The "provision" in Greg Norman's recently signed deal
with MA-based Acushnet giving him distribution rights to
Titleist and FootJoy products in Australia (see THE DAILY,
1/24) "could be worth millions annually by itself,"
according to Sirak & Rosaforte of GOLF WORLD. Norman earns
"about" $7M a year with Australian distribution rights to
Acushnet's Cobra brand, and with his new deal, "that figure
should increase to the next level below Tiger-like numbers."
Sirak & Rosaforte note that Norman's deal "comes after
months of intense bidding by several companies," as Norman
was "close to a lucrative deal" with MacGregor in September
that "would have given him an ownership stake" in the
company. Great White Shark Enterprises spokesperson John
Story said that the Titleist and FootJoy distribution rights
"made the difference" for Norman in signing with Acushnet.
Sirak & Rosaforte write that "adding Norman to its pro staff
gives Titleist a big name to fill the void" left by the
"loss of Tiger Woods, who still uses Titleist clubs but
can't appear" in company ads (GOLF WORLD, 1/28 issue).
