Today COBRA Golf made it official, golfing sensation, Rickie Fowler, will join their worldwide roster of professional golfers. COBRA Golf will supply Rickie with the latest golf clubs as well as Tour Staff Bags and a selection of accessories. Rickie, who signed with PUMA Golf in 2009, will now represent the full COBRA PUMA GOLF brand both on and off the course. Rickie will also be featured in upcoming marketing campaigns for both COBRA and PUMA Golf.

“Rickie’s focus, determination and performance combined with his stand out style and joy for the game make him a perfect match for COBRA Golf,” said Bob Philion, President of COBRA PUMA GOLF. “He has had a tremendous effect in the golf industry over the past few years and his influence continues to grow. As we continue the revitalization of COBRA globally, Rickie Fowler will be instrumental in bringing our core DNA to life by being grounded in performance while bringing an edgy, unique personality and style to life. He will help us introduce the new COBRA Golf to a new group of consumers.”

Orange-Outs Tour Events
To celebrate Rickie’s full COBRA PUMA GOLF partnership, ‘orange-outs’ will happen at various Tour events, COBRA PUMA GOLF Experiences, retailers and this week at the 2012 PGA Merchandise Show. ‘Orange-outs’ will celebrate Rickie Fowler, his favorite color and the new COBRA AMP™ line of drivers, irons, hybrids and fairway woods. In some instances, fans will be able to participate and support Rickie, like this week at the Farmer’s Insurance Open. For information how you can join in on the fun, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cobra.

Rickie Fowler’s Cobra Golf Setup for 2012
Rickie will start out the year with COBRA’s brand new AMP™ Driver featuring E9 Face Technology™ with dual roll, Advanced Material Placement™, Adjustable Flight Technology™ with details in Rickie’s favorite color, vibrant orange, the AMP 3-Wood and AMP Pro Prototype Irons. Throughout the year, he will continue to test new COBRA Golf product and add it to his bag.

“I am so excited to have the COBRA sticks in my bag and be a full part of the COBRA PUMA GOLF Team,” said Fowler. “I’ve been hitting the AMP Driver great; I’m getting a lot more distance and the orange details look really fresh. I can’t wait to get out at Torrey Pines and put my new COBRA clubs into play.”

www.cobragolf.com

Rickie Fowler chipped paint-covered golf balls to create six unique, paint splattered caps, each one signed by Rickie. Puma Golf wants to give you a chance to win one of these amazing one-of-a-kind autographed hats starting this Thursday, July 15, 2011. Just visit Puma.com to Enter!

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When it comes to the PGA Tour, no one comes close to embracing vibrant colors, patterns, and style, like Puma Golf’s Rickie Fowler. Next week at Congressional Country Club, site of the 2011 U.S. Open, Rickie will be wearing the latest line of clothing from the Puma Golf. On Sunday, when Rickie wears all orange, he’ll be sporting limited edition Cell Fusion 2  golf shoes that will be available for sale after the U.S. Open.

www.puma.com/golf

Find out what Johan Edfors will be wearing at the 2011 U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club.

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www.puma.com/golf

When it comes to the PGA Tour, few are known to have as distinct of a style as Rickie Fowler. This week, that style will be on full display as Rickie makes his debut the Masters. Green will dominate his look on Wednesday and Friday, and Sunday will be classic Rickie Orange.

Thursday: Golf Performance Polo, Golf Style Pants, High Shine Belt, Cell Fusion and 210 Fitted Monoline Cap

Friday: Golf Duo-Swing Graphic Polo, Golf Style Pants, High Shine Belt, Cell Fusion and 210 Fitted Monoline Cap

Saturday: Golf RoadMap Stripe Polo, Golf Style Pants, High Shine Belt, Cell Fusion and 210 Fitted Monoline Cap

Sunday: Golf Duo-Swing Mesh Polo, Golf Style Pants, High Shine Belt, Cell Fusion and 210 Fitted Monoline Cap

www.puma.com/golf

Ryder Cup Fans-Photo Rydercup.com

We all know by now that the Ryder Cup came down to the final singles match between Hunter Mahan and Graeme McDowell, and how it ended with Europe reclaiming the Ryder Cup, by 1-point -14 1/2 to 13 1/2.  Over the past four days of some of the most exciting golf in recent history, I learned eight things from watching the the 38th Ryder Cup, some of them may surprise you,  and others may not.

