DUCA DEL COSMA TO UNVEIL TOP QUALITY APPAREL LINE AT THE PGA SHOW

                               

 

-Italian brand’s high-fashion polos & layering pieces are sure to turn heads on course and off- Duca del Cosma, the premium brand that has taken the golf world by storm with its ultra-stylish men’s and women’s golf shoes, is about to work that same magic on the industry’s apparel segment.

The Italian golf fashion brand will launch its first-ever apparel collection in the US market at the PGA Show in Orlando, bringing the same eye-catching European vibe that distinguishes its footwear to an impressive collection of men’s and women’s polos and layering items.

Golf professionals and buyers looking to enhance their apparel assortment can visit Duca del Cosma’s booth (#6573) located in a key footfall area of the show floor to see this fashion-driven yet highly functional collection, which aligns with the brand’s vision for modern golf styling and often complements footwear selections.

“We are extremely excited to unveil our innovative new apparel line at the golf industry’s biggest event of the year,” said Evelien Lauwers, Duca del Cosma’s Managing Director North America and Global Sales Director. “This cutting-edge line of polos and light outerwear aligns with the brand’s vision for modern golf fashion and will provide the perfect complement to our premium handcrafted golf shoes. Both are ideal for the golfer who wants to play their best while turning heads on the course.”

The fall 2025 line of men’s and women’s polos has been crafted with the fashion savvy golfer in mind to provide chic, high-performance comfort on the course, in the clubhouse or for any number of other daily activities.

Men’s models, the Romeo, Romeo Pro, Riccardo, and Rocco are available in striking shades of navy, light blue, mid blue, and orange with slightly contrasting plackets, as well as an orange, blue, and white sublimation print that ties these colors together to present a cohesive group at retail.

Women’s polos, the Lucia and Chiara, are offered in lovely combinations of purple/white, knockout pink/white, and light blue/white with a tapered, body-skimming fit that will flatter.

All Duca del Cosma polos are made of a premium quality bamboo charcoal and the recycled REPREVE® performance fabric that’s easy care and features moisture management and a Polygiene anti-odor treatment. The shirts are decorated with the recognizable Duca del Cosma logo, which is displayed proudly on the chest and upper back of each polo style, while offering

key features like 4-way stretch for athletic freedom of movement, a soft hand feel against the skin, and subtle Italian design touches on the buttons, back neck tape, and side seam.

Also included in this initial apparel collection are mid-layers boasting a luxuriously soft heathered texture, which are designed to complement the polos and other pieces in the lineup. There’s a half-zip style for men (Luca) and full-zip (Isabella) and roll-neck pullover (Alessia) options for women with features like a premium Duca branded YKK zip-puller, premium quality Modale/Micropoly/Spandex fabric, subtle Italian design touches on the inside collar and side seam, and thumb hole to keep your hands snug on cooler days.

“This ground-breaking apparel collection, made with the more extroverted golfer in mind, brings Europe’s finest styling touches to the course and is sure to please the most discriminating tastes,” Lauwers said. “It’s a must-see for any retailers looking to spruce up their golf shop assortments this year to wow existing customers and draw in new ones.”

Duca del Cosma sells its premium shoes in 40 different countries and operates from three offices around the world - The Netherlands (HQ), the United States and South Africa. 

**For more information on the apparel collection, visit www.ducadelcosma.com.

PRIMO ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH SIX-TIME MAJOR CHAMPION PHIL MICKELSON AND HYFLYERS GC

 

