While the golf world still wraps its arms around the stunning outcome of the Masters Tournament, one major golf equipment company is looking ahead to the future, and thinks Bryson DeChambeau has got what it takes to be a driving force in the game. Just two days after the completion of the season's first major golf tournament, Cobra Puma Golf announced that it inked the rising star to an endorsement deal for both clubs and clothing.
The company said the deal is a "long term partnership" between the two parties. Specific deal terms were not disclosed.
The move was largely telegraphed, as DeChambeau has been using Cobra Golf clubs recently and wearing Puma branded clothing.
The golfing world is already acquainted with DeChambeau, who made waves in amateur golf after a stellar junior and collegiate career. Upon receiving a scholarship to play golf at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, he became just the fifth player in history to win both the NCAA Division I Individual Golf Championship and the U.S. Amateur title in the same year.
DeChambeau continued that hot streak at this year's Masters, where he tied for 21st place, and earned top honors as the lowest scoring amateur golfer at the tournament. He will make the switch to professional golf at this week's RBC Heritage, which is being played at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
One of the more notable aspects of his golf game lies in the swing itself. In a rather unorthodox approach, he attempts to hit the golf ball with the exact same swing angle for every club in his bag, and all clubs are the same length. Both aspects are considered unconventional and not widely adopted in the game of golf.
DeChambeau has also carved a name for himself with what some call a signature look on the course. His outfits have been characterized as a mix of classic and contemporary, and have included trimmer fit shirts and pants of assorted colors and patterns, as well as an older style ivy, flat or newsboy cap which evokes images of Hall of Fame golfer Ben Hogan from the 1940s and 50s.
"Bryson has this unique combination of talent, ingenuity and personality that makes him such a dynamic golfer and a great fit for the Cobra Puma Golf brands. He shares in our mission of Game Enjoyment and our desire to grow the game and make it more fun and inclusive for golfers of all levels," said Cobra Puma Golf CEO Robert Philion. "Right away we noticed his progressive approach to the game, which is rooted in science and art, along with his passion and dedication. We can't be more thrilled to have him as part of our Cobra Puma Golf family."
Bryson De Chambeau added "I believe that I found the perfect partner in Cobra Puma Golf...the Cobra and Puma brands complement my style, attitude and desire to be innovative, while allowing me to continue to be myself, and think outside the box. I'm really thrilled to be part of this cutting-edge and creative company."
DeChambeau will be playing in this week's PGA Tour event on a sponsor's exemption, and will be able to play in six additional events under those conditions in an attempt to gain his PGA Tour eligibility for the 2017 season.
Cobra Puma Golf is a division of German sportswear company Puma SE, which is owned by French luxury goods company Kering SA.