1. It’s about being a team player and keeping it classy. Even though Hunter Mahan took the loss really hard, and let his emotions overtake him during the press conference. His team mate Phil Mickleson stepped in, took the microphone and partially took the blame for the teams loss. It’s true that Hunter didn’t lose the cup because of his singles match, it lost due to the abysmal play by the USA team during session 3 that ended up costing them the cup in the end.

2. Jeff Overton will forever be known as “Baby Boom!” The raw emotion that this Ryder Cup rookie showed was contagious, and no one looked the most at home in the Ryder Cup “Gortons Fisherman” bucket hats. Overton said it best after winning his singles match, “It’s not necessarily about winning or losing.It’s about the experience of having a great sport like this and just the camaraderie and the fun.” Jeff, is another player that gained a lot of new fans, mine included.

3. Rickie Fowler proved why he was a great Captain’s pick for the Ryder Cup, despite having never won a tournament in 2010. Four birdies in a singles match to halve the match, he gained a ton of new fans and showed why he has a promising future ahead of him. I also think people will embrace his bold style choices on the golf course. I have a feeling bright orange Puma Golf Cell Fusion golf shoes will be in demand this holiday season and everyone will want to be like Rickie, who showed us that even the young Ryder Cup rookie can show poise under pressure.

4. Naming your fabric RainFlex, isn’t a good idea, when it fails to keep the USA Ryder Cup team dry and they are uncomfortable to wear in Wales. Sorry, but Sun Mountain dropped the ball by providing faulty rain suits to the U.S. Ryder Cup team, and handling the situation poorly from a PR and media standpoint. When the PGA has to go and buy rain suits from the merchandise tents, because their official providers suits don’t work, that’s never good for business. Except if you’re ProQuip!

5. Corey Pavin, has to be one of the worst Ryder Cup Captain’s in the history of the tournament. Lacking any ability to motivate his team, and always giving robotic responses to the media, made it very hard for me to like him as a Captain. That’s why Jason Sobel and members of the media loved’ referring to him has “Borey.” I get that it’s the players who win and lose the Ryder Cup, and not the Captain, but why was Pavin following Zach Johnson’s singles match? Pavin had to have known that the Ryder Cup was coming down to the last match between Hunter Mahan and Graeme McDowell. The only thing that I liked about Pavin was his selection of Rickie Fowler as his Captain’s pick.

6. The PGA might want to rethink how it selects its Captain’s. The missteps by Pavin and lack of any charisma, really hurt the U.S. team in my opinion. The Captain should have the ability to motivate be a good strategist, and be flexible. Pavin never budged on his singles lineup after he made them Saturday evening, unlike Colin Montgomerie who made last minute changes. Being rigid and inflexible are not good qualities your leader should have.

7. Colin Montgomerie’s success can be attributed to his Captain’s pick of Luke Donald who played brilliantly going 3-1-0, hitting solid iron shots, and putting extremely well. McDowell, Westwood, and Poulter also helped with sealing Monty’s legacy. I have to wonder how Paul Casey feels about being looked over and missing out on the Ryder Cup?

8. Somebody must have told Dustin Johnson he was playing in the Ryder Cup, because he finally came to play on the last day, when he smoked Martin Kaymer in a rematch of the final round of the PGA Championship. The entire Ryder Cup, Johnson always looked very out of sorts, putting poorly, and out of it. It was nice to see him bounce back.

What did you learn from watching the Ryder Cup?

