Dallas-based The Marketing Arm Senior VP Mary O'Connor said that the impact of golfer Jordan Spieth's Masters victory on Under Armour "cannot be measured yet as the company generates more sales in golf apparel and shoes." USA TODAY's Josh Peter notes UA "promptly shipped product to its retail partners, and apparel Spieth wore during the Masters was available for purchase online." UA Senior Category Dir for Global Golf & Tennis Ryan Kuehl: "We've tried to capitalize on this opportunity and turn it into real sales at the register." He added that UA has "doubled its golf business since the company signed Spieth" in '13. UA Brand Dir of Golf Leon Duncan said, "This kid is carrying us on his back" (USA TODAY, 4/15).
DRESS TO IMPRESS: GOLF DIGEST STIX' Marty Hackel writes Spieth "came up clutch with his clothing" during The Masters, especially during the final round. His Sunday "navy-blue shirt and white pants were clean and simple, looking sharp from a distance as well as on TV." His blue belt "was the perfect touch, too" (GOLF DIGEST STIX, 4/15 issue). Hackel also liked the look of Darren Clarke during the "fashion runway" that is The Masters. Clarke "wins for best-dressed player in the field" because he "single-handedly is trying to bring back the cardigan." Phil Mickelson also received a "thumbs-up" for his "pink homage to Arnold Palmer on Saturday." Meanwhile, Hackel writes he was "disappointed in four days of white pants from Rory McIlroy, and the Masters shoe he wore Sunday was a little meh" (GOLF DIGEST STIX, 4/15 issue).
NEEDLES AND PINS: Cobra-Puma Golf President Bob Philion said when it comes to signing players as endorsers, “We pick the ones that can move the needle and can really drive sales for the company.” The company’s stable includes Rickie Fowler, Lexi Thompson, Jesper Parnevik and Greg Norman, among others, who are “great people that can cut through the clutter and make a difference for our business" (“Power Lunch,” CNBC, 4/13).
