Columnist Critical Of Duval For Thanking Nike At British

	British Open Winner David Duval

As David Duval thanked his sponsor Nike during an interview on ABC after winning the British Open this past weekend (see THE DAILY, 7/23), the Nashville TENNESSEAN's David Climer writes, "I figured if the interview lasted long enough, Duval would thank Evian for keeping him hydrated during the final round or do an infomercial for those Oakley wraparound sunglasses that helped him see the pins so clearly while everybody else was finding only bunkers." But Nike Golf Dir of Media Relations Amber Wade, on Duval's post-match interview: "It was a wonderful moment for us." Climer notes Duval and Titleist had a "very public breakup last year," and he adds that Duval, during the interview, "suggested that the research and development arm of Titleist had been unwilling or unable to accommodate him with a golf ball that fit his swing." Meanwhile, the Nike ball Duval played at the British Open is a "prototype and is not available to the masses," and it will "not be on the market until next year." Climer: "By then, maybe David Duval will rent out space on his chin for another Nike swoosh" (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 7/24). In Ft. Worth, Dan Piller writes while Nike has used Tiger Woods as the "front man for [its] ball line," Duval "apparently will carry the freight for clubs." Nike's golf Web site "prominently features photos of Duval, including a new one" yesterday with the British Open's claret jug trophy. Nike and golf club designer Tom Stites are not disclosing when the company's line of clubs will be in stores, but "guesses range from fall to the PGA Merchandise Show" held annually in January in Orlando (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 7/24).