LONDONDERRY, N.H. -- Renowned Danish shoemaker ECCO has been named the official shoe of the 2006 Handa Cup, an international team competition featuring women’s golf legends from around the world taking place at the World Golf Village’s Slammer & Squire Course in St. Augustine, Fla., Dec. 15-17.
During the two-day, match play competition, players and captains from both the U.S. and international teams will compete in select styles from the Spring/Summer 2007 collection of ECCO golf shoes.
Captained by Hisako ‘Chako’ Higuchi of Japan, winner of the 1977 LPGA Championship and 69 titles on the LPGA of Japan Tour, the international team will consist of Dawn Coe Jones (Canada), Alicia Dibos (Peru), Maria Alice Gonzalez (Brazil) Sally Little (South Africa), Mieko Nomura (Japan), Michiko Okada (Japan), Anne Marie Palli (France), Cathy Panton-Lewis (Scotland), Barb Scherbak (Canada), Jan Stephenson (Australia), Angie Tsai (Taiwan) and Nayoko Yoshikawa (Japan).
Seven-time LPGA Player of the Year Kathy Whitworth, who also served as captain of the U.S. team at the inaugural Solheim Cup in 1990, will captain the team of U.S. legends that includes Amy Alcott, Pat Bradley, JoAnne Carner, Jane Geddes, Sandra Haynie, Christa Johnson, Rosie Jones, Nancy Lopez, Marilyn Lovander, Martha Nause, Cindy Rarick, Patty Sheehan and co-captain Lori West.
“The Handa Cup brings together some of the most famous names in the history of women’s golf for an exciting team competition,” says Jesper Thuen, Sponsor and Event Manager, ECCO Golf. “We’re proud to partner with this event to provide these legends with the comfort, style and performance of ECCO golf shoes.”
Matching innovative designs with cutting-edge technology and out-of-the-box comfort, the Spring/Summer 2007 ECCO Golf Collection includes classic, casual and sport models in a variety of new styles and colors alongside several returning favorites.
Worn in competition by international Tour stars Fred Couples, Juli Inkster, Colin Montgomerie, Thomas Bjorn, Aaron Baddeley, Thongchai Jaidee, Meena Lee, Sophie Gustafson, Anna Rawson and others, ECCO golf shoes provide the ideal platform for the perfect swing via a network of performance technologies, including:
• Ultra-soft, high-grade leathers with hydrophobic treatments for superb water-resistance
• A direct-injection process unique to ECCO in the golf industry that ensures durability, comfort and shock-absorption
• Internal stabilizer which reduces torque and creates a stable swing platform
• Double-layer insole that provides extra cushion and absorbs heel force to reduce stress on the knees, hip and back
• Internal Air-Circulation System that maintains a fresh, dry and cool foot environment
• Dynamic Energy Return System which produces a trampoline effect during foot-strike and follow-through to reduce fatigue during the course of a round
• Advanced grip systems include Eclipse cleats with the Fast Twist insert system, Stinger cleats with the Q-Lok insert system, and molded traction bars
ECCO is the official footwear sponsor of the Ladies European Tour and the 2007 European Solheim Cup team.
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 more than 10,500 employees worldwide. ECCO USA, Inc. is based in Londonderry, New Hampshire. For more information: www.eccousa.com, (800) 886-3226.
About The Legends Tour
The Legends Tour is the Official Tour of the LPGA for professionals 45 and older. Founded in 2000, the mission of The Legends Tour is to provide opportunities for professional women golfers to compete and to promote women's golf worldwide. The bourgeoning women's tour has grown to more than 100 members, including some of the most recognizable names in women's golf. Combined, The Legends Tour members have won 600 tournaments, including 55 major championships. Current LPGA members turn 45 virtually every year, contributing to the tour's long-term growth and vitality.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Tom Williams
Buffalo Communications
703.891.3322
twilliams@billycaspergolf.com