PRIMO ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH SIX-TIME MAJOR CHAMPION PHIL MICKELSON AND HYFLYERS GC Partnership with World Renowned Phil Mickelson and his LIV Golf Team Marks Significant Growth for Primo’s brand in Performance Golf  Primo, one of the fastest growing golf apparel lines, announced a partnership with HyFlyers GC, the LIV Golf team captained by Phil Mickelson. The company is designated as the “official golf apparel sponsor” of HyFlyers GC, which will see Mickelson and his teammates wearing Primo’s products in all competitive rounds at LIV events and major championships. This is the latest marker of Primo’s growth after launching its flagship product, the golf jogger, in 2020. Mickelson and his team created a video to launch the partnership, capturing the HyFlyers’ colorful personalities.  “I was challenged to wear the Primo joggers at the Open Championship after losing a match against Primo ambassador Grant Horvat,” said Mickelson.  “It turned out to be a game-changer. As I said, I wasn’t sure I could pull off wearing the cool, fashionable joggers but I have fallen in love with them and the rest of Primo’s outstanding product line. I’m excited the HyFlyers will be rocking them during our season." As captain of HyFlyers GC, Mickelson is joined by teammates Brendan Steele, Cameron Tringale, and Andy Ogletree. The entire team will be wearing all of Primo’s product line, which includes their joggers, traditional pants, quarter zips, vests, and traditional polos beginning February 6-8 during the season opener at LIV Golf Riyadh. Primo leans into their trademark phrase “Golfers are Athletes”, creating an athletic fit for golfers while also appealing to customers of all sizes. Their most well-known product, the joggers, comes in 40 different size options which allows golfers from 5'5" to 6'5" to find the right fit. In addition to the joggers, Primo offers premium shorts, pants, polos, quarter zips, hoodies, and more. Mickelson is a World Golf Hall of Famer, with 57 career wins including six majors – with three Masters Tournament wins.  At age 50, he became the oldest major winner when he claimed his second PGA Championship title in 2021 at Kiawah Island.  The HyFlyers GC captain spent more than 25 years ranked in the world's top 50.  “Partnering with HyFlyers GC is a huge milestone for us,” said Primo Founder & CEO Matty Gay. “Phil, like Primo, is incredibly passionate about the game of golf, has tremendous achievements in the game, and fits perfectly with our brand. Years of hard work have led us to this point, and we are excited to watch the team compete wearing Primo gear this season.” “We are excited to launch our partnership with Primo Golf Apparel,” said Peter Davis, General Manager of HyFlyers GC. “Primo is constantly innovating and creating high quality products that golfers love. We look forward to helping them accelerate their growth and continuing to build their brand throughout the season.”    Fans can shop for the latest apparel on site at LIV Golf events, at LIV Golf or on Primo's website.

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LIV GOLF ANNOUNCES SCOTT O’NEIL AS NEW CEO OF THE GLOBAL GOLF LEAGUE

 

