Tag Archives: Jesper Thuen

ECCO Golf – Imperious Lydia Ko wins second Saudi Ladies International title with the ECCO BIOM G5

February 20, 2023 – ECCO Golf ambassador, Lydia Ko, delivered a trademark weekend performance in Saudi Arabia, as she secured her second Saudi Ladies International title at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club.

Ko, who was returning to tournament golf for the first time this season, continued the form that saw her return to World Number 1 at the end of 2022, carding four rounds in the 60s that included an opening round 64.

Wearing her own signature edition ECCO BIOM G5, Ko once again showed why she is the world’s best player as she calmly produced a final round four-under-par 68 to triumph by one shot.

“I’ve been trying to enjoy being out on the golf course and playing with the world’s best, the field this week was really good, so I knew it was going to be a challenge,” commented Lydia Ko.

“The first tournament of the year is really hard, because you don’t have anything to base yourself off, you don’t know if you’re going to play well or bad, but the start this week really helped – I stayed really patient and I was not as nervous as I thought I would be!”, she added.

Jesper Thuen, responsible for sponsorship at ECCO Golf, added: “It was a real pleasure to see Lydia deliver such an assured performance this week. Not only to play so well in her first tournament of the year, but to yet again cement her position as the best player in the world is brilliant to see. 

“Everyone at ECCO GOLF is excited to see just how much Lydia can achieve in 2023, and we look forward to offering her our continued support,” added Thuen.

More information at www.holidaygolf.com.

ECCO Golf – Nanna Koerstz Madsen becomes first danish LPGA Tour winner at Honda LPGA Thailand

March 14, 2022 – ECCO Golf ambassador, Nanna Koerstz Madsen, has made history this weekend after becoming the first Dane to win on the Ladies PGA Tour following her playoff victory at the Honda LPGA Thailand.

Koerstz Madsen enjoyed a strong year in 2021, and had been searching for a breakthrough victory on the LPGA tour in 2022.

The two time Olympian started the day on 21-under-par, after carding three fantastic rounds of 65, 64, and 66, to give her a one shot lead going into Sunday’s final round. She then shot a steely 67 on Sunday in Thailand, to book her place in a playoff and a chance to secure her first LPGA Tour title.

Wearing ECCO S-Three, Koerstz Madsen triumphed on the second playoff hole at Siam Country Club, draining a 15-foot eagle putt to secure the title.

“It’s amazing, it’s a dream come true. It was a really crazy day, a lot of good things, and it was actually fun playing in a playoff at the end. I’m really just excited to be standing with the trophy right now,” commented Nanna Koerstz Madsen.

Jesper Thuen, responsible for tour sponsorship at ECCO Golf, commented: “It’s absolutely fantastic to see Nanna triumph this week. It was a real rollercoaster watching the final round, but to watch Nanna eagle the second playoff hole to win was brilliant.

“We can’t wait to watch how Nanna kicks on after her maiden LPGA Tour victory, and to see an ECCO ambassador become the first Dane to win on that tour is wonderful. We are looking forward to giving her our continued support as she continues her ascent through women’s golf,” he added.

Nanna played women’s ECCO S-Three this weeka design which features hard-wearing ECCO leather uppers and a waterproof GORE-TEX construction that keeps feet dry and comfortable in all conditions.

In addition to Nanna Koerstz Madsen, ECCO Golf shoes are worn in competition around the world by Caroline Masson, Lydia Ko, Henrik Stenson, Erik van Rooyen, Doc Redman and Thomas Bjørn, among others.

More information at golf.ecco.com and www.holidaygolf.com.

ECCO Golf – Stellar week for the ambassadors of the brand, carding two victories

August 27, 2021 – ECCO Golf has enjoyed a stellar week across the globe, claiming two tournament wins and a further four top-10 finishes.

In Japan, ECCO Golf Ambassador Sakura Koiwai continued her dominant year by winning the CAT Ladies Tournament at Daihakone CC, her fifth win of the 2021 season. Koiwai, wearing ECCO BIOM H4, carded a one-under-par 71 on the final day to finish two shots clear of second place. She now sits atop the money list and the points list on the Japan Ladies PGA Tour.

