A "quiet rumor" recently is that Callaway Golf and Jack
Nicklaus "are negotiating a golf equipment deal," according
to GOLF WORLD. Nicklaus visited Callaway's CA plant, and
while Callaway and Nicklaus "both deny this is the first
step in an eventual Bertha-Bear marriage ... there are signs
that a partnership could be in the works." Nicklaus' ball
deal with Maxfli has expired, and with Callaway looking to
launch a new golf ball in '99, "there would be no way to
give that ball stronger credibility than to have Nicklaus
play it" (GOLF WORLD, 8/22 issue).
CHIP SHOTS: With Phil Mickelson's Yonex contract up at
the end of this year, GOLFWORLD notes that Spalding and
Karsten Manufacturing are in the mix to sign the PGA player.
Karsten President John Solheim said that the company "will
not go as far as to give" Mickelson an equity share in the
company as part of an endorsement package, but added that
"some sort of competitive offer is being formulated" (GOLF
WORLD, 8/22 issue)....As part of the agreement in which FL-
based club maker Bobby Grace was sold to Cobra Golf, Nick
Price will end his endorsement deal for Grace putters.
Price is "affiliated" with Goldwin Golf, "another club
manufacturer that essentially is a competitor of Cobra."
Price will be able to use the Grace putters, but will not be
paid (ST. PETE TIMES, 8/23)....Tiger Woods said his set of
Titleist irons are "extremely close" to being ready, and he
should be playing with them by January (GOLFWEEK, 8/23).
