Golf news / 01.04.2012
22-Year-Old ECCO Tour Graduate Continues Rapid Rise Up Official World Golf Ranking
ECCO confirms that Staff Player Thorbjørn Olesen wore its luxurious World Class GTX golf shoes while capturing the PGA European Tour’s Sicilian Open, contested this past weekend at Verdura Golf & Spa Resort in Sicily, Italy.
Olesen, who also showcased the ECCO logo on his shirt collar, began the final round with a three shot lead after a sterling 67 in difficult conditions on Saturday. The 22-year-old Dane then carded a three-under 69 on Sunday to clinch his first European Tour victory. With the win, Olesen advanced to No. 18 in the Race to Dubai and just outside the top 100 on the Official World Golf Ranking.
“I've been playing some great golf this year, without all parts of my game coming together,” Olesen said. “But this week my long and short game both came together, and it feels fantastic to finally get over the line.”
Olesen, who honed his game on the ECCO Tour, the leading developmental tour in Scandinavia, had already posted two other top-10s this season, including a tie for eighth at the star-studded Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.
“Thorbjørn is among the game’s brightest young talents and is rapidly becoming the standard bearer for the next generation of elite Danish players,” says Jesper Thuen, ECCO Global Marketing Manager – Golf. “He’s long relied on ECCO golf shoes to help him perform his best as he pursues his goal of hoisting major championship trophies.”
After winning the ECCO Tour qualification tournament in 2008, Olesen went on to win three Nordic League titles the following season to earn a promotion to the European Challenge Tour. He then continued his strong play in 2010, winning The Princess and recording two runner-ups. That secured him full privileges on the 2011 European Tour, where he finished second on three occasions and a close runner-up in the rookie of the year voting.
Golf news / 27.03.2012
Relies on Golf’s First Performance Hybrid Footwear En Route to Seventh Champions Tour Title
ECCO confirms that Staff Player Fred Couples wore its BIOM Hybrid shoes while capturing the Champions Tour Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic this past weekend at Fallen Oak Golf Course in Saucier, Mississippi.
Showcasing the ECCO logo on his headwear and relying on golf’s first performance hybrid footwear, Couples began the week by shooting a course-record 63. The 52-year-old then maintained his position atop the leaderboard and finally secured his seventh Champions Tour title with an eight-foot birdie putt on the final hole.
"The bottom line is you get a lot of chances to win if you play well," said Couples. “It was a fun day and I’m looking forward to the Shell and then Augusta.”
One of the most popular players in history, Couples has captured 15 PGA Tour events during his 30-year career, including the 1992 Masters. Known for his effortless-yet-powerful swing, he was twice named PGA Tour Player of the Year (1991, 1992) and has been a member of five Ryder Cup teams. In 2009 and 2011, he captained the U.S. President’s Cup team to decisive victories over the International squad.
“Fred turned in a remarkable performance and his win marks the first on Tour for the new BIOM Hybrid,” says Jesper Thuen, ECCO Global Marketing Manager – Golf. “This continues the trend of ECCO pioneering game-enhancing footwear technologies for players of all abilities.”