Nike Golf's
Oven is Bigger, Better and Hotter
-Nike Golf's
State-of-the-Art Research and Design Facility has Expanded-
TORONTO (May 28, 2009)– Nike Golf has formally unveiled the
expansion of its full service, state-of-the-art research and design
(R&D) facility known as “The Oven,” in Fort Worth, Texas. The newly
enhanced 49,100 square foot facility, which originally broke ground
in October 2002, has increased its total square footage by 17,600.
This is Nike Golf's second R&D expansion in just three years. The
Nike Oven is dedicated to research and design for the development of
performance golf clubs, testing of both clubs and golf balls, as
well as collaborating with and providing superior service for Nike
Golf Tour athletes.
Hand in hand with
the creation of new products, the facility is an essential component
for Nike Golf's talented tour athletes, who depend on “The Oven” for
testing and fitting to ensure that they are personally equipped to
perform at their very best.
"The Nike brand
is globally synonymous with innovation, performance and the pursuit
of athletic excellence,” said Cindy Davis, President of Nike Golf.
“The expansion of ‘The Oven' is an indication of Nike Golf's
commitment to our athletes, as well as to solidifying our role as an
undisputed leader in the research, design and development of clubs
and balls.”
The most significant component of the expansion is the addition of a
129,000 square-foot short game area that includes three synthetic
greens, one natural grass green, bunkers and practice holes. The
practice holes and hitting areas are designed for the purpose of
providing various distances for short irons so that iron and ball
testing is both extensive and constructive for Nike engineers and
Nike athletes.
The short game area also is enhanced by a water feature that runs
through the middle of the short game course.
The other standout enhancement to “The Oven” is Nike Golf's research
building which has almost doubled in size and houses offices and a
new large auditorium for meetings and presentations.
“The Oven” is the idea tank where Tom Stites, Nike Golf's Director
of Product Creation for Clubs, and his staff of engineers and
technicians develop, research and test the innovative technology
that has helped Nike Golf to become one of the fastest growing
companies in the history of the golf industry.
Rock Ishii, Nike Golf's Product Director for Golf Balls, and his
staff of engineers and technicians also utilize the facility as the
primary location for ball testing. In conjunction with club testing,
the ball team obtains launch parameters, track trajectory and
measures actual carry, roll and dispersion.
The Nike Oven features technologically advanced equipment that takes
Nike Golf's research to the next level. This equipment includes a
computer controlled mechanic golfer, state-of-the-art putting lab,
track man, launch monitors, assembly room, club milling and grinding
laboratory as well as other test areas for conducting:
- Numerous proprietary instruments for golf club analysis.
- Shaft testing for flex, frequency, torque and durability.
- Cannon testing for durability and COR compliance.
- COR Pendulum for metal wood COR compliance and performance.
- Mass moment of inertia testing process and center of gravity
measurement process.
Located in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf
designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags
and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to honouring and respecting the
traditions and heritage of the game, and to providing committed
golfers with the absolute best equipment in the game.
For
more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nikegolf.ca. Editors seeking editorial
information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter.
For information on Nike Golf
Canada, please contact:
For
information on Nike Golf Canada, please contact:
Vitalis
Gomes
Nike Golf
Canada
905.771.2058
vitalis.gomes@nike.com
Tim
O'Connor
O'Connor
Golf Communications
519.341.4778
tim@oconnorgolf.ca
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