Nike Golf Proves Superior in First Golf Digest Rankings

Press Release

Posted 2004-02-09

For the first time in its 54 years, Golf Digest Magazine has ranked what it's equipment editors have determined are the hottest pieces of equipment in golf. Golf Digest's February issue debuts its first "Hot List" and Nike Golf proved just how hot it is by leading or ranking highly in six of the seven categories.

Nike Golf's revolutionary Slingshot Irons were named Irons of the Year by Golf Digest, while Nike Golf's CPR Hybrids, or 'Clubs for Prevention and Recovery,' were named Hybrid Clubs of the Year. The February issue also listed its first monthly "Hot List" which included the new Ignite Driver featuring two breakthroughs in club head technology - the Around the Crown design and the NexTi material. The Ignite will debut at retail in April.

"We've come a long way for a company that's been delivering clubs to retail for just 22 months," said Nike Golf President Bob Wood. "I am extremely proud of the work that our club and ball teams have done but it's even more rewarding when they are recognized by leaders within the industry for design and engineering excellence."

Golf Digest equipment editors used the following criteria to select and rank products: 1) Market buzz -- are people talking about it? 2) Technology/Innovation -- is it truly special? 3) Performance/Playability -- Does it work? 4) Personal Preference -- Would the editor recommend the product to a friend?

Ten products were selected within each category ranking from Product of the Year (one product), to Highly Recommended (three products), to Recommended (six products). Of six club categories, Nike Golf was No. 1 in two of them, Highly Recommended in a third category, and Recommended in a fourth category.

Nike Golf's Nike One golf ball was one of ten to make the "Hot List" for that category. The Nike One was the first three-cover golf ball (maximizing performance off the tee, with mid-irons and around the green) introduced on Tour. Tiger Woods began playing a prototype Nike One last year; it is now played by about half of Nike Golf's Tour Staff.

Nike Golf Equipment on Golf Digest's Hot List for 2003:

Iron of the Year - Nike Golf's Slingshot Irons
What they said: "A large percentage of mid- to high-handicap golfers might not recognize their ball flight after a few swings with the Slingshot…The majority if us need what this club can do."

Hybrid of the Year - Nike Golf's CPR
What they said: "If you only buy one club this season, make it a hybrid...the Nike CPR works anywhere."

Highly Recommended Putters - Nike Golf's Blue Chip Oz
What they said: "The massive-mallet-with-a-big-ol'-alignment-aid category has really taken off...and for good reason...the Oz is a nice option."

Recommended Wedges - Nike Golf Forged Wedges

Recommended Golf Balls - the Nike One

The Hot List for February - Nike Golf's Ignite Driver
What they said: "There's no telling what will be hot six months from now but our equipment judges present these exhibits as a starting point."