(LONDONDERRY, New Hampshire) – ECCO – the Danish footwear giant and maker of the world’s most comfortable, technologically-advanced and fashionable golf shoes – announces that Thongchai Jaidee has been named Johnnie Walker Asian Golfer of the Year for 2004.
A native of Thailand and the Asian Tour’s number one ranked player, Jaidee was presented the award at a Gala Dinner in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square during the 2005 Johnnie Walker Classic. It was the second time that he has received the prestigious distinction. In 2004, Jaidee enjoyed his best season to date, placing in the top ten in five of the nine Asian Tour events he entered. He also claimed his second Asian Tour Order of Merit title.
“We are very proud of the way Thongchai has performed since switching to ECCO golf shoes,” says Per Aagren, General Manager of ECCO’s golf division. “It’s wonderful to see him in ECCO’s World Class model as he leads tournaments, enjoying the same comfort, quality and increased lateral stability that are found in all our shoes.”
Jaidee has continued his astonishing success in 2005. In February, he became the first Thai golfer ever to capture a European Tour event by winning the Carlsberg Malaysia Open. As a result of the win, Jaidee was named PGA European Tour Golfer of the Month for February.
In addition to Jaidee, ECCO men’s golf shoes – including four fully waterproof Gore-Tex models – are endorsed by internationally renowned players Colin Montgomerie, Thomas Bjorn and Aaron Baddeley. The 2005 men’s collection consists of 11 models in 31 color combinations with retail prices from $140 to $400.
ECCO’s women’s collection – including three fully waterproof Gore-Tex models and featuring fashion colors like purple glow, blue shadow, emerald and candy – are worn in competition by dozens of LPGA Tour players, including Hall-of-Famer Juli Inkster. ECCO is also the official footwear sponsor of the Ladies European Tour and the European Solheim Cup team.
The 2005 women’s collection includes eight models in 33 color combinations with retail prices from $120 to $180.
ECCO golf shoes are praised by Tour and everyday players for their innovative styling and unprecedented attention to detail and comfort. All models feature ultra-soft, high-grade leather and extra cushion provided by PU-injected midsoles for superior shock absorption, a process unique to ECCO in the golf industry.
About ECCO
ECCO Sko A/S is an international group founded in 1963 by Karl Toosbuy in Denmark. Today, ECCO is a global player in the dress and casual footwear industry, with direct subsidiaries in Europe, the Far East and North America, and partners worldwide. ECCO has 9,000 employees worldwide. ECCO USA, Inc. is based in Londonderry, New Hampshire. For more information: www.eccousa.com , (800) 886-3226.
