Marketplace Roundup

Upper Deck Selling Shirts Tiger Wore During First Three Rounds Of '08 U.S. Open

Upper Deck Authenticated will give fans the chance to own polo shirts worn by Tiger Woods during the first three rounds of last year's U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. The autographed shirts went on sale yesterday at UpperDeckStore.com for $30,000 (first round), $40,000 (second round) and $50,000 (third round). A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Tiger Woods Foundation (Upper Deck Authenticated). CNBC.com's Darren Rovell wrote, "I'm a bit confused as to why Upper Deck is selling these shirts for a straight up price as I think an auction, even in this economy, might be able to raise more money" (CNBC.com, 6/16). Meanwhile, Nike yesterday erected a 70-by-40 foot billboard at the intersection of 34th and 7th in Manhattan showing memorable moments from Woods' 14 major wins (THE DAILY).

BREAK POINT: In London, Charlotte Methven profiled tennis player Ana Ivanovic, who is "regarded as the only 'complete package' in women's tennis." Ivanovic, whose "statuesque figure, long dark hair, olive skin and sweet smile have seen her hailed as the most beautiful player ever," now is the "media darling of women's tennis on every continent, so interviews and photo shoots take up an increasing amount of her time." Ivanovic has "graced the pages of lads' mags, played for crowds of thousands and currently has the most visited website of any sportswoman" (London DAILY MAIL, 6/14).

WE MUST PROTECT THAT FOOT: FOX SPORTS’ Ken Rosenthal reports some within the Mets' organization believe SS Jose Reyes' right-calf injury “might have resulted from his switch in shoe companies, from Nike to Under Armour, at the start of spring training.” Reyes, though, said the switch is "not an issue." Rosenthal notes UA is “preparing a special model for Reyes, but it was not ready for the start of the season” (FOXSPORTS.com, 6/16).

AROUND THE WORLD: World Golf Tour signed a deal with golfer Ryuji Imada to wear the company’s logo on his left sleeve for a two-week period, commencing this week at the U.S. Open. World Golf Tour, the USGA and Bethpage State Park this year partnered on the first ever Virtual U.S. Open, which allows online gamers to play the host course for a chance to win various prizes (Jon Show, SportsBusiness Journal).