Alexis “Lexi” Thompson signs with COBRA-PUMA Golf

Alexis “Lexi” Thompson, 15, has become the youngest female golfer to turn professional. The announcement comes on the heels of a U.S. Curtis Cup victory, where Lexi posted a 4-0-1 record. She’s currently the No. 1 women’s amateur in the world. Three years ago at age 12, she was the youngest player ever to qualify for the U.S. Women’s Open. Now in her pivotal first year as a pro, she won’t be alone on the course: COBRA-PUMA GOLF has become the rising star’s official equipment, footwear and apparel sponsor, making Lexi its first athlete signed under both the Cobra and PUMA Golf brands that joined forces earlier this spring.

“Lexi’s style and groundbreaking performance on the course make her the perfect Cobra and PUMA Golf representative,” said Bob Philion, President of COBRA-PUMA GOLF. “Our brands are well suited to her game right now and are poised to progress with her career in the future, while she develops as a professional golfer.”

Lexi’s youthfulness, commitment to the sport, and drive for performance makes her an ideal athlete for COBRA-PUMA GOLF. She joins the company’s current world-class roster that includes PUMA Golf’s Rickie Fowler, Johan Edfors, and Anna Nordqvist, and Cobra’s Ian Poulter, Camilo Villegas and J.B. Holmes. Lexi, however, will be the first professional representing both brands on the course. As part of this long-term partnership, she will wear PUMA Golf shoes featuring Smart Quill technology, and PUMA’s performance golf apparel. She will also play the Cobra S2 Driver (8.5°), Cobra S2 Fairway (3-wood), Baffler Rail Hybrid (2/H) and Cobra S2 Forged irons (3-PW), and will be featured in upcoming marketing campaigns, consumer and trade events.

“I am proud to represent Cobra and PUMA Golf,” she said. “Not only do both brands make great, technically advanced products that will help me play better on the course, but I’ve always loved them both for their edge and style. In my last amateur event, I played a Cobra S2 Driver and S2 Forged irons, and look forward to wearing my new PUMA gear at my first professional event in June. Most importantly, I’m looking forward to having fun and excelling on the course during my first few years as a professional golfer, with the support of COBRA-PUMA GOLF.”

The Coral Springs, Florida native comes from a lineage of golfers that includes older brothers Nick, a 27-year old PGA Tour pro, and Curtis, 17, who will play golf at Louisiana State University this fall. Parents Judy and Scott also enjoy the game. Scott will caddie for Lexi during her first professional year. While on tour, Lexi will continue her education through home schooling by her parents and under close supervision from educational professionals.

Known for her independent spirit and drive for success, Lexi’s life off the course is focused around family and fun. An avid music and reality television fan, she also likes to relax by listening to music and bowling with friends.

She debuts with COBRA-PUMA GOLF at the 2010 LPGA ShopRite Classic in New Jersey June 18-20, followed by the 2010 Women’s U.S. Open in July. At last week’s Curtis Cup, Lexi won four matches, including a 6-and-5 win on Sunday. Earlier this year, she was runner-up at the 2010 Harder Hall Invitational and Dixie Amateur. She’s played in three consecutive U.S. Women’s Opens (2007-2009), captured both the 2008 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship and 2009 Junior PGA Championship, and successfully represented the U.S. in the 2009 Junior Solheim Cup.

For more information about COBRA-PUMA GOLF, visit golf.puma.com and cobragolf.com.

A memorial service for Erica Blasberg will be held on Wednesday, May 19th, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Eagle Glen Golf Club in Corona (CA). The service is open to the public. Those who wish to send flowers can deliver arrangements to the Eagle Glen Golf Club and cards and letters can be sent for the Blasberg family to REP 1 Sports Group .

Eagle Glen Golf Club, 1800 Eagle Glen Parkway, Corona, CA 92883

REP 1 Sports Group, 2 Corporate Park Ste. #106, Irvine, CA 92606

Cleveland Golf CG TV put together a video slideshow tribute to Erica, that has some terrific photos.

