Justin Leonard Signs with Nike

Nike announced today that they have signed Justin Leonard to their tour staff.

Justin LeonardNike Golf announced today that they have signed Justin Leonard to their tour staff. Although specific numbers were not in the press release, Nike quantified it as an, “exclusive multi-year relationship.” Leonard adds another big name to the Nike camp which has worked hard to sign new stars such as Paul Casey to complement their headliners like Tiger Woods, Grace Park, and David Duval.

Leonard’s first start on the PGA tour season is scheduled to be the Buick Invitational on January 20, 2005. Leonard will be playing with Nike’s 410CC Ignite driver, Forged Blade irons, Forged Pro Combo wedges, and One Black ball. He will also sport Nike Dri-Fit apparel and should be working with Nike to help design eye-wear in the future.

Leonard is entering into his tenth season on the PGA tour and has eight wins to his credit. His career highlights include winning the 1997 British Open and the fifty foot putt he sunk to help the US Ryder Cup team clinch victory in 1999. In 2004 however, Leonard was winless and finished 42nd on the money list, his lowest finish in his career.

6 thoughts on “Justin Leonard Signs with Nike”

  1. That’s a good deal for Leonard, but at the same time it kind of bums me out. I’m a big fan of his, and I always kind of liked the fact that he was a Hogan-man, same as I.

    He’s made a lot of headway increasing his distance off the tee over the last couple of years, I’ll be curious to see what happens to his headway with a Nike driver and ball.

  2. It should be neat to see what’s going to happen with him, he’s too good a player to have another year like 04. I think a shake up with equipment should be helpful for him, gets him a clean slate for the new season and a new reason to practice a bit more.

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