On Sunday, Thomas Bjørn stepped back into the winner’s circle, claiming his first Legends Tour title at the Irish Legends. Bjørn, sporting ECCO S-THREE, carded a sizzling six-under-par 65 on Sunday at Rosapenna Golf Resort to reach 15-under-par, before securing victory on the second playoff hole. Bjorn, commenting on his win, said: “As a sportsman, there’s no greater feeling than being in the mix on a Sunday afternoon. I recognised myself and I haven’t seen that person for quite a while, which is quite nice. It’s pretty special winning any golf tournament.”

Elsewhere, ECCO Golf Ambassador, Erik van Rooyen, continued his fine run of form with a T7th place finish at The Northern Trust, the first event in the PGA Tour FedExCup playoffs. Following his maiden PGA Tour victory at the Barracuda Championship earlier this month, which secured his place in the FedExCup playoffs, van Rooyen had another superb week at Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey, finishing at 14-under-par.

At the AIG Women’s Open, meanwhile, two players wearing ECCO Golf shoes finished in the top-5, including major winner Minjee Lee. Fresh off a string of strong performances, including her maiden major title at the Evian Championship, Lee made a solid start to the week, and went into the final round at Carnoustie at four-under-par, but carded a brilliant 66 on Sunday to finish tied for fifth place at 10-under-par.

Finally, at the European Tour’s Czech Masters, Henrik Stenson came close to securing a 12th European Tour win as he was narrowly edged out to a T4th place finish. Following two bogey-free rounds to start his week, Stenson finished the week with rounds of 69 and 71, just falling short of a return to victory on tour.

Commenting on the impressive week, Jesper Thuen, responsible for sponsorship at ECCO Golf, said: “We are delighted with the strong performances by players wearing our shoes across the globe this week. Two wins is an awesome achievement, and for that to be backed up with another four top-10s is something we can be very proud of.

 “We are really excited by the performances of Sakura, Thomas, Minjee, Erik and Henrik, and this combined with the fantastic season Lydia Ko is having, means we can’t wait to see them continue to flourish.”

In addition to Lydia Ko, ECCO Golf shoes are worn in competition around the world by Caroline Masson, Minjee Lee, Henrik Stenson, Fred Couples, Erik van Rooyen and Thomas Bjørn, among others.

More information at golf.ecco.com and www.holidaygolf.com.

ECCO Golf – Re-signing of two-time Major winner Lydia Ko

August 25, 2021 – Pioneering footwear brand, ECCO Golf, has announced the re-signing of LPGA star, Lydia Ko, on a three-year deal.

The New Zealander, who recently won Olympic bronze in Tokyo 2020, has represented ECCO since 2017 and is one of the most popular players in women’s golf. She has been back close to her scintillating best in 2021, setting a new tournament scoring record in route to winning the LPGA Tour’s LOTTE Championship in April.

Ko, 24, also finished in second place at the ANA Inspiration, one of eight top-10 finishes so far this season, as she continues to show the form that previously took her to world number one and saw her win both the 2016 ANA Inspiration and 2015 Evian Championship.

“I’m delighted to be continuing my relationship with ECCO Golf,” commented Lydia Ko. “It’s been a rollercoaster few years, but the brand has quite literally been with me every step of the way.

“I’m really pleased to be back in the winner’s circle this season and playing some of the best golf of my career – I’m looking forward to making many more memories wearing my ECCO GOLF shoes over the next three years.”

Jesper Thuen, responsible for sponsorship at ECCO Golf, added: “Lydia truly is one of the biggest names in women’s golf and we are delighted that she is extending her partnership with us.

“We have always enjoyed an excellent relationship with Lydia, and we look forward to continuing our support as she climbs back to the very summit of the world game.”

In addition to Lydia Ko, ECCO Golf shoes are worn in competition around the world by Caroline Masson, Minjee Lee, Henrik Stenson, Fred Couples, Erik van Rooyen and Thomas Bjørn, among others.

More information at golf.ecco.com and www.holidaygolf.com.

ECCO Golf – Jesper Thuen, appointed General Manager of ECCO Golf USA

January 22, 2019 – Danish golf footwear innovators, ECCO Golf, have announced that current Head of Golf for Asia-Pacific, Jesper Thuen, is to take up the role of General Manager of ECCO Golf USA, effective January 14th.

Thuen, a former touring professional, has been part of the ECCO Golf family since 2002. Previously, he held the position of Global Marketing Manager for more than a decade before his move to Singapore in 2016 to oversee the brand’s activities in golf’s emerging markets such as Japan, South Korea and China.

Based at ECCO USA Headquarters in Londonderry, New Hampshire, Thