Greg Norman's performance at The Masters "may prove to
be worth millions by the end of the year," especially with
his Cobra club deal expiring at the end of '99, according to
Geoff Russell of GOLF WORLD. One sports marketing exec said
Norman "added two years to his endorsement career, at least.
We had some interest even before the Masters. The problem
is that he will come with a hefty price tag, probably a
couple of million dollars." Norman's Business Manager at
Great White Enterprises Bart Collins said there are "three
ways we can go" after Norman's Cobra deal expires: "We can
go with one of the big companies, such as Taylor Made,
Maxfli, Cobra or Callaway. Then there are the former jewels
who can be rebuilt, like Spalding or MacGregor. Or we can
form our own company. But how many people have really been
successful selling clubs based on their name?" Russell
writes that Callaway and Taylor Made "could offer" Norman an
"attractive stock deal," as Cobra did (GOLF WORLD, 4/23).
CHIPS & PUTTS: GOLF WORLD reports that recently turned
pro Sergio Garcia will use family friend and Miami-based
business exec Jose Marquina as his agent. The "word also
is" that Garcia's "main endorsement deals" will be with
Titleist/Cobra and adidas.....Meanwhile, Nick Faldo's well-
known caddie, Fanny Sunesson has inked a deal with Dubai-
based jewelry company Pinctada to wear a "string of its
finest pearls" during tournaments (GOLF WORLD, 4/23 issue).
