kelly won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and Stricker posted three victories at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, John Deere Classic and Deutsche Bank Championship.
"It's another feather in our cap," said Stricker, the world's No. 3 player who won three times on the PGA TOUR this year. "This is a lot of fun. We came here to have fun and to play well at the same time, and we did that."
"We were a very good team," Kelly said. "It didn't seem like we were consistently in there with two really good birdie chances, but one of us always seemed to step up."
THE TOUR Championship - Round Two Recap
9/26/2009
Conditions at East Lake kept scores low once again during round two. More than half the field will begin the weekend within five shots of the lead and, with Saturday's third round pushed up due to inclement weather forecasted for the afternoon, you can be sure there's plenty of drama to come. Click on the image below to hear from Padraig Harrington (SYNR-G style #53918) who compared the atmosphere and course conditions to a major championship and sits just one shot off the lead following a second round 1-under 69.
THE TOUR Championship - Round One Recap
9/25/2009
Despite all the rain last week in Atlanta, the grounds staff at East Lake was able to, not only make the course playable, but difficult! While the course was soft from tee to green, the greens were firm and prevented players from really attacking the pins resulting in only eight players breaking par in round one. After the players got through the first nine, the grounds crew was actually watering the greens which almost seems comical considering the deluge the course suffered last weekend. Although more rain is in the forecast for Friday, expect the greens to remain fast and firm for the second round, although you can also expect the players to make some adjustments and find some birdies out on the course.
We're seeing a lot of players wearing SYNR-G this week at East Lake as they look for the most stable platform to combat the soggy conditions. SYNR-G wearers Zach Johnson (StaSof glove) and Steve Stricker (PureTouch Limited glove), who both wore style #53870 in round one and can win the FedEx Cup by winning THE TOUR Championship, sit at even par after round one, just four shots back.
Padraig Harrington (SYNR-G style #53918, PureTouch Limited glove) continues to play well and sits just one shot off the lead following a first round 3-under 67. Harrington has finished in the top 10 in each of his last five starts, including two runner-up placements.
Marc Leishman (SYNR-G style #53883) is playing in his first TOUR Championship and is in great position following a first round even par 70.
What's News in the Golf World (Sept. 24, 2009) and Who's Your FedEx Cup pick?
9/24/2009
The story from East Lake so far this week has been rain but it appears the course has rebounded nicely so we can begin to focus on the incredible drama that could unfold Sunday afternoon. While there still may be some debate and confusion about the format of the FedEx Cup, the players seem to be very supportive of the change that allows for any player in the top five in FedEx Cup points to win the cup by winning the TOUR Championship this week. Three of the five players who control their own destiny, and could be putting for $10 million come Sunday evening - Steve Stricker, Zach Johnson and Heath Slocum - wear FootJoy's SYNR-G golf shoes.
Lorne Rubenstein of the Globe & Mail debates the "greatness" of East Lake Golf Club as a championship course, considering the unusual par-3 closing hole.
Tim Rosaforte tells a great story of perseverance about local Massachusetts golfer, Fran Quinn, who birdied his final hole last week to win the Nationwide Tour's Albertson's Boise Open. The 44-year-old, who wears the new SYNR-G style #53918, all but assured himself of a PGA Tour card for next season, his first since 1992.
Let's see what some of our colleagues are up to:
TITLEIST - Check out this cool Ball Mark Trivia Game on the Titleist blog and find out some things you may not know about the players who will be teeing up a Titleist today at THE TOUR Championship.
CAMERON - You never know what Tour player or VIP you might see when you peak inside the Scotty Cameron putter studio. The latest look unveiled a 9-time world surfing champion who stopped by for some help with his putter.
COBRA - In the latest edition of "Face Off with Feherty," Gary asks David Feherty, considering his new citizenship in the United States, would he ever consider a role as assistant captain on the U.S. Ryder Cup team?
WHO'S YOUR PICK TO WIN THE FEDEX CUP?
Here's a great breakdown from PGATOUR.com of each player in the top 30 and what each must do to win the FedEx Cup. More than half the field will be wearing FJ shoes, so which FOOTJOY player has the best chance of bringing home the hardware and the $10 million prize? Is it Stricker, Zach or Heath who can win the Cup by winning THE TOUR Championship or is it someone from further back in the rankings? Click on COMMENTS to give us your guess as to how this plays out!
Three in SYNR-G Play for Big Money At TOUR Championship
9/14/2009
With just one event remaining in the FedEx Cup Playoffs, three FootJoy players, all of whom wear SYNR-G shoes, control their own destiny. With a win in two weeks at East Lake GC in Atlanta, Steve Stricker, Zach Johnson and Heath Slocum can win the coveted FedEx Cup and the $10 million top prize. Stricker and Slocum earned their spot in the top five via dramatic playoff victories. Slocum, who was the second last player to qualify for the playoffs, made a clutch par putt on the 72nd hole at The Barclays to capture the first playoff event and Stricker followed suit the next week, getting up and down for a clinching birdie at the 72nd hole to win by one at the Deutsche Bank Championship. For Zach, it's been consistency throughout the season that has put him in this position. Victories at the Sony Open and Valero Texas Open, as well as 12 other top 25 finishes, including his fifth place at the BMW Championship, assured this major champion a shot at the season's cumulative championship.
