GolfWRX Next Chat with Nike Golf's Marlin "Cricket" Musch

[Gxgolfer]

Please submit questions ASAP!!!!!!!

Nike Golf Appoints Industry Veteran Marlin "Cricket" Musch to Oversee Collegiate, Amateur and Junior Golf Categories



BEAVERTON, Ore. (January 22, 2007) – Nike Golf announced today the appointment of golf industry veteran Marlin "Cricket" Musch to the position of College Amateur Golf Manager. In that important capacity, Musch will oversee all of Nike Golf's collegiate, junior and amateur golf categories with an emphasis on bolstering Nike Golf's visibility in each segment.



"Cricket is highly regarded throughout the golf industry, and we are obviously excited to have him enhance the strength and depth of our sports marketing team," said Nike Golf's U.S. Director of Sports Marketing, Mark Thaxton. "With his considerable experience, he will be instrumental in elevating Nike Golf's college, junior and amateur involvement to a new level, which is a critical component to the continued success of our business."



Musch will manage Nike Golf's six elite collegiate teams: Stanford; University of Texas; University of Arizona; University of Southern California; University of Georgia; and Wake Forest University; as well as the numerous other universities with which Nike Golf is associated. He also will be responsible for identifying collegiate talent and increasing Nike Golf's visibility in the junior golf market. As a step to accelerate Nike Golf's growth in the junior golf segment, Musch will be responsible for hiring additional staff to support his initiatives.



Musch has 25 years of experience in strategic planning for amateur, college and tour golf program development as it relates to marketing and branding. Most recently in the industry, Musch served as the Vice President of Business Development at Gaylord Sports Management, where he directed the college athletics management division. He also was the Player Manager, responsible for all aspects of player representation.



From 1992 – 2003, Musch held various positions at PING Golf. For five years, Musch was the Director of the Tournament Player Division, where he was charged with managing the company's worldwide tour program, strategic planning and program development for all tours worldwide. Prior to that, Musch was the College and Senior Tour representative responsible for implementation and development of the company's college and amateur program.



Musch also acquired coaching experience while serving as the Head Golf Coach at the University of Texas at El Paso for nine years. In 1988, Musch earned the honor of NCAA Division 1 National Coach of the Year. Musch is a graduate of New Mexico State University, where he was a NCAA All-America Honorable Mention golfer. He will reside in Phoenix, Arizona.

[beachgrovejunior]

hmmm probably if he wants to get me sponsored

that would be great ;)

[bjackson]

Wanna sponsor me?

[Gxgolfer]

Ok,

 

I'm sure the first question I'd ask Tom Stites is how can I get free stuff... ;)

 

No one has any interest in what OEMs do for college programs? What does it take to make a D1 team or what an accomplished coach is looking for?

[shoesrox7]

Ok,

 

I'm sure the first question I'd ask Tom Stites is how can I get free stuff... ;)

 

No one has any interest in what OEMs do for college programs? What does it take to make a D1 team or what an accomplished coach is looking for?

 

What DO oems to for college programs?? (besides sponsoring them)

[madmaclive]

Well, since I play D-1 college golf, and amateur golf nationally; how exactly does Nike Golf go about recruiting new teams and players to help expand their brand and their scope on the golf market?

[taylormadefan]

How about:

 

"How has your position changed with the recent changes in amateur status and the ability of OEMs to provide equipment to players."

 

"How have these rules changed your job and collegiate golf, negative / positive impacts?"

[MrParr1Noid]

In what area of equipment technology does Nike feel they are equal to, if not better than all other OEM's. In Irons, rescue woods, fairway woods, drivers, wedges, putters, balls, shoes or apparel?? Or any?? How does Nike view their accomplishments of the past 5 years??

[SCameron009]

What are the regulations for supplying Amatuer golfers (at a junior level, as well as College level)?

 

How often does Nike as a company supply or seek junior players to play their product?

[scottyallanb]

I would ask is there anything being done in the future to bring back the Nike purchase program for High schools and Colleges? It was a great program that brought a lot of interest to Nike products. It also was a nice affordable way to outfit a team with Nike gear without killing a small budget.

 

 

Scott

[Gxgolfer]

Looking for a bunch more questions. Come on guys, this is a rare opportunity.

[Golfchicago]

I need more questions, help!!!!!!!

[AUDuffer]

I'd be curious to know about the efforts made to attract international players to college teams these days and if there are any countries considered hot spots for junior golfers.