LIV Golf today announced Scott O’Neil as new Chief Executive Officer of the company, effective immediately. O’Neil will drive the strategic vision, business operations, and global growth for the league, its 13 teams and roster of world-class golfers, and its efforts to drive positive impact. Greg Norman, who has been instrumental to the launch of LIV Golf as its first CEO and Commissioner, will hand off day-to-day management, but will remain involved with LIV Golf. O’Neil’s appointment represents the reach of LIV Golf’s early success and positions the league for the next phase of sustained growth as it remains focused on modernizing and supercharging the sport with a first-of-its-kind team competition and experience for the next generation golf fan around the world.    “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we welcome Scott to the LIV Golf family, knowing he will capitalize on everything that has been accomplished over the past three years,” said LIV Golf Board Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan. “Scott has the passion, the tenacity, and the vision to continue leveraging LIV Golf’s position as a pre-eminent, global sports and entertainment company and to lead our amazing teams and players for years to come.”   “When we launched LIV Golf, there was no one that made more sense to lead the organization other than Greg Norman. I thank him for everything he has done to establish, launch and grow our league. He has been instrumental to LIV’s success.”   Prior to being named CEO of LIV Golf, O’Neil served as CEO of Merlin Entertainments, responsible for overseeing the business operations and global growth across its 140+ attractions in 23 countries. Before Merlin, O’Neil served as CEO for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), a portfolio of professional sports, entertainment, and investment properties, where he oversaw more than $2 billion of growth in enterprise value centered on bringing innovation to the industry.   O’Neil has more than 25 years of experience in leading and managing global sports and entertainment brands. With a reputation for innovation, strategic and global brand development and partnerships, and a passion for culture and talent development, O’Neil has stewarded some of the sports and entertainment industry’s most renowned and iconic brands and properties, including the NBA’s New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers, the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, the NHL’s New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils, and the internationally ranked sports and entertainment arenas, Madison Square Garden and Prudential Center.   “The opportunity to lead a global sports league is a dream come true. I am grateful and humbly thank the members of the LIV Golf Board of Directors and its Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan for believing in my strategic vision, growth plan, and passion for this league,” said O’Neil. “LIV Golf is the world’s first global golf league and, with the best teams and players competing around the world, it represents sports entertainment at the highest level.   “What LIV Golf has achieved in just three years is remarkable – the game has been infused with a long overdue bolt of energy and innovation with the team model, players have increased freedom and rights, fans are getting the access they have always wanted, and the game has been brought to new markets that have been desperate for elite golf for decades.   “There has never been a better time to unlock real financial investment, bring team golf and innovation to the forefront, drastically lower the fan age demographic, and put fan experience and fun at the center of everything we do. LIV Golf represents the future of the sport and will ensure the future of the golf ecosystem for years to come.”   Announced as LIV Golf’s first CEO and Commissioner in October 2021, Greg Norman was a pioneer who helped pave the way for its significant growth and success during his three years leading the world’s first global golf league, including establishing its groundbreaking team and competition format, roster of the world’s top golfers and connections to many of the best courses in the world.   “First and foremost, congratulations to Scott. He is exactly the type of experienced professional who understands the unique and powerful combination of entertainment and sports that LIV Golf exemplifies. The league will be in very good hands with him at the helm,” said Greg Norman.   “I started this journey more than 30 years ago, knowing in my heart and mind that the game of golf and its professional players were undervalued, delivering a product that felt stagnant. With LIV Golf, we changed the game forever. None of this would have been possible without the vision and leadership of LIV’s Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan. He always knew what was possible and he never wavered from his belief that golf and the business of golf could be more than it was in the past.”   “I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished or more pleased with where the league stands today. I’m excited to pass the baton of day-to-day management and continue to help do what I can to grow LIV Golf. LONG LIV GOLF!”

Excitement builds as countdown continues for inaugural Vilamoura Pro-Am

  The countdown is on as one of Europe’s newest amateur tournaments, the Vilamoura Pro-Am, gets ready to commence across three of the Algarve’s best golf courses in February 2025.

 

Set to be played from 10-14 February 2025, PGA Professionals and amateur golfers can still register, as limited spaces remain, for the hotly anticipated event. In addition to entering a team of four with their own PGA Professional, amateurs also now have the option to play as an individual and be assigned a team.  

 

The inaugural event will see three exciting rounds played across the Old Course, Millennium and Pinhal courses in Vilamoura, as well as a range of energising evening entertainment that includes a welcome reception, dinner & drinks party, and a farewell dinner.

 

 

Participants will have the exciting opportunity to play the Old Course, known as the ‘Grande Dame’ of the Algarve, which underwent a series of significant improvements last summer to cement its place among the best courses in Europe. In addition to on-course improvements, the venue also unveiled a refreshed brand identity alongside a new state-of-the-art Clubhouse.

 

Competitors will be hosted in 5-star premium accommodation at the Hilton Vilamoura, featuring the prestigious 7 Seven Spa, one of the largest in Portugal.

 

 

Nuno Sepulveda, Co-CEO at DETAILS, said: “Excitement is building as we prepare for the upcoming Vilamoura Pro-Am, which promises to be a truly exceptional event. Not only will it bring together incredible golfing talent, but it also offers a unique opportunity to showcase the beauty and vibrancy of Vilamoura. With several upgrades having been made to key sport and hospitality facilities in the area, we’re confident participants will experience the very best of what the destination has to offer, both on and off the course.”

