The AFP reports HSBC is "considering ending its sponsorship" of the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai, as the contract expires this year. HSBC Global Head of Sponsorship & Events Giles Morgan said that the bank was "currently evaluating its association" with the tournament, one of four WGC events held worldwide. Morgan added that sponsorship of the LPGA HSBC Women's Champions in Singapore also was "under review." He did "not offer a timetable for any announcements." The bank also sponsors the British Open and European Tour Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship (AFP, 9/17).
DRIVE FOR SHOW: BMW yesterday announced it has signed on as a partner of the USA Golf Federation for the '16 Rio Games as the auto company extends its golf and Olympic reach. BMW already is a sponsor of USA Swimming, USA Track & Field and USA Bobsled & Skeleton. The company will join adidas as a USA Golf partner in advance of next year’s Olympics, where golf makes a return after a 112-year absence. BMW’s golf sponsorships also include the PGA Tour BMW Championship, European Tour BMW Int'l Open in Germany, the BMW Masters in China and the BMW PGA Championship in the U.K. (John Lombardo, Staff Writer).
PATRIOT ACT: GOLFWEEK's Beth Ann Nichols noted the only thing a player has control over when it comes to the Solheim Cup wardrobe "is her shoes," and U.S. player Michelle Wie "already stands 1 up on the competition." Wie at last week's LPGA Evian Championship "debuted the Women's Nike Blazer golf shoe." The hot pink/camo combo "was a winner, but the patriotic version she Tweeted out for this week kicks things up another notch" (GOLFWEEK.com, 9/16). Nike Golf footwear designer Joël Greenspan said, "Michelle asked us to create a high-top golf shoe. She wanted more support throughout her swing and greater connection to the ground. She also wanted a shoe that would reflect her distinct sense of style on and off the course." Wie, who battled an ankle injury this summer, said that she "played pain-free at the Evian with the shoes." Wie: "I love the fact that I can bring the iconic retro hoops look to the golf course" (GOLF DIGEST STIX, 9/16 issue).
PUTT FOR DOUGH: Grip-maker SuperStroke announced a multiyear deal with Sergio Garcia, who will play an Ultra Slim 1.0 grip on his putter and SuperStroke TX1 club grips on his irons, wedges and woods. Other golfers on SuperStroke's roster include Jordan Spieth, Jason Dufner and Victor Dubuisson (SuperStroke).
