Pros Inc., a new golf management firm started by golf industry veteran execs Buddy Marucci, Vinny Giles and Giff Breed, has signed on to represent Ernie Els, Marucci confirmed Friday afternoon. "We are very excited about Ernie choosing us," Marucci said. "We believe it gives us instant credibility to have him as our first official client." Els recently parted ways with his former agent, Chubby Chandler (Liz Mullen, SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL). In West Palm Beach, Edgar Thompson noted Els "wanted to find someone closer to his U.S. home in Jupiter to manage his golf career." Giles and Marucci both "own homes in the area and have extensive backgrounds in golf and business." Giles is a "part-time Juno Beach resident," and the management firm he founded in the '70s has "represented Tom Kite, Lanny Wadkins and Davis Love III, among others." Marucci is a "former luxury car dealer near Philadelphia." Thompson wrote their "diversified backgrounds should fit well with Els, who is involved in golf course design, winemaking and a foundation for autism" (PALMBEACHPOST.com, 9/23). Giles said that the relationship began when a "friend of Els' contacted" him. Giles and Marucci then "met with Els, whom they both have known for years, in Florida" last Monday. Pros Inc. is "now reviewing Els' sponsorships, schedule and existing agreements" (RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH, 9/26).
