How to Get Sponsored by Nike Golf
By Lyle@Nymble
Professional golfers, like athletes in almost every professional sport, land sponsorship deals with all sorts of companies. A company like Nike Golf that thinks it might get some much-needed publicity from a person can make a deal for as much or as little as the parties agree to. Some players might get free equipment, some a salary or a job title. Some, like Tiger Woods, get large promotional deals justified by exceptional performance.
Instructions
Difficulty: Challenging
Tiger Woods is not the only player with a promotional sponsorship contract with Nike Golf, but he was certainly the first. Nike Golf grew up with Tiger after he turned pro in 1996. Nike sponsors good to great golfers with successful records and strong public images. If you fall into that category, Nike might approach you.
Turn pro: Amateur golfers give up their amateur status to be sponsored to play the game they love. In order for have Nike as a sponsor, you first need to be a professional.
Get an agent: Unless you have just won a United States amateur championship, one of several other big-time amateur events or one or more professional events--Nationwide Tour events included--you need an agent or manager to attract the attention of sponsors like Nike. He or she will be able to approach Nike on your behalf regarding sponsorship opportunities.
Be a successful player: Even if you do have an agent or manager, winning golf events--or at least qualifying for the PGA, European or Asian tour and rising up in the world rankings and on tour money lists--is the only way to get noticed by sponsors, particularly Nike, and land a deal.
About The Author
Lyle Smith is an award-winning copywriter with a widely varied background. He has completed work for individuals, small businesses and fortune 1000 corporate clients all over the country. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Villanova University.
