Tiger On Asian Goodwill Tour

Following his near miss at The Masters, it seems that Tiger is off to China and Korea for a series of events designed to promote the game of golf—especially to youth—and to strengthen the Nike brand in Asia. It’s called the “Make It Matter” Tour. The trip also was originally supposed to stop in Japan, but given the circumstances there, that’s been postponed.

I’m all in favor of practically anything that seeks to grow the game of golf. And Asia, with its rapidly improving economies, is certainly a growth area. But that’s not to get too excited about China. While parts are booming, the country for the most part is incredibly poor. Its per capita GDP ranks in the mid to high 90s (depending upon who’s calculating it), at about $4,300. Total GDP shows China generating about $5 – $6 trillion, behind the US value of $14 trillion and slightly ahead of Japan’s $4 – $5 trillion. But you’d expect that with a population of a couple billion. A more useful look at the wealth of China may be using GDP with purchasing power parity, which would put it at about $10 trillion to the US $14. But, again, given the population, that’s not much.

But it doesn’t hurt anyone or any interest to get a foothold in such an emerging market.

If you’re interested, you can go to their facebook page. The full press release follows.

Nike Golf and Nike Athlete Tiger Woods Aim to Energize the Sport of Golf in China and Korea with the Nike Golf “Make it Matter” Tour

BEAVERTON, Ore. (March 22, 2011)– Fresh off the Masters Tournament, Nike Golf and Nike athlete Tiger Woods team up to launch the inaugural Nike Golf “Make it Matter” Tour in China and Korea from April 12 – April 14, 2011.  The Nike “Make It Matter” Tour aims to illuminate the sport of golf in Asia among youth, golf fans and aspiring athletes alike—all through the insights shared by Woods as it relates to golf, including athletic training, practicing, preparing for competition and product innovation. 

“Our goal with this Tour is to combine the enormous popularity of Tiger as a global iconic athlete with the strength of the Nike Brand in Asia and around the world to excite, attract and inspire golfers of all ages,” said Cindy Davis, President of Nike Golf.  “We believe that teaming with Tiger to shine a light on golf in China and Korea will have a meaningful impact on a region that is playing a critical role in the growth of our sport.” 

The Nike Golf “Make It Matter” Tour will launch in China beginning in Shenzhen (April 12th), then on to Beijing (April 13th) and Seoul, Korea (April 14th).  The Tour’s schedule had originally included Tokyo, but out of respect for the obvious focus needed for Japan’s recovery from the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck on March 11th, plans to travel to Tokyo have been postponed, and Nike Golf efforts in Japan will be part of Nike’s overall community response plan.

The Nike Golf “Make it Matter” tour will showcase Woods demonstrating clinics for youth, providing insights on his training regimen and educating consumers on Nike Golf product innovation.  Along with Davis, Woods also will spend some quality time discussing the issues of golf with media and connecting with Nike Golf’s business partners and constituents.

MAKE IT MATTER MOMENTS INCLUDE:

• Tiger conducts clinics for young athletes
• Tiger demonstrates on the course and shares his thinking and shot-making
• Tiger talks product innovation
• Tiger and Cindy Davis spend time with media
• Tiger talks athletic training