Nike Golf Adds Rising Star Kevin Chappell to its Roster of Talented Athletes
-Chappell will play with Nike Golf clubs from its VR franchise; has switched to Nike’s 20XI ball; and will wear Nike Golf apparel and footwear-
Beaverton, OR (January 11, 2012) – Nike Golf today announced the signing of 25-year-old Kevin Chappell, who makes his professional debut as a Nike Golf athlete when he tees it up in the first round of the Sony Open in Honolulu, HI. Chappell has signed a multi-year agreement and will represent Nike Golf in clubs, ball, footwear, glove, bag, apparel, headwear and accessories.
Chappell’s new bag of Nike Golf clubs are highlighted by Nike’s successful VR Franchise, including an 18-degree hybrid from Nike’s brand new award-winning VR_S line of clubs. He also will be playing with the new Nike 20XI ball featuring RZN Core technology, a new lighter and faster innovative material that Nike believes will obsolete rubber core technology. His putter is a Nike Method putter, featuring Polymetal Groove technology that reduces skid while generating a truer forward roll. He will be wearing apparel from Nike Golf’s Sport and Performance line.
Chappell is no stranger to Nike Golf. Prior to signing with the Swoosh as a head-to-toe athlete, he wore the popular Nike Lunar Control golf shoe, featuring Nike’s Lunarlon Foam and Nike Flywire – two technologies that together result in a lightweight shoe providing maximum comfort and stability.
“From the moment I put on those shoes, I knew immediately what Nike Golf stands for – innovation.” said Chappell. “They bring a new vibe and style to the sport. I love that attitude. I’m excited to be playing with Nike clubs and am especially excited about the new 20XI ball. It’s awesome.”
During his rookie season on the PGA Tour last year, Chappell posted three top-10 finishes, including a third-place finish at the U.S. Open, which was his first-ever major championship start on the PGA Tour. Chappell’s best finish was a tie for second at the Valero Texas Open.
Before earning his PGA Tour card, Chappell enjoyed an illustrious career in 2010 on the Nationwide Tour, which was highlighted by a win and seven top-10 finishes.
A native of Fresno, California, Chappell attended UCLA, where he led the Bruins to a national golf title in 2008 and was a three-time All-American selection. Chappell also won the NCAA individual title and Player of the Year.
“Kevin is a super athletic guy with a wealth of talent,” said Mark Thaxton, Global Director of Sports Marketing Operations for Nike Golf. “He’s a powerful player with an impressive short game. We are excited to add him to our stable of athletes.”
Chappell’s Nike Golf Arsenal
Driver: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 9.5
Fairway Wood: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 3-wood/15-degree
Irons: Nike VR Pro Combo (3-5); VR Pro Blades (6-9)
Hybrids: Nike VR_S 18-degree
Wedges: Nike VR Pro DS 48, 54 and 60-degree
Putter: Nike Method 003 Prototype
Ball: Nike 20XI
Apparel: Nike Golf Sport and Nike Golf Performance
Footwear: Nike Lunar Control
