PGA Tour rookie Hank Kuehne has signed "a unique
management contract" with Cornerstone Sports that will
"guarantee him more than" $2M over five years, a large deal
"considering the golf industry is in a down cycle,"
according to Jeff Rude of GOLFWEEK. Cornerstone's parent
company, Gaylord Entertainment, is "in effect advancing
Kuehne more than $400,000 a year against future endorsement
deals." Kuehne chose Cornerstone over IMG, which
represents his sister, Kelli Kuehne (GOLFWEEK, 6/26).
WHEN YOU SWOOSH UPON A STAR: Rude reports that Hank
Kuehne is "soon expected" to sign ball, shoe and apparel
deals. Bridgestone, Nike, Dunlop and Titleist are "leading
ball candidates," with the shoe deal "contingent on the ball
contract." Hugo Boss and Nike "will likely be his clothier
of choice" (GOLFWEEK, 6/26 issue). GOLF WORLD's Tim
Rosaforte reports that Nike is "making a strong push" to
sign Kuehne, but only if it is a full head-to-toe
arrangement (GOLF WORLD, 6/25 issue).
NIKE TELLS TIGER WHAT STRIPES TO WEAR: Tiger Woods wore
a black-and-red shirt during the final round of the U.S.
Open instead "of his trademark solid red ... at the urging
of Nike, which said red shirts aren't big sellers" (GOLF
WORLD, 6/25 issue)....Sources of GOLF WORLD's Geoff Russell
said that should Nike end its title sponsorship of the Nike
Tour, PGA Tour officials "might have located a replacement:
Gateway Computers" (GOLF WORLD, 6/25 issue).
