The "Competitive Edge" segment on CNN's "Moneyline" looked
at golfer Greg Norman last night, called "one of the most
marketable athletes in all of sports." According to CNN's Sean
Callebs, Norman's net worth has been estimated at $75M and with
deals ranging from Reebok to Maxfli, his endorsements are
estimated at $8M a year. Callebs notes Reebok, in its attempt to
step into the fashion and apparel business, "is betting
everything on Greg Norman's image." Richie Woolworth, President
of the Greg Norman Collection (a division of Reebok), believes
Norman can take on apparel giants Tommy Hilfiger and Polo: "The
brand really is the man in this case, and Ralph Lauren isn't
going to be able to walk up the 18th fairway on any given weekend
and give his company two hours of television exposure" (CNN,
6/25).
GOLF NEWS & NOTES: Later this summer, Michael Jordan and
John Daly will appear together in a TV spot for Wilson's Ultra
golf ball line (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 6/26)....A report in the DETROIT
NEWS notes U.S. Open Champ Steve Jones was not under contract
with American Brands to play Cobra clubs when he won at Oakland
Hills, but Jones' agent, Burl Outlaw, says the two parties are
"in the process of working something out" (DETROIT NEWS,
6/26)....DWA USA, the sports and lifestyle marketing company
owned by DelWilber + Associates, has announced it will market and
manage the inaugural Myrtle Beach LPGA Classic at Wachesaw East
Golf Club in April '97 (DWA)....Since the PGA of America took
over ownership of the PGA Int'l Golf Show in '92, the event has
seen exhibit space expand by more than 59%, while attendance has
jumped 70%. This year's show takes place in Las Vegas at the
Sands Expo and Convention Center, September 9-11 (PGA).
