Aug. 3, 2010
• Kikkor Golf Husky Invitational Facebook Page SEATTLE -- Washington men's golf coach Matt Thurmond announced that Kikkor Golf has agreed to become the title sponsor of the Husky Invitational, the annual collegiate men's tournament hosted by the University of Washington. The three-round tournament will be held from Sept. 20-21 at Washington National Golf Course and will be called the Kikkor Golf Husky Invitational.
Kikkor Golf is an alternative golf footwear brand that targets the younger players at heart and was started by former UW player and 2005 NCAA Champion James Lepp. Lepp, conceived the idea in 2008 shortly after his competitive playing days were over and officially launched the brand in April of 2010. "Being the title sponsor is a pretty big deal, especially for a company like Kikkor Golf that is fresh out of the gate," said Lepp, who shot a course record 7-under 63 at the Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mill, Md. during the final round of the 2005 NCAA Championship to force a playoff and eventually earn medalist honors. "I would have never envisioned being a title sponsor this early in the company's development. And to be an alumnus of the UW golf team makes it that much more special." Thurmond recognized the partnership was a win-win situation for both his program and Lepp's company and jumped at the opportunity to help out one of his own. "We like to think of our golf program as a family, so when an alumnus of the team like James comes full circle and wants to give back the way he is for the Husky Invitational, it is really cool," said Thurmond. "We're excited to be teaming with James and his company Kikkor in this endeavor and think the participants will really enjoy the partnership. James was a great Husky on the course in that he was an NCAA Champion and All-American, so to see him and his company succeed after his playing days are over makes me all the more proud." Players and fans in attendance will get to see Lepp's product up close during the tournament. Different styles of the shoes will serve as the tee markers at each of the tee boxes on the course and Kikkor Golf products will be available for purchase during the tournament with all proceeds benefitting Husky Golf. "There really are many reasons [why I'm sponsoring the event], but at the root of all of them is the great relationship that I have with Coach Thurmond and the UW Golf Program," said Lepp. "After winning the individual NCAA crown in 2005 and then turning pro the following year, I always thought that I would give back to the program through professional golf. However, as it turned it out, it's the footwear company that I've started, Kikkor Golf, that has given me the chance to give back to the program a little bit...and of course gain some product awareness while doing so." Besides Washington, the 2010 Kikkor Golf Husky Invitational field will include Washington State, Oregon, Oregon State, Texas A&M, Missouri, Idaho, Gonzaga, San Diego State, Pepperdine, Fresno State, BYU, Pacific and UC Davis. Admissison to the tournament is free. Fans are encouraged to join the Kikkor Golf Husky Invitational Facebook page where there will be some cool videos, contests, special promotions, and more leading up to the tournament.
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