Stricker, now the #2 ranked palyer in the world will be making his sixth appearance at the TOUR Championship, while it will be the second for Slocum and fourth for Johnson who, most recently, tied for second back in 2007. With more than half of the 30 players at East Lake wearing FootJoy shoes, we like the odds of an FJ player bringing home the hardware from the TOUR Championship. If it's Stricker, Slocum or Johnson, there will be an additional 10 million reasons to celebrate!
Playoff Payoff for Steve Stricker at Deutsche Bank Championship
9/8/2009
Following a disappointing finish at The Barclays where he missed a putt on the 18th hole to force a playoff, Steve Stricker (SYNR-G, PureTouch Limited) rebounded in a huge way Monday at the Deutsche Bank Championship. With fellow FootJoy players Jason Dufner (FJ ICON) and Scott Verplank (ReelFit) waiting on the tee for a possible playoff, Stricker drained a 15-footer for birdie on the 17th hole then slammed the door with a clutch up-and-down for birdie from just off the 18th green to win by one. The victory was Stricker's third of the season, moved him up to a career-high No. 2 in the Official World Golf Ranking and gave him sole possession of the lead in the FedExCup standings heading to Chicago for the third of four playoff events.
On the Range at the Deutsche Bank Championship - Wednesday
9/3/2009
We were on the range Tuesday at the PGA Tour's second playoff event, the Deutsche Bank Championship. We were not only checking in with our FootJoy players but also set up a large display to show them the full line of FJ ICON styles and all the options available through the MyJoys program. In short, the players were thrilled! Check out the pictures from Wednesday and we'll post video next week so you can hear what players such as David Toms, Charley Hoffman, John Merrick and Jason Bohn think of FootJoy's new flagship product and all the custom options!
Slocum SYNR-Gized in Win at The Barclays
8/31/2009
One week after Heath Slocum (SYNR-G style #53925, StaSof glove) wondered if he would even make it to the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup, he finished off a compelling afternoon at Liberty National by making a 20-foot par putt on the 18th hole to win The Barclays by one shot.
"That putt was magical," Slocum said. "I'll remember that the rest of my life."
Slocum was tied for the lead with fellow SYNR-G loyalist Steve Stricker (SYNR-G style #53883, PureTouch Limited glove) going to the final hole. Both hit into fairway bunkers off the tee and neither could reach the green. With several of the world's top players waiting in the wings for a playoff should neither make par, Slocum raised both arms in the air when his par putt broke gently back to the left and disappeared into the cup.
Stricker had a 10-foot par putt to force a playoff with Slocum but cringed when it caught the left lip. He closed with a 69 and finished in a four-way tie for second.
Slocum qualified for these Playoffs with two points to spare -- he was No. 124 out of 125 players who advanced to this postseason bonanza. His victory assures him a spot in THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola and a shot at the $10 million prize.
"That's what it's all about," Slocum said. "I was sweating it out last week. I didn't even know if I'd be here. I came in here with the attitude that I had nothing to lose."
He turned into a huge winner.
Slocum, who came into The Barclays at No. 197 in the Official World Golf Ranking, finished at 9-under 275 and earned $1.35 million for his third career PGA TOUR victory, and first in four years. He vaults from 124th in the FedEx Cup rankings to number three.
What They're Wearing at the PGA Championship: Round 1
8/14/2009
Just a quick scan through the field yesterday revealed even more players wearing the new FJ ICON as well as SYNR-G and several other popular FootJoy styles. In fact, 53% of the field at the final major championship of 2009 are wearing FootJoy golf shoes, more than double the nearest competitor. Click on the images below to see some of the FJ players in action on Thursday.
First Round Interviews from the PGA Championship - Harrington, Toms and Mahan
8/14/2009
Calm conditions and receptive greens allowed for the players to play aggressively during the first round and many took full advantage. In fact, 26 players were under par including defending champion Padraig Harrington (SYNR-G style #53925, PureTouch Limited glove) who sits one shot off the lead at 4-under, and Hunter Mahan and David Toms (FJ ICON style #52005), two shots back at 3-under. As the saying goes, you can't win a major on Thursday but you can certainly lose one! These three players were obviously pleased with how they began the 91st PGA Championship and will look to continue the momentum heading into round two. Click on the video below to hear what they had to say following their round.
Padraig Harrington (4-under 68)
David Toms (3-under 69)
Hunter Mahan (3-under 69)
Final Round Interview from WGC-Bridgestone Invitational - Padraig Harrington
8/9/2009
Padraig Harrington finished runner-up at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in preparation for his title defense at this week's PGA Championship. Hear what he had to say after the round.
First Round Interviews from the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational - Padraig Harrington
8/7/2009
Padraig Harrington (SYNR-G style #53918, PureTouch Limited glove) opened with a bogey-free 6-under 64 at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational to lead by one after the first round. Click on the video below to hear about some of the key shots of the round as well as some insight into how a major champion approaches the final few holes when he knows he's working on a solid round.