Why Jordan Spieth’s U.S. Open Win Was Huge for Under Armour
Why Jordan Spieth’s U.S. Open Win Was Huge for Under Armour
2 minute read
Bubba Watson presents Jordan Spieth of the United States with the green jacket after Spieth won the 2015 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2015 in Augusta, Georgia.Ezra Shaw—Getty Images
Under Armour’s bet on golf phenom Jordan Spieth is looking like a very savvy investment indeed.
The 21-year-old golf prodigy won the U.S. Open over the weekend, his second major in a row in a victory that’s surely being celebrated by his athletic gear sponsor, Under Armour. Under Armour has backed Spieth since he turned professional, and even signed a 10-year sponsorship extension earlier this year for an undisclosed amount of money.
Spieth isn’t the only Under Armour athlete with big wins recently. NBA Point guard Stephen Curry, also an Under Armour athlete, took home his league’s championship with the Golden State Warriors — and brought his young daughter along to press conferences for some adorable antics. And ballerina Misty Copeland, who appeared in a widely watched Under Armour ad last year, is reportedly poised for a key promotion with the American Ballet Theatre.
But Spieth’s dominance on the green is particularly exciting. Last month, Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank told investors that part of the athletic gear maker’s success is attributed to signing athletes like Spieth, at times inking deals well before athletes are proven professional stars. Under Armour’s stock is up about 1.5% at noon ET Monday.
“Knowing that we have Jordan Spieth as the face of Under Armour Golf into the future solidifies our presence in the category,” Plank said.
Sponsorships are costly to big apparel and footwear makers like Under Armour. The company’s marketing costs jumped to $333 million in 2014 from $246.5 million in 2013, primarily due to increased global sponsorship of professional teams and athletes. But Under Armour justifies those costs by saying the sponsorship of high-performing athletes and teams results in a sales windfall due to high exposure at live sporting events, ad campaigns, and as athletes appear on television and on magazine covers.
Arnold Palmer: Rare and Classic Photos of Golf's Superstar Everyman
Arnold Palmer in a familiar pose -- with a cigarette -- in 1962. The golf legend quit smoking for good in 1970 -- an achievement he ranks with his best.John Dominis—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesArnold Palmer, 1962.John Dominis—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. The surest touch in golf is transmitted through palmer's outsized biceps, wrists and hands. His great strength enables him to drive farther than most pros and helps get him out of uncomfortable situations in the rough. This strength gives him stamina to keep the pressure on round after round.John Dominis—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. Arnold Palmer, "the relentless man of sport…"John Dominis—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. In home workshop Palmer grinds, inspects, repairs tools of his trade. Palmer's search for perfection keeps him tinkering with equipment.John Dominis—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. In father-and-son match Arnold waits while Milfred Palmer, his first teacher tees off at Oakmont, Pa. Country Club" in 1962.John Dominis—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesArnold Palmer and family, 1962.John Dominis—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesArnold Palmer and his admiring fans, 1962.John Dominis—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesArnold Palmer, 1962.John Dominis—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesArnold Palmer, 1962.John Dominis—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesArnold Palmer, 1962.John Dominis—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. Despite his mastery of shots, Palmer sometimes feels compelled to help out with body English, as in playoff round of the '62 Masters, which he won.GEORGE SILKArnold Palmer walking at the Masters in 1962.John Dominis—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCrowd watching Arnold Palmer at the 1962 Masters Tournament.George Silk—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesArnold Palmer, 1962.John Dominis—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCrowd following Arnold Palmer, 1962.John Dominis—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesArnold Palmer, 1962.John Dominis—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. Working a sideline which adds to biggest income in golf, Palmer signs autographs at stand filled with his products at a Wheeling, West Va., course.John Dominis—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
