BLOOMBERG NEWS' Erik Matuszewski noted TaylorMade-adidas Golf officials "haven't had any contact with Dustin Johnson since their top American endorser took an indefinite leave of absence" from the PGA Tour in August. TaylorMade CEO Ben Sharpe said, “We’re looking forward to having a conversation with him and his team when the time is right." Sharpe "declined to say whether there have been internal discussions about ending TaylorMade’s partnership with Johnson" that runs through '15 (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 11/15).
ONGOING PROCESS: In California, Larry Bohannan noted Desert Classic Charities and the PGA Tour will be "looking for a new sponsor" for the annual tournament near Palm Springs, as Humana's deal ends on Jan. 25. Humana Challenge President & Chair John Foster is "holding to an optimistic view of the future of the desert's PGA Tour event." He said, "As we get into the new sponsor, hopefully we will be able to announce one sooner rather than later." Foster added that while Humana is confirmed to be leaving after the '15 event, the Clinton Foundation "is staying, and that is "part of the tournament's charity contributions" (DESERTSUN.com, 11/16).
SOMETHING BREWING: In Houston, Heather Alexander reported Rockets G James Harden will be "starring in a new commercial" filmed at the local Siphon Coffee as part of Foot Locker's "Week of Greatness" later this month. Siphon has only been open for five months and Owner Michael Caplan said that they "put a lot of effort into the build out which seems to be paying off" (CHRON.com, 11/11).
UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES: Hawaii-based Team Unlimited on Thursday announced it is partnering with Chicago-based W Partners to manage its sales and marketing efforts to secure a new title sponsor and other high level partnerships for the XTerra World Tour. The alliance grows the W Partners platform into the world of endurance sports (Team Unlimited).
