BY
RON SEYMOUR
Tigermania Takes Over World
Tiger Woods is a business. He has not only brought the game of golf
to unprecedented heights, but his name can sell anything. Tiger was
born on July 21, 1976, in Cypress, California. His full name is Eldrick
"Tiger" Woods. And, at 21 years of age he is a world phenomenon.
Tiger's prominence started only a year ago when on August 21, 1996,
he announced he would be turning pro. And what a pro he is! In this
past year playing in only 7 tournaments, Tiger's career winnings so far
have reached $2.9 million. He's received $1.2 million in fees in his
first year from world-wide appearances.
But, that's only the tip of the Tiger business. Nike and Titleist
were the first companies to grab Tiger's endorsement, followed by
American Express, Rolex and recently Warner Brothers. These companies
alone have guaranteed Tiger $95.2 million over the next five years.
Wood's is now beginning to branch out his business ventures. Early
this year he became an active partner in the "Official All Sports Cafe",
a chain of sports-theme restaurants. Other partners in the venture
include Joe Montana, Ken Griffey, Jr., Shaquille O'Neal, Monica Seles,
Wayne Gretzki and Andre Agassi. Pretty good company, isn't it ? The
first Official All Star Cafe was opened in New York City. The second
opened in Can Cun, Mexico and last December, the largest of the
restaurants was opened in Las Vegas.
The Las Vegas Official All Star Cafe is part of the "Showcase"
entertainment complex in front of the MGM Grand Hotel and Theme Park.
The 36,000 square foot restaurant has a wonderful contemporary food
menu, bars and lots of sporting events to watch. It boasts over 100
large screen televisions which show all the current games, as well as
sports highlights from great games of the past. The restaurant also has
its own "Blimp", which cruises the ceiling displaying the latest scores
of all the day's games.
As part of the Nike deal, Tiger will soon be coming out with his own
line of golf apparel and footwear. Nike got a bargain signing Tiger to
a $40 million endorsement contract as during the first year alone, his
name has increased Nike's golf division sales by 100%.
You add Tiger's income from his part in the Official All Star Cafe
and his income from endorsements and business ventures over the next
five years should well exceed the $100 million mark.
The "Tiger Woods" name is more than golf - It's a real money
machine.
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