Cobra Puma Golf has caught some flak in recent years for its contract with American golfer Rickie Fowler. The 26-year old had a strong start on the professional golf scene, as 2010 PGA Rookie of the Year. Since then, he’s had a budding track record of placing in the top 5 in all four majors in 2014, and he was picked for the Ryder Cup in both 2010 and 2014. But a reported $4.5M in 2014 “off course income”, with only one career win? Critics said it was ludicrous.
Until Sunday. Fowler rallied from a five-shot deficit at THE PLAYERS Championship, going 6 under in his final six holes, holding off Sergio Garcia and Kevin Kisner in the three-hole playoff. Rickie took home the trophy, after what people are now calling the greatest finish in the 34-year history of TPC Sawgrass. THE PLAYERS is considered the “unofficial fifth major” tournament of the year on the tour.
This is the same Rickie Fowler who was recently voted the most overrated player on the PGA Tour by his golfer peers (tied with Ian Poulter). Though he could have pointed out that he’s currently ranked 13th in the world (based purely on math), Rickie took the high road when hearing the news of his overrated status. “It’s fine by me,” he said dismissively. “I’m going to try and play as well as I can this week and I’m going to take care of my business.” Took care of his business he did, demonstrating there’s more to him than his good looks and edgy fashion sense. And best of all, Fowler has proven he is anything but overrated. At Merchology, we happen to feel the same way about the Puma brand – it, too, is anything but overrated.
Hence, we couldn’t be MORE PUMPED that Puma Golf is the newest brand we are adding to our collection! Check out our new Puma collection page here.
Here are the top five reasons that Puma is on the top of its game right now (just like Mr. Fowler):
5. Killer lineup of celebrity brand ambassadors: Puma seems to have a knack for choosing unique, iconic athletes and pop culture icons to represent its brand. Not only are they talented, they have statement personalities. The world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt? Grammy winning R&B artist, Rihanna? NFL All-Star Jamaal Charles? And of course, there’s Rickie, as well as LPGA star Lexi Thompson.
4. Designer partnerships: Puma collaborates with world-renowned design brands, like Alexander McQueen and Mihara Yashuiro, to bring innovative “designs” (not just styles) to the sports world. Should I wear these shoes to the gym, or to meet friends out for lunch? Now I don’t have to decide.
3. New evoSPEED Cleet Technology: For all of you soccer lovers out there, Puma’s evoSPEED cleats are taking the “football” world by storm. Players say they are the lightest cleats on the market. Not a bad thing, when you consider that a professional soccer player runs an average of seven miles per game!
2. Edgy #ForeverFaster campaign: Have you seen Puma’s 2014 commercial, “Calling All Troublemakers”? Watching this gets us so pumped up! Additionally, if you follow Puma on social media, they make bright, spirited posts that really capture the brand’s energy.
1. Cutting-edge women’s styles: When it comes to women’s athletic style, Puma just “gets it.” Across multiple sports and occasions. Their products are cut for women, designed for women, and companion pieces are more than just a men’s size small. It’s no surprise Puma’s women’s line has been growing in double-digits in recent years.
Congratulations to Rickie, and Puma, on taking both the sport and fashion worlds by storm!