Published on October 17th, 2023
Location: Global
Vice Golf and Nicklaus Brands Join Forces in Legendary Collaboration
Hamburg, October 17, 2023 – Hitting fairways this October: A special edition release that will inspire golfers to embrace their inner Vice and unleash their Bear. While limited edition releases are par for the course for ball manufacturer and innovator Vice Golf Sporting Goods, they have struck gold with this new brand collaboration with Nicklaus Companies, the PRO BEAR special edition.
The VICE PRO BEAR release, created in-house at Vice Golf's headquarters in Germany, will feature a range of products including VICE PRO BEAR golf balls, on-course accessories, a gift set, and Nicklaus Range Ball.
The partnership, brought together by global sports marketing agency SPORTFIVE, will create a package of inspired products that align Vice Golf’s knack for creating premium quality golf balls featuring groundbreaking designs that challenge golf’s tired stereotypes, with the global appeal of Nicklaus Companies’ international brand and their mission to enhance the golf experience for all by delivering quality branded products and services on a global basis. Vice Golf is a proud supporter of CMN Hospitals and raises funds with the nonprofit to positively impact kids and families treated at member hospitals across the U.S.
“This is a perfect brand collaboration,” said Brendan Moynihan, Executive Vice President of Brand Consulting & Activation for SPORTFIVE. “These are two of the truly premier brands in the game of golf, matching a superior product with a globally recognized brand.”
“These are two of the truly premier brands in the game of golf, matching a superior product with a globally recognized brand.”
Brendan Moynihan, Executive Vice President of Brand Consulting & Activation for SPORTFIVE
For the VICE PRO BEAR edition, Nicklaus and Vice Golf developed a specially designed logo that combines Vice Golf’s classic crest with a bear motif - a nod to the iconic “Golden Bear” trademark established more than 50 years ago. Uniquely, every dozen of the special release balls will contain one “golden ball”. The VICE PRO BEAR, made with a CAST URETHANE cover, is designed for vicious drives & maximum control and will allow players to unleash their inner bear.
“We are thrilled to have the support of Vice Golf for Play Yellow,” said Laurel Moorhouse, Vice President of Programs and Ideation at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “Beautiful things happen when giving back to your community is easy and aligns with what you love – and this partnership does just that. It’s powerful when golfers of all skill levels enjoy the game and have the opportunity to better their communities.”
About Play Yellow
Play Yellow, a program benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, launched alongside Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, brings together the golf community to help the 12 million kids treated at local member hospitals every year. Inspired by Jack’s family friend Craig, who was diagnosed with childhood cancer, and his lucky color yellow, Play Yellow engages golfers in raising critical funds for children’s hospitals. Through special events like Family Golf Day, local tournaments, corporate partners, and Play Yellow Sundays on the PGA TOUR, Play Yellow helps change kids’ health and change the future. For more information, visit playyellow.org and follow on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
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About SPORTFIVE
SPORTFIVE is a global sports marketing agency that delivers customer-centric solutions based on trust and transparency, deep industry experience and global relationships, digital intelligence and innovation. SPORTFIVE strategically and creatively connects brands, rightsholders, media platforms and fans to create and enable contemporary partnerships in sports.
While creating and growing long-term value for all, SPORTFIVE often leads the sports business into the future through innovative digital solutions and strives to be the most progressive and respected partner in sports.
Being at the centre of professional sport SPORTFIVE will use its unique position, in order to make a positive contribution to sustainability and to live up to the social and economic duty and responsibility, which sport and consequently all parties involved, also have. SPORTFIVE operates with a global mindset and network of over 1,200 local experts based in 15 countries around the world, active in Football, Golf, Handball, Motorsport, Esports, Cricket, Tennis, American Football, Basketball, Hockey, Rugby, Olympics and Multi-Sport Events, Wintersports and many more.
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About Nicklaus Companies
For 50 years, the mission of Nicklaus Companies has been to enhance the golf experience and to deliver quality branded products and services on a global basis that mirror the high standards established in the career and life of its Founder, Jack Nicklaus. The Nicklaus Companies businesses include golf-course design, the development of golf and real estate communities, and the marketing and licensing of lifestyle products worldwide under the iconic Jack Nicklaus and Golden Bear brands. Nicklaus Design, recognized as the world leader in golf course design, has created over 420 courses worldwide, open for play in 45 countries and 40 U.S states. In 2007, Jack Nicklaus partnered with Howard Milstein to further the growth of the company and expand the branded businesses. In addition to institutionalizing the Nicklaus brands for the future, Milstein has instilled a personal philosophy of “A Brand That Gives Back” with products and partners committing to donations to help the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and other charities. We leverage our winning heritage to achieve excellence, foster growth and champion social good. We activate modern strategies and techniques to enhance our customer’s lives and match the high standards set in the career and life of Jack Nicklaus.
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About Vice Golf
Since 12.12.12, Vice Golf has been bringing top-quality golf balls to the fairways with one objective in mind: to shake up the golf market and make the sport accessible for all. Founded on the banks of the Isenbach, Munich, the company has grown into a worldwide name and has become known for its top performing golf balls, unique styles, and coveted limited edition releases. Since its inception, Vice Golf balls have won multiple Golf Digest Gold and Silver awards, and are constantly proven to be as good as, if not better than, other golf ball brands found on greens across the world. With a reluctance to fork out millions of dollars on player sponsorship, Vice Golf manages to keep the price of their balls affordable, fulfilling their goal of making sure every player, no matter their level, can experience the best quality golf balls when hitting the course. In more recent years, Vice Golf has expanded its catalog to include golfing accessories and apparel, as well as progressing from a solely direct-to-customer business to stocking Pro Shops around the world and enlisting them to help bring Vice Golf balls closer to golfers.
Press contacts
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Louisa Grotkamp
Senior Manager Marketing Communications
louisa.grotkamp@sportfive.com
