ECCO Forms Partnership with PGA of America Golf Retirement Plus

Market Leader Continues to Expand Retailer Support Initiative

(Londonderry, New Hampshire) - Danish shoemaker ECCO - the
premium market leader that offers the highest retailer margins of any major golf footwear brand - announces its supporting partnership of the PGA of America Golf Retirement Plus program.

This relationship is the latest in a series of major account and
customer service initiatives ECCO has introduced in conjunction with launch of its 2010 men's and women's golf shoe collections. These programs include the company's new ECCO Golf Comfort Tech Van (Facebook Search: "ECCO Golf Tech Van"), a web-based retailer training module and the brand's status as an official member of the Association of Golf Merchandisers.

"ECCO golf shoes are known worldwide for their premium
materials, craftsmanship, style and performance," says PGA of America President Jim Remy. "The company is a trusted friend of PGA Professionals throughout the country and is devoted to helping our members grow their businesses. We are very proud to have them support Golf Retirement Plus."

Founded in 1997, Golf Retirement Plus is a supplemental 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 Sponsor Program.

"With inventory turns harder to come by, making more money on each pair sold is essential to a shop's success," says CB Tuite, General Sales Manager, ECCO USA Golf Division. "PGA Professionals nationwide are realizing increased profits through the industry-best retailer margins ECCO offers. In these difficult economic times, we're focused on building mutually beneficial partnerships with PGA Professionals that share in both our values and brand mission. We are extremely proud of our association with the PGA Retirement Plus program, and ECCO's direct involvement will now further support participating PGA Professionals at reaching their retirement and investment goals."

ECCO golf shoes are worn in competition by scores of international Tour stars, including Fred Couples, Aaron Baddeley, Colin Montgomerie, Stuart Appleby, Arjun Atwal, Thongchai Jaidee, Thomas Bjorn, John Bickerton, Bradley Dredge, Juli Inkster, Carin Koch, Linda Wessberg, Johanna Westerberg and others.

Guaranteeing a level of quality that cannot be matched by any major footwear manufacturer, each ECCO golf shoe is made using a proprietary, direct-injection process. Touched by more than 225 sets of highly-skilled hands during production, each model is a testament to the brand's unrivalled attention to detail that helps discerning players look, feel and play their best.

All ECCO golf shoes feature a network of built-in technologies to create the ideal platform for the perfect swing. These include a direct-injected, PU-constructed midsole/outsole that:

• Creates a one-piece shoe construction
• Ensures unrivaled durability, flexibility, lightness and weather resistance
• Provides a superior level of cushioning and comfort that does not break down over time, unlike commonly-used materials such as air, rubber and EVA foam

Optimal performance is further guaranteed by:

• Ultra-soft, high-grade leathers with hydrophobic treatments for superb weather-resistance
• Internal stabilizer to reduce torque and create ideal swing stability
• Double-layer insole with cushion that absorbs heel force to reduce stress on the knees, hips and back
• Internal Air-Circulation System to maintain a fresh, dry and cool foot environment
• Dynamic Energy Return System that provides a trampoline effect during foot-strike and follow-through to reduce fatigue and restore energy with each step
• Green-friendly outsole designs featuring molded traction bars combined with Stinger cleats from Champ and the Q-Lok insert system to provide ideal traction and grip.More from the 19th Hole.

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