 

PGA Professionals and amateurs interested in entering, either as a team or an individual, should visit www.vilamoura-pro-am.com to register.

 

 

Managed by DETAILS, a series of major developments and upgrades have been announced in recent times across the area, including the renovation of the Equestrian Centre and its return to the international showjumping circuit, as well as the unveiling of the first Els Club in Europe, reinforcing Vilamoura’s status as a quality leisure destination. 

 

For more information about the Vilamoura Pro-Am click here.

  

COUPANG PLAY ANNOUNCED AS PRESENTING PARTNER OF LIV GOLF KOREA

                                           

 LIV Golf and Coupang Play today announced a new partnership for the League’s inaugural event in Korea, taking place at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea from May 2-4, 2025. The tournament will be officially known as LIV Golf Korea presented by Coupang Play, with the championship course in Incheon hosting the League’s star-studded field and “Golf, But Louder” experience that has been embraced by fans across the globe.

 
The multi-year partnership further establishes LIV Golf's presence in Korea, with Coupang Play serving as a principal partner for Iron Heads GC, a team with three Korean-born players, as well as a marketing partner and the exclusive broadcast partner for LIV Golf in South Korea. The country’s leading streaming service will bring the excitement of all LIV Golf tournaments, including live coverage of this exciting debut event, to Korea's passionate golf fans.
 
Coupang, Korea's largest e-commerce company, launched its video streaming app Coupang Play in 2020. Coupang Play has cemented its position as an unparalleled presenter of world-class sports events in Korea, including the annual ‘Coupang Play Series’ and the ‘MLB World Tour Seoul Series presented by Coupang Play 2024’. It has also received acclaim for its high-quality coverage of sports such as national football team matches, K League, European football leagues, F1, NFL, Davis Cup, FIBA Asia Cup, and the Masters Tournament – and it now adds coverage of all LIV Golf events to its major global sports portfolio.  
 
"As we expand the League schedule, we are thrilled to welcome Coupang Play as the presenting partner for the first-ever LIV Golf Korea," said Ross Hallett, LIV Golf Executive Vice President & Head of Events. "Coupang Play’s leading streaming service and ticketing operation, together with their significant presence throughout the country, makes them the ideal partner to bring the full LIV Golf experience to another major market in Asia, aligned with our ambition to make LIV Golf Korea one of the biggest events of 2025. Given Coupang Play’s local market expertise and variety of services, they will be an invaluable partner as we attract fans to attend the event and engage with LIV’s exciting brand of team competition in what is an incredibly important market for our League.”
 
“We are proud to partner with LIV Golf, the world’s first global team golf league, known for its star-studded roster and bold innovations that are breaking new ground in sports entertainment,” said John Lee, Head of Sports at Coupang Play. “With our experience in bringing global sports events such as the ‘Coupang Play Series’ and ‘MLB World Tour’ to Korea, we are confident that fans will experience only the best with LIV Golf Korea.”
 
Coupang Play is the first principal partner of Iron Heads GC, captained by Korean-American star Kevin Na and featuring hometown hero Danny Lee, budding Japanese talent Jinichiro Kozuma, and Yubin Jang, a nextgen Korean star and No.1 golfer from the KPGA. Jang, coming off one of the best seasons of his career this year, winning four KPGA titles including the KPGA Grand Prize, recently joined the Iron Heads and will make his LIV Golf debut in February. LIV Golf Korea presented by Coupang Play will be Jang’s first tournament in Korea as a player on the LIV Golf League and will also mark the 10-year anniversary of the memorable 2015 Presidents Cup, held at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea. In that historic event, the Incheon-born Lee represented the International Team and notably defeated fellow LIV Golf player Dustin Johnson 1UP in the Sunday singles matches in front of his home crowd.
 
