Chevrolet is "hitching" its Blazer to a promo "Heaven
on Earth" sweepstakes with partners that include the Greg
Norman Collection, King Cobra and Maxfli golf companies, and
the Jupiter Beach Resort, FL. Norman will appear in Chevy
ads to promote the sweeps. The contest runs through July
15, with top prizes including a round of golf with Norman, a
Jupiter Beach vacation, golf equipment and apparel. Free
Maxfli XS balls will be mailed to consumers who visit a
dealer and get a mail-in-card validated (BRANDWEEK, 3/17).
ON THE COURSE: Shares of Callaway Golf fell 5.2% last
week after two of Callaway's suppliers, Sturm Ruger & Co.
and Oregon Metallurgical Corp., cautioned weaker golf club
sales due to an oversupply of titanium because of lower
metal prices. But analysts say the company's stock
"shouldn't be lumped in" with its suppliers because demand
for its clubs is increasing (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 3/15).
...Dominic Chang, Chair of Melville, NY-based Family Golf
Centers, credits Tiger Woods for an increase in business at
the centers. Chang: "Ever since he became a pro, we've seen
a 50% increase of young people taking classes at our junior
clinics and they come from all ethnic backgrounds. It's
phenomenal" (L.A. TIMES, 3/17).
