PGATour.com's Jonathan Wall notes Nike Golf today announced Patrick Reed, Chris Wood, Cameron Champ and Jimmy Stanger "will be joining the staff in '18." Alex Noren also "signed a head-to-toe deal," while Si Woo Kim and Lee Westwood "will be footwear only." From a gear standpoint, it is "curious to see" where Reed lands. He has played Callaway clubs in the past but is "no longer listed under the Tour staff tab on Callaway's website" (TWITTER.com, 1/3).
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| Schauffele was said to fit Callaway's desired profile for an endorser |
THE X FILES: GOLF.com's Michael Chwasky noted Callaway Golf has signed reigning PGA Tour Rookie of the Year Xander Schauffele, one day after signing Masters champion Sergio Garcia. Schauffele won twice last year, including the Tour Championship, and "joins a Tour staff at Callaway that includes Phil Mickelson, Henrik Stenson, Daniel Berger, Branden Grace, Thomas Pieters and others" (GOLF.com, 1/3). GOLFWEEK's Forecaddie noted Schauffele fits a "key criteria" for Callaway, as he is a "nice, easy-going guy." After a year that saw endorser Grayson Murray's "Twitter debacles" and Reed "criticizing his Callaway equipment, the company appeared eager to round out their staff with future stars, minus the dramatics." There are not "any signs of Murray or Reed returning to Callaway’s 2018 staff" (GOLFWEEK.com, 1/3).
SAY ALOHA: GOLFWEEK's Brentley Romine noted Rickie Fowler is promoting Puma's new Aloha Collection as he competes in this week's PGA Tour Sentry Tournament of Champions at Kapalua. The collection, which "will be available" starting today, consists of apparel, accessories and footwear "inspired by the relaxed vibe and tranquil beauty of the Hawaiian Islands." The collection also "pays homage to Fowler's Japanese heritage, taking traditional Japanese designs and combining them with a fresh take on classic Hawaiian style" (GOLFWEEK.com, 1/3).
