With the countdown to the London Games reaching fever pitch, adidas UK staged a daring golf stunt to celebrate the sport’s inclusion in the adidas ‘Red Shoe’ campaign. Against the backdrop of London’s iconic Tower Bridge, the River Thames was transformed and a unique floating golf hole appeared to honour the global brand’s latest colour range for all footwear worn by adidas athletes when they take the stage at the 30th Olympic Games.
In front of the world’s media and excited crowds, PGA Tour stars Sergio Garcia and Dustin Johnson joined forces with TaylorMade-adidas Golf CEO Mark King to try their luck at the spectacular pop-up golf hole.
The Tour professionals attempted a ‘nearest to the pin’ challenge, hitting three golf balls from a barge to a specially constructed floating green moored in front of the Olympic Rings which hang proudly from Tower Bridge. Dustin and Sergio wore exclusive “core energy” red crossflex footwear – the standout vibrant colour reflecting the passion of the Olympic Games.
As a gesture of goodwill, adidas UK has partnered with The Foundation of International Inspiration and pledged to donate £1,200 each time a player hit the floating green. Remarkedly, Garcia and Johnson hit the green three times each with TaylorMade-adidas Golf CEO Mark King hitting the green twice for a total of £9,600 to the charity.
PGA Tour star Sergio Garcia said: “To be in London ahead of the Olympics is a special experience for me. It’s been great to soak up the atmosphere and I’m really excited about golf’s return to the next Games. I’d love to be a part of it and represent my country.”
Garcia’s exictment was echoed by adidas Group CEO Herbert Hainer who added: “adidas is a proud partner of London 2012 and, through our Red Shoe campaign, we hope to inspire our athletes to achieve their goals! Red represents passion, energy and courage – three vital ingredients to success – so we hope it is a winning colour inLondon. We have a long-standing heritage in golf and are delighted to see the sport’s return to the Summer Games after such a long absence.”
The Red Shoe campaign will be supported by digital activation and social media across adidas golf channels.