In London, James Corrigan notes Rory McIlroy yesterday attended an Oakley sponsors day in London where his outfits for the British Open were unveiled (London INDEPENDENT, 6/28). In Minneapolis, John Rash wrote it is “too early to tell if McIlroy is the next” Tiger Woods. But perhaps the “only grins bigger than those of McIlroy and his fans” after his U.S. Open victory were “worn by sponsors and PGA executives.” IMG Managing Dir, Senior VP & Head of Global Consulting David Abrutyn said of the Irish golfer, "To an enlightened corporate brand, being foreign in today's marketing world probably isn't an inhibitor as it might have been 10 to 15 years ago" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 6/25).
YOUR NAME HERE: In Melbourne, Lorisse Dart reported Australian beach volleyball player Claire Kelly is "selling tattoo space on her body for sponsors." Kelly is offering a 2-by-2 centimeter space on her left arm for US$10,500 and a 5-by-5 centimeter space on her right arm or shoulder for US$52,490. There are other "packages" available and "an eBay auction." The money raised will pay for Kelly and partner Carla Kleverlaan to join the World Tour, "on which the pair must play at least 12 events to qualify" for the '12 London Olympics (Melbourne HERALD SUN, 6/26).
BY ASSOCIATION: MARKETING magazine’s Sarah Shearman notes supermarket chain Tesco is “looking to associate with London 2012 by supporting the Olympic sponsorship programmes of its Clubcard scheme's partners.” Although Tesco is not an official sponsor of the Games, “several of its Clubcard partners, such as Visa and Procter & Gamble, are official global sponsors of the Games.” A source said Tesco is looking to support their partners' programs “to get closer to the Games and become associated with a message about the importance of health and participation in sport” (MARKETINGMAGAZINE.co.uk, 6/28).
HAWKING GEAR: Clinch Gear has signed Packers LB A.J. Hawk to a multiyear endorsement deal. The performance apparel brand plans to introduce A.J. Hawk signature products next year. Priority Sports & Entertainment brokered the deal (Clinch Gear).
