Chalk up a big win for the good folks at Toronto-based Second Skin Garment Co., who confirmed Tuesday that former Tiger Woods stable mate Rory Sabbatini _ the shin-splinted south African whose big mouth and ill-advised Target World Challenge exit strategy happened to coincide with his departure from Nike Golf (tell me that flight to Hawaii wasnt the most expensive in history) _ is now sporting the Hollas name.
Its tough to imagine a better endorsement catch than Sabbatini, whose lip-shooting, bridge-burning, go-for-broke style is steadily making him the most talked-about player on the PGA Tour _ a guy golf fans either love or love to hate.
Whatever side of that line you may come down on, this is a guy who gets a lot of face time _ even if it is often for the wrong reasons.
Remember Sabbatinis rather shabby treatment of 2005 Booz Allen Classic lollygagger Ben Crane? Weary of Cranes slow play, he putted out on 17 and marched to the 18th tee before his playing partner had even made his way to the green.
Then, of course, theres his less-than-respectful treatment of golfs marquee player, first calling Tiger more beatable than ever, then pleading shin splints before withdrawing from last months Target event, with last-place money in his pocket.
Say what you will about Sabbatini, who is now playing Adams Golf gear, but he can golf his ball “ a potent combination for a Canadian upstart company (sort of) like Second Skin.
Not to take anything away from other members of the Second Skin stable, including Jon Mills, David Hearn and Dean Wilson, but with Sabbatini, the Hollas brand just got a whole lot more visible. `
Heres the release:
Rory Sabbatini inks deal with Second Skin Garment Company
For Immediate Release
January 15, 2008
WOODBRIDGE, ON “ Four-time PGA Tour champion Rory Sabbatini will be teeing it up in style for 2008 wearing Hollas from Second Skin Garment Company.
As part of the multi-year endorsement deal Sabbatini, the 11th-ranked player in the world, will wear the trend-setting 2008 Hollas collection. He will also appear in Hollas advertising and marketing promotions.
When it comes to comfort, fit and fashion Hollas features a creative collection that suits who I am, says Sabbatini, who opened the 2008 golf season wearing Hollas at the Mercedes-Benz Championship where he finished 17th. He followed it up this past week placing second at the Sony Open. Its really quite simple, when Im wearing Hollas the comfort and fit are second to none and that allows me to focus on my game.
The international tour star hails from South Africa and lives outside Dallas, Texas. He is coming off his best year as a tour pro having won the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial. He finished in the Top-10 at nine other tournaments, including a T2 at The Masters. Sabbatini was the only player to post Top-10 finishes at all four FedEx Cup Playoff events. He finished 2007 ranked sixth on the PGA Tour Money List having won over $4.5 million.
Im looking forward to adding my input to the Hollas collection and I have been very impressed with the attention to detail at Second Skin and the companys excellent level of service, says Sabbatini, who is one of the games most recognizable players. He joins Canadian Jon Mills and American Dean Wilson as members of the 2008 Hollas Golf Team on the PGA Tour.
Hollas is well-known across Canada as a genuine golf brand, says Don Nichols, Executive Vice-President of Sales and Marketing. The addition of Rory not only bolsters our presence on the PGA Tour and across North America, but it also introduces Hollas to the world stage. We welcome Rory to the Second Skin and Hollas teams and were delighted that he decided that Hollas is the best fit for him.
As part of the West Coast swing, Sabbatini is scheduled to play the Buick Invitational, the FBR Open, the Northern Trust Open and the World Golf Championship Accenture Match Play Championship at The Gallery at Dove Mountain in Tucson, Arizona
ABOUT SECOND SKIN
Second Skin Garment Co. was founded in Toronto, Ontario in 1988. It evolved into a leading edge outerwear company before entering into the Canadian golf market in the mid-1990s.
Since that time, Second Skin has developed into one of the most recognizable brands in the Canadian golf industry. The trend-setting Hollas line was introduced in 2002 and remains focused on highly technical athletic lines for younger male and female golfers. Its worn by Sabbatini, Dean Wilson, and Jon Mills on the PGA Tour, by David Hearn on the Nationwide Tour and Andrew Parr and Wes Heffernan on the Canadian Tour.
In May 2007, Waterford Industries, the licensee for Weir Golf and owner of Grace Lane apparel amalgamated with Second Skin Garment Co. Weir Golf and Grace Lane, worn by Lorie Kane on the LPGA Tour, are oriented along traditional styling for fashion-conscious adults.