The partnership between Iron Heads GC and Coupang Play will provide fans with exclusive access to the team in the lead-up and throughout the tournament, strengthening the Iron Heads’ presence and popularity in South Korea. The team will also carry the Coupang Play logo on their uniforms throughout the 2025 season.
 
"Our team is proud to partner with Coupang Play, one of the most recognizable brands in the country that is committed to connecting audiences with the top sports leagues in the world," said Martin Kim, General Manager of Iron Heads GC. "We look forward to giving our fans in Korea exclusive content through Coupang Play so they can embrace their new hometown team and see the Iron Heads as they've never seen us before."
 
Entering its third official league season in February, the LIV Golf League features an exciting blend of individual and team competition that has supercharged the sport, redefined how golf is experienced and captivated fans worldwide. Each tournament features 54 holes played over three rounds with shotgun starts, where all teams begin play simultaneously on different holes. Fans can watch the star-studded field in action, including 2024 LIV Golf Individual Champion, Jon Rahm (Legion XIII), 2024 Team Champion Ripper GC captained by Cameron Smith, Bryson DeChambeau (Crushers GC), Brooks Koepka (Smash GC), Dustin Johnson (4Aces GC), Sergio Garcia (Fireballs GC), and many more, via Coupang Play's streaming service and in person, May 2-4, 2025, at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea. 

Breathtaking new sports centre to elevate Vilamoura and Portugal

 

 

DETAILS and US planning experts Next Practice Partners collaborate on visionary project in the refined Vilamoura resort

A stunning new state-of-the-art sports centre will be the latest jewel added to the crown of leisure facilities enjoyed by visitors to Vilamoura in the Algarve, Portugal. DETAILS, the management company which oversees all Arrow Global’s hospitality and sporting assets in the elegant area of Vilamoura, beside the Mediterranean coast, has announced a partnership with US-based agency Next Practice Partners (NPP) on the ambitious project. NPP, a renowned leader in innovative and inclusive planning practices, has professional experience at world class venues such as the Disney / ESPN Wide World of Sports (220 acres with 70+ sports) and an impressive portfolio of clients in operational, strategic and business planning, including the City of Las Vegas (Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World), Los Angeles County (home of the LA 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games), and the Indiana Sports Corp (the first and leading sports commission in the United States). As per the partnership, NPP will lead the concept, strategic and business plan development for one of the largest sports centre footprints in all of Europe, with the 25-hectare site due to open in 2026. NPP will also provide additional services including project consultancy and benchmarking.   The new Sports Centre will be a cutting-edge, international facility, with a focus on current and future trends. ESG compliant, it will prioritize sustainability while also supporting the local community, ensuring inclusivity and social responsibility. DETAILS already boasts a staggering stable of sporting facilities across its golf and hotels portfolio in Vilamoura, including the new Els Club Vilamoura and the Old Course, the Algarve’s second oldest course designed by Frank Pennick. The Old Course recently completed an extensive renovation to elevate on-course playability and ESG measures, as well as unveil a new clubhouse with a premium gastronomic experience. The development of the Sports Centre will also complement the updated Equestrian Centre at Vilamoura which is scheduled to return to international competition as part of GRANDPRIX’s Winter Series in October 2025. Nuno Sepulveda, Co-CEO at DETAILS, said: ‘We have several innovative building projects and improvements ongoing to our properties in Vilamoura, but this new development, which we will be working in the concept alongside with NPP, is a particularly exciting venture. This will mark not only a new era of sports for Vilamoura but also for Portugal. ‘With this new sports centre, we will have a suite of facilities that few luxury resorts across Europe can compete with. Our main aim is to transform Vilamoura as an elite sports and leisure destination, attracting visitors from all over the world each year. Holiday makers, property owners, families, sports enthusiasts, high performance sports athletes – this place will be an international demand driver and a game changer to the area. ‘We want Vilamoura to become a pioneer in sporting excellence and this project is really the start of that exciting journey. We know in NPP we have a brilliant partner with whom we are looking forward to working on this landmark development.’ Neelay Bhatt, Founder & CEO of Next Practice Partners, said: ‘At Next Practice Partners, we believe in the power of sport to inspire greatness and to unite communities. The greatest successes don’t come from following status quo and best practices but from innovation and disruption to create next practices. Our collaboration with DETAILS showcases what can be achieved when we dream big and dare to be different. ‘Envisioned as more than just a facility, the Vilamoura Sports Center will be a place where the spirit of sport and the passion for excellence unite. It will be testament to the belief that through visionary thinking, we can create spaces that not only serve but uplift, challenge, and inspire all who enter,’ he added. The DETAILS portfolio in Vilamoura also includes a new residential project, Dom Pedro Residences, 83 luxury apartments facing the sea, in addition to the Hilton Vilamoura, and Dom Pedro Portobelo, Dom Pedro Marina and Dom Pedro Vilamoura four-star hotels. -

