I know I’m probably the only person in advertising who finds golf an incredibly boring game, to both watch and play. And yes, I know it’s a huge business and that legions of men, and quite a few women, blow millions on joining clubs, buying clubs, and all kinds of junk from “Improve your swing in five minutes” DVD’s to “Gorilla Grip” gloves. But, the news today that Nike Golf will unveil a $20 million campaign in January to support a range of new products in the first quarter of 2007, all wrapped up in a six-month TV, print and online effort, via Wieden, leaves me with a decided sense of “Who Cares?” Particularly when I read that the campaign will feature such tour stars and company spokesmen as Tiger Woods, Justin Leonard, K.J. Choi, Stuart Cink, Chad Campbell and Paul Casey. I mean c’mon guys… DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT! Try being a bit creative. Like not using Tiger Woods. I mean isn’t he exposed enough with all his other sponsors, from watch companies to business consultants that he’s shilling for and making zillions from. Although, I have to admit, at least he wins stuff. Unlike the dreadful Michelle Wie, who while pulling down billions in endorsements, insists on trying to qualify for the men’s tour, even though she has yet to win a women’s event. Golf, it’s as big a mystery to me as American football.
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