PHOENIX (Jan. 20, 2014) - PING announced today that Bubba Watson will wear one of the company's three new premium gloves under a unique agreement in which PING will make an annual donation to the Bubba Watson Foundation, based on the number of gloves sold. Watson debuts the new PING Sensor Sport glove at this week's Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego.
The three new gloves -- Sensor Sport, Sensor Tour, and Sensor Tech -- all feature PING Sensor Cool, a proprietary technology that wicks moisture away to keep the golfer cooler, drier and more comfortable. The gloves will be available in mid-February at PING-authorized golf shops.
"Instead of a traditional endorsement agreement, we'll contribute to Bubba's foundation annually," said John A. Solheim, PING Chairman & CEO. "It was Bubba's idea and it fits his desire to use his status in the game to assist charities that are doing good work in their communities. Bubba and his wife Angie have big hearts, and this arrangement will help them further their efforts. At the same time, Bubba will be out on tour representing what we feel is the best line of golf gloves in the industry."
Specific terms of the agreement were not released, but Solheim said the amount of the donation is tied to overall glove sales.
"I'm excited to partner with PING by wearing the new Sensor Sport glove and at the same time help raise funds for my foundation," Watson said. "My wife Angie and I want to use golf to assist those less fortunate. PING also believes in using the game to give back, so it's a great opportunity for us to combine our efforts and support charities around the world. The more gloves we sell, the more people we'll help. I hope golfers get behind this program. They'll get a high-performance glove and contribute to great causes."
Solheim said the gloves were researched, tested and designed at PING. "We engineered a superior fit and feel by combining the lightest, softest materials with enhanced flexibility. Integrating Sensor Cool into the wristband and the Lycra® fabric is one example of how we analyzed every detail to optimize comfort and performance. Plus, we were able to give golfers a variety of styles to choose from. As with clubs, players should wear a glove that feels custom-made and fits their game."
The Sensor Sport and Sensor Tour gloves offer a special combination of breathable Sensor Cool technology and Solite cabretta leather, Solheim said. (Sensor Cool is also found in select models of PING headwear.) "Sensor Cool is a cutting-edge innovation that keeps the golfer more comfortable and provides long-lasting performance," he said. "In our Sensor Tech model, we use a high-quality synthetic leather to offer extreme durability in all weather conditions, more Lycra, and a reinforced palm for a secure grip."