SPORTS IMPACT APPOINTS NICK ADDECOTT AS CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

                             

-Experienced sports industry executive to drive strategic initiatives for leading agency-

Sports Impact, the award-winning independent sports PR, Marketing & Sponsorship agency specialising in golf, has appointed experienced sports industry executive Nick Addecott as its Chief Marketing Officer to drive strategic initiatives and enhance the agency’s bespoke marcoms services to clients worldwide.

Addecott, who is based in London and has previous golf industry expertise with the agency’s longest serving client, Wilson Golf, has assumed the role of directing PR, marketing, and sponsorship strategies to deliver standout coverage and exposure across all media platforms.

He has more than 20 years of senior management and board level experience on his resume having worked as Managing Director for WSM Communications and more recently as a Director for Maverick Sports & Entertainment where he oversaw the creation of sponsorship strategies and activation campaigns for some of the world’s most famous brands and sporting personalities. Nick is highly experienced in sports technology, digital solutions, and social media, with a proven track record in the industry. He has held key positions, including head of global partnerships at Tappit and more recently as Product Sales Specialist with Sony’s sports business, Pulselive.

“We are excited to have Nick join our team, as his extensive experience in sports marketing and sponsorship truly stood out,” said CEO Natalie Collard. “With an average client retention rate of over 12 years, we take great pride in delivering outstanding results for some of the most prestigious brands in golf. We are also committed to continuously enhancing our services, and Nick will be a key contributor to our ongoing growth,” she added.

Commenting on his appointment, Nick said: “I’m delighted to be joining Sports Impact and look forward to working with the agency’s impressive portfolio of premium brands. The team has built strong relationships with its clients and media partners and I want to support the continued success of the agency with some refreshing ideas designed to elevate brand reputations and grow sales.”

The move follows a period of continued expansion for the agency. Recent new business acquired includes a PR role for both Sun Mountain and brand new clients New Balance Golf across Europe, as well as an expansion of the agency’s existing PR and commercial role with long-term partners Wilson Golf into Scandinavia.

Since 2001, Sports Impact has delivered bespoke marketing communications services to clients across the globe. Specializing in golf while extending its expertise to football, rugby, tennis, and skiing, the agency crafts carefully thought-out strategies, as well as advises on tactical advertising and cost-effective sponsorships to deliver standout exposure.

Among the global brands and venues represented by Sports Impact in terms of international media relations, effective storytelling and strategic communications advice are Brand Fusion International, Crail Golfing Society, Duca del Cosma, Galvin Green, Golf’s Greatest Holes, KBS, Meldrum House, Motocaddy, New Balance Golf, Prostate Cancer UK, Sun Mountain and Wilson Golf.

**More details about the agency and its services can be found at: www.sports-impact.com.