ECCO renews supporting sponsorship of Golf Retirement Plus

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- Renowned Danish shoemaker ECCO is renewing its supporting partnership of Golf Retirement Plus™ for an additional two years. ECCO has served as a partner of the program since 2009.

One of the world's largest footwear companies, ECCO was recently honored as "Best Golf Shoes Brand" in the 2011 About.com Readers' Choice Awards. The site recognized ECCO for its "hallmark" comfort, support, colors and contemporary styling, specifically calling out BIOM Golf, the game's first Natural Motion shoe, and the hybrid sport-casual Golf Street model designed to be worn on and off the course.

"ECCO continues to revolutionize the golf footwear industry worldwide with unique product innovations," said PGA President Allen Wronowski. "The PGA of America is delighted that ECCO is extending its supporting partnership of Golf Retirement Plus, as PGA Professionals are key drivers in promoting golf shoe sales at clubs nationwide."

The only major brand to own and manage every step of the shoemaking process, ECCO has more than 4,000 branded sales locations in over 90 countries. ECCO golf shoes are worn in competition by Tour stars Fred Couples, Graeme McDowell, Aaron Baddeley, Stuart Appleby, Thomas Bjorn, Thongchai Jaidee, Gerina Piller, Belen Mozo and Jennifer Johnson, among others.

"We're very proud to continue supporting Golf Retirement Plus which is built on mutually beneficial partnerships with men and women who share our values and brand mission," says David Helter, ECCO USA Specialty Sales Director. "PGA Professionals nationwide are realizing increased profits through the quick inventory turns associated with ECCO golf shoes, and the industry best retailer margins we offer."

Founded in 1997, Golf Retirement Plus™ is a retirement program for PGA Professionals and apprentices, GCSAA Superintendents, and CMAA Club Managers, which allows them to make their own contributions or have their employers contribute to their Golf Retirement Plus account on their behalf. PGA Professionals may also earn personal incentives by participating in the Golf Retirement Plus Partner Programs.

About ECCO
ECCO, a world leading brand of shoes combining style and comfort, has built its success on uncompromising quality, innovative technology and the design philosophy, "the shoe must follow the foot." ECCO is the only major shoe manufacturer to own and manage every step of the shoemaking process, and its employees are the life force behind its products, designing, developing, producing, and taking responsibility for every detail. ECCO products can be found in 4,000 branded sales locations in over 90 countries, a growth fueled by ECCO's consistent aim of making the best shoes in the world.

ECCO USA is based in Londonderry, New Hampshire. For more information: visit eccousa.com, 800.886.3226.

About The PGA of America
Celebrating its 95th year, The PGA of America has maintained a twofold mission of its founders: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.

By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, The PGA enables its professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in a multi-billion dollar golf industry.

By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.