GMAC Stays with ECCO

As part of this multi-year agreement, Graeme McDowell will also be featured in global marketing and advertising initiatives supporting the ECCO Golf Collection and appear at company functions.

Currently ranked 15th in the Official World Golf Ranking, the 34-year-old native of Northern Ireland captured the 2013 World Match Play Championship, RBC Heritage and French Open titles. 

“For a long time on Tour I’ve been wearing the World Class style which is quite traditional and goes great with a pair of classic-looking trousers. But for casual rounds at Lake Nona or even hanging out at Nona Blue it’s been BIOM Hybrid all the way and I may just choose those to go with some new outfits for next season,” says Graeme McDowell.

One of the world’s most popular players, McDowell made history in 2010 when he became the first European in 40 years to win the U.S. Open Championship. 

“Graeme’s one of those rare players that nearly everyone admires, which obviously helps make him a tremendous ambassador for our brand. His short game is so exceptional and he’s just coming into his prime, which is why we look forward to seeing him hoist trophies in ECCO for many years to come,” says Jesper Thuen, Global Sponsorship, PR & Event Manager – ECCO Golf. 

Updated for 2014, the World Class is a traditionally-styled luxury shoe handmade in Portugal by a team of artisans working with the finest materials. It features an outsole combining water-repellent leather with cushioning PU and wear-resistant TPU. 

The classic brogue upper is crafted from leathers that are tanned using an exclusive HYDROMAX™ treatment. This ensures long-lasting suppleness while helping protect a player’s feet against even the harshest weather.

ECCO, a world leading brand of shoes combining style and comfort, has built its success on quality and innovative technology. The design philosophy is rooted in the founder’s approach to being a shoemaker – the shoe must follow the foot. The shoes of ECCO are anchored in functionality, quality and craftsmanship on the platform of Scandinavian design. Founded in 1963, ECCO is one of the few major shoe manufacturers in the world to own and manage every step of the shoemaking process. 

GMAC is scheduled to make his season debut February 6-9 at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

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McDowell Goes Well Off Course

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Graeme McDowell's has enjoyed  much corporate sucess since joing  Horizon Sports Management six years ago and enjoys long-standing relationships with Mastercard, BMW, RBC, Verizon, Ecco, Audermars Piguet, Teneo and Srixon.

"Once they get to know Graeme, every sponsor wants to stick with him," says his agent Conor Ridge, adding: "Put him in front of a corporate audience and he's absolute dynamite, while it's humbling to see how well he relates to people on a one-to-one basis.

"He might meet someone for the first time in months, but will remember where their kids are going to college or ask if they've managed to cure that hook or slice they were struggling with," adds Ridge. "Graeme's very intelligent, smart and quite a good businessman himself."

Among his own business projects, McDowell opened the Nona Blue Bistro this year and says: "We've had a lot of fun. At the minute, it's just a hobby.

"I'd have aspirations to get more involved in the future," he adds.

While McDowell got caught in the crossfire when McIlroy quit Horizon and launched into a legal battle with the Dublin firm, he recently insisted his friendship with the Holywood native remained intact.

"I'm very close to both parties, but it hasn't affected any personal relationships," he explains.

"The fact I'm stuck in the middle of a legal matter is a tough scenario – it's tough for everyone. But as far as I am concerned, Rory and I will always remain competitors, colleagues, peers and friends. I care a lot about what he does; I care a lot about how good he is and that'll never change."

The G-Mac Foundation, run for McDowell by Horizon co-founder Colin Morrissey, has been working closely with Eamon Coghlan, head of the American arm of the 'Children's Medical Research Fund' for Crumlin Children's Hospital, since the two sports stars first met at The Players Championship in Sawgrass in 2011.

McDowell has played a hands-on role in helping Coghlan organise the annual 'Best of Ireland' Gala Dinner at New York Athletic Club, which in two years has raised $1m for the Intensive Care and Recovery Units at the Dublin hospital.

Next year's banquet takes place on January 30 with Paul McGinley, David Feherty, Robbie Keane and Minister for Finance Michael Noonan among the guests of honour. McDowell was especially attracted to Crumlin because it is the children's coronary care unit for the entire island of Ireland.

The G-Mac Foundation also brings, with support from Aer Lingus, eight sick children and their families to Orlando each year for a lifetime trip to the Disney World Resort.

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GMAC Goes Nona Blue

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Lake Nona’s newest restaurant, Nona Blue is launching its modern tavern concept March 15, 2013 with local resident Graeme McDowell one of the principal owners.

McDowell gave the concept its name after a victory at the 2012 Tavistock Cup at Lake Nona and dressed in Team Nona blue, McDowell shouted, “Nona Blue!” to supporters and a new eatery’s name was born.

The restaurant’s decor has a updated clubby vibe with exposed brick and dark mahogany and has a 40-seat bar, two captain’s tables, wrap-around booth seating throughout and a seating area with drawn curtains for private dining. An outdoor patio features additional seating, a fireplace and bar.

Menu items include deviled eggs with apple wood smoked bacon, lightly fried oysters, blue cheese kettle chips, a BLT grilled cheese, steaks, fresh fish and a cider-brined pork rib chop. The bar boasts seasonal cocktails and more than 50 different wines and 16 craft beers.

Bill Bona and Joe Davi are principal owners with McDowell.

GMAC has partnered with Bistro Concepts, LLC, and the group has signed a lease for a 5,618 square-foot restaurant at its retail shopping center Lake Nona Village, located on Narcoossee Road between the entrances to the renowned Lake Nona Golf & Country Club and NorthLake Park.

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