Kristie Smith signs with Nike Golf
BY iseekgolf.com | 07 Aug 2008
Nike Golf has made another exciting addition to its rapidly expanding roster of talented athletes with the signing of Kristie Smith. The 20-year-old Australian turned professional last week after a highly successful amateur career and has signed a multi-year agreement to represent Nike Golf in clubs, balls, apparel, footwear, glove, accessories and bag.
Smith, who will play her first tournament as a professional at the Scandinavian TPC this week after a personal invitation from Annika Sorenstam, stunningly announced her arrival in golf this year by securing a trio of Leading Amateur titles at the LG/Bing Lee NSW Open, the MFS Women’s Australian Open and the ANZ Ladies Masters.
In April she emulated her father, former Touring professional Wayne Smith, by winning the Australian Amateur Championship 25 years after he claimed his national crown. Wayne, the 1983 Australian Amateur champion, caddied for Kristie as she won her title in the 36-hole matchplay final. Kristie’s most recent success came two weeks ago when she won the much coveted North South Amateur at Pinehurst CC in North Carolina.
“I have had an amazing year so far and I am looking forward to the new challenges that are coming my way,’’ Smith said. “Signing with Nike Golf at the start of my career is very exciting as they are the perfect partner for a young aspiring golfer wanting to achieve the highest goals. I know that the team there will work with me to give me the very best equipment and support to help me make the transition from amateur to successful professional.”
“Kristie is a welcome addition to our Tour staff and we are confident she has what it takes to succeed at the highest level,” said David Theobald, Nike Golf’s Australasian sports marketing manager. “Her performances this year have been outstanding and her talent, attitude and dedication to succeed are all qualities that embody Nike athletes.’‘
Smith’s Nike Golf arsenal will include the all-titanium SQ SUMO 5000 driver which features updated body shaping to raise its MOI to 5000 g-cm², resulting in greater forgiveness on off-centre hits.
Also in the bag will be Nike’s CCI cast irons, SQ Fairway woods, SV Tour wedges and the Nike One Black ball which features Nike’s innovative Power Transfer Technology that promotes increased distance in metal woods, long irons and off centre hits.
Career Highlights
- 2008 Winner – North and South Women’s Amateur Championship
- 2008 Australian Amateur Champion
- 2008 T5th MFS Women’s Australian Open – Low Amateur
- 2007 Queen Sirikit Cup team member
- 2007 Member of winning Trans Tasman Cup team
- 2007 T25th MFS Women’s Australian Open
- 2007 Victorian 72-Hole Stroke Play Champion
- 2006 T8 World Junior Championship, San Diego
- 2006 Winner of OSSO Oak Tree Junior Championship, Oklahoma
- 2006 Winner of Duke University Junior Championship, North Carolina
- 2006 T5th Malaysian Women’s Open (Best Amateur)
- 2006 Member of winning Junior Tasman Cup team
- 2006 Course record 68 at Moonah Links, Victoria
- 2006 3rd Australian Junior Championships
- 2005 Winner of Aaron Baddeley Junior Championship
- 2005 Winner of Jack Newton International Junior Classic
- 2005 WA State Amateur Champion (Youngest ever winner)
- 2005 Member of the winning Gladys Hay Cup team
- 2005 Member of the winning Burtta Cheney Cup team