How will you remember Erica?

Erica Blasberg during a break from the video shoot for Puma Golf

I was shocked and saddened to hear that six-year LPGA player Eric Blasberg was found dead yesterday in her Henderson, Nevada home. No cause of death has been disclosed. The 25 year old Blasberg had recently finished tied for 44th at the Tres Marias Championship in Morelia, Mexico in her only start for 2010.

Erica was the face of Puma Golf since 2006, and appeared in commercials and advertisements for the golf brand category.

“PUMA is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of PUMA Athlete and friend, professional golfer Erica Blasberg. A statement athlete for PUMA Golf, Erica has been with PUMA since the brand launched into the golf category in March 2006. Erica was a solid player on the course, and brought a fresh sense of youthfulness, fun, beauty and energy to the brand. She will be greatly missed.

PUMA extends our deepest sympathies to Erica’s family, friends, peers and those on the tour who have worked, played and had the pleasure of knowing her.” – Bob Philion, President of COBRA-PUMA GOLF

I was fortunate enough to get to know Erica at the 2009 PGA Merchandise Show, where I interviewed, and acted with her in a commercial for Puma Golf. I’ll remember Erica for being such a fun and happy person, with a promising career ahead of her on the LPGA.

My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.

Spring is upon on us and it’s time to hit the links and there is no better way to celebrate the start of golf season, than with a new pair of golf shoes. One pair of golf shoes that caught my eye are the new Puma Golf Cell Fusion shoes, the same golf shoes that rising PGA Tour sensation Rickie Fowler has been wearing.

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Look and Feel
The Puma Cell Fusion are the next generation of Puma’s golf shoes that feature cutting edge style, heel iCell technology with an hexagonal inner-cell components within the midsole for superior cushioning and stability. The TPU outsole is equipped with directional molded Smart Quills, as well as new, replaceable Smart Quill spikes.

The sleek profile and patent leather accents of the Cell Fusion made from full-grain leather is similar in style to previous versions of Puma’s other popular golf shoes like the Swing GTX and Tipper, but with one major difference, it now has replaceable Smart Quills. A big compliant of people with normal width feet is that Puma Golf shoes are too narrow in the toe box, that is no longer an issue, because the toe box is much wider and still retains a sleek profile for a comfortable fit.

The biggest improvement in the Cell Fusion is not just the replaceable Smart Quills, it’s the amount of cushioning and support they provide. I wore the Cell Fusion all day long during the PGA Merchandise Show and when playing golf in Puerto Rico and my feet never felt fatigued or tired. These are by far the most comfortable pair of Puma Golf shoes to date.

Whenever I wear the Cell Fusion, I constantly get compliments on what a sharp looking pair of golf shoes the Cell Fusion are and I have to agree.

Performance
In terms of traction and support, the Cell Fusion worked flawlessly in both the wet and dry conditions of three rounds of golf in Puerto Rico. The fixed Smart Quills, Smart Quill spikes, and TPU teeth in the heel and forefoot added the necessary grip in all conditions. A cool little feature of the Cell Fusion are the little nibs on the insole of the toe, which are designed for you to wipe debris from your golf club. A nice little touch in my opinion.

I also liked how low and close to the ground you feel when wearing the Cell Fusion, which is critical for good footwork during the golf swing. The closer you are to the ground, more easily it is to push off and get the added power in your swing. The Smart Quills, are green friendly and don’t leave deep marks in the green, even in soft conditions.

What I also liked with the Cell Fusion is how well waterproof full-grain leather uppers performed in wet and soggy course conditions. My feet were kept dry when walking through standing water at Trump International Golf Club in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico and more importantly provided good traction with no grass and mud clumping on the soles.

Overall, I think the Puma Cell Fusion are most comfortable and best pair of golf shoes that Puma has put out to date.

You may never have the talent of Rickie Fowler, but you can at least wear the same shoes as him.

Cell Fusion $180 White-Snorkel Blue