Today's Highlights

• Chopper has new meaning to golfers
• Logos speak loudly
• Sandbaggers still strong at age 20

NEWS

Nike Golf salutes Tiger Woods

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Tiger Woods winning his first major championship, the 1997 Masters, and as a tribute to his 10 years of major play, Nike Golf introduces Tiger Woods Limited Edition footwear.

Aureus outfits ING Spring Conference

Aureus renews its agreement as shirt sponsor for the 17th ING Spring Conference, June 3-7, in Verona, N.Y.

FEATURE

Chopper has new meaning to golfers

By Lea Hart
GPA Fashion Correspondent

An alliance between a motorcycle manufacturer and an apparel and headwear company might seem like an unusual partnership.

But to Jim Keenan, director of marketing for Ahead, it makes perfect sense.

"You would be amazed at how many golfers like choppers," Keenan said.

Ahead, a designer and marketer of branded headwear, apparel and accessories, recently launched the "GET A.H.E.A.D." sweepstakes in which consumers and retailers can register to win two custom-made Orange County Choppers.

Ahead hopes to receive one million entries in the contest, and the goal is to help consumers learn more about the breadth of products under the company's umbrella. Already a leader in the golf headwear industry, Ahead entered into the apparel world five years ago. The company currently operates four distinct brands -- the Ahead Authentic apparel line; the Kate Lord Collection, which includes women's hats, apparel, and accessories; the Ahead Heavy Metal line of golf accessories; and Ahead Headgear.

Ahead has seen double-digit growth in the Authentic and Kate Lord lines. Apparel currently accounts for about 30 percent of the company's sales, however the company would like that number to grow as consumers get to know its products.

Consumers can enter the sweepstakes by visiting www.aheadweb.com and first clicking through some informational pages about the brand and the product line. They can then take a short quiz about the brand, where they will then be rewarded for correct responses with sweepstakes entries while also learning more about Ahead.

"We expect people to really have a different understanding of what our brand is all about," Keenan said.

One consumer will win a customized Orange County Chopper. The second customized chopper will be awarded to one of Ahead's retailers. Other prizes will be awarded to consumers, including gift certificates to participating retailers.

The choppers were built by The Learning Channel's "American Chopper" stars Paul Teutul Sr., Paul Teutul Jr. and Mikey Teutul and are customized "in almost every way you can think of," Keenan said. Ahead displayed one of the choppers at the PGA Merchandise Show in January, where it received rave reviews, Keenan said.

"Upwards of 1,000 people got their picture taken with it," he said.

Keenan noted that bikes seem to be a theme on the PGA Tour this year. Orange County Choppers is also building a bike for the EDS Byron Nelson Championship, marking the first time a winner has ever received a custom chopper.

The "GET A.H.E.A.D." sweepstakes began on March 26 and runs through Sept. 30. The winner will be selected on Oct. 3. In addition to the Ahead Web site, Ahead is promoting the sweepstakes through 3,000 retail locations, direct mail and an internet campaign.

The winner of the retailers' sweepstakes will be awarded separately. In addition to the winner of the chopper, 49 retailers will win an authentic Ahead leather jacket.