Nike Golf Adds Masamichi Ito to its Roster

BEAVERTON, OR Feb. 14, 2013 – Nike Golf has announced the addition of Masamichi Ito to its talented Tour roster. In a multi-year agreement, Ito will showcase the Swoosh in clubs, ball, footwear, glove, apparel, headwear and accessories.

Ito made his debut as a Nike Golf athlete at last weekend’s Hawaii State Golf Association’s Hawaii Pearl Open. Featured in his bag is the world’s first high speed cavity back driver, the Nike VR_S Covert Tour. His Nike Golf arsenal also includes the VR_S Covert Tour fairway woods, VR_S Covert hybrid, and the Nike VR Pro Blades. Nike’s 20XI ball featuring innovative RZN technology will also be in play. He will be sporting Nike Golf apparel from the Tour Performance Collection and the Nike FREE-Inspired TW’13 footwear.

“Turning pro and joining the Nike Golf Tour Staff is a dream come true and I look forward to developing my game and career with Nike,” said Ito. “The combination of the VR_S Covert Tour driver and the new 20XI is outstanding, and I’ve gained 10 yards. The club and ball combination will be a very powerful arsenal for me.”

Ito hit his first golf shot at age one and has quickly excelled throughout his junior career. At just 17 years old, Ito has accomplished great feats including low amateur scores in the Mizuno Open (2012), ANA Open (2011), and the Crowns Championship (2012). Ito captured notable wins at the Japan Junior Championship (2010) and the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final (2012). He turned pro in 2012 and has gained status on the Challenge Tour (JGTO) for the 2013 season.

“Masamichi is a talented athlete with a bright future ahead of him,” said Mark Thaxton, Global Director of Sports Marketing Operations at Nike Golf. “He has captured an abundance of important wins at such a young age and his drive to succeed is impressive. We know he will make a great addition to our stable of Nike Golf athletes globally.”

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Ito’s Nike Golf Arsenal

Driver: Nike VR_S Covert Tour 9.5-degree, Right position

Fairway Woods: Nike VR_S Covert Tour 3-wood/13-degree, Right position and 5-wood/17-degree, Right position

Hybrid: Nike VR_S Covert 3-hybrid

Irons: Nike VR Pro Blades (5-PW)

Wedges: VR Forged 52-degree and 60-degree

Ball: Nike 20XI

Apparel: Nike Performance Collection

Footwear: TW’13

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