Leo Burnett and Foote, Cone & Belding are among five
national ad agencies that have been approached by the PGA
Tour and asked "to compete for an advertising assignment" to
promote the World Golf Championships, which begin in '99,
according to George Lazarus of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. Lazarus
writes that "huge ad dollars aren't involved, but this could
be a showcase client, perhaps somewhere in the" $5-10M
range. The other contenders include GSD&M, Grey Advertising
and TBWA Chiat/Day. The Tour will reportedly meet with the
agencies "in the next month or so" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 2/26).
DEALS: GOLFWEEK reports that Bolle America signed PGA
Tour golfer Steve Jones as an endorser of sports-specific
eyewear, while Descente signed Mark O'Meara to a multi-year
clothing endorsement deal (GOLFWEEK, 2/21 issue)....GA-based
energy company Southern Co. has signed an endorsement deal
with Senior PGA Tour player Joe Inman. Inman will display a
Southern Co. logo on his cap and shirt sleeve during events
and related appearances, and will make several personal
appearances on behalf of the company (Southern Co.).
