Harrington Turned Down Larger Deals To Re-Sign With Wilson
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Harrington Stays With Wilson,
Eschews More Lucrative Deals |
Golfer Padraig Harrington, who yesterday signed an estimated three-year extension with Wilson Golf worth at least $10M, "hinted that he had turned down several millions more by rejecting the advances of some of the sport's largest manufacturers," according to Peter Dixon of the LONDON TIMES. Harrington has won three of the last six major tournaments, and Wilson had to renegotiate Harrington's contract "while being made only too aware that the opposition were snapping at its heels." Wilson Golf GM Tim Clarke: "This deal will put Padraig in the top four of five (best-paid) players in the world. He was in a very strong negotiating position because others offered much more money than we could afford. I was aware of the companies (reportedly Callaway and Bridgestone) that were going after him. But we were about the whole package." However, Clarke added, "When Padraig won two majors [this year] it changed things. I had many sleepless nights while we were putting this deal together." Harrington, who has used Wilson equpiment since '98, said, "I'm definitely signing the best deal." Dixon notes Harrington, as Wilson's "marquee player, is guaranteed to be given its full attention" (LONDON TIMES, 10/23). GOLF MONTHLY's Neil Tappin reported Harrington's contract "is believed to be a rolling three year contract," and Harrington "will continue [to] carry Wilson Staff branding on his cap" (GOLF-MONTHLY.com, 10/22). In London, Karl MacGinty writes Harrington "now enjoys the same status as the big names who use Wilson equipment in other sporting arenas," including Patriots QB Tom Brady and tennis players Venus and Serena Williams and Roger Federer (London INDEPENDENT, 10/23).
TOUGH TO COME BY: Golf Channel’s Ted Tryba noted that with the down economy, endorsements could become harder for golfers to get, as equipment companies, and "club companies specifically, are going to cut everybody 20-25% right off the top.” Tryba: “If you want your player to get the big contract coming up for next year, they’ve got to play well.” Golf Channel’s Rich Lerner: “A win would provide a player with a little bit of leverage at just the right time” (“Golf Central,” Golf Channel, 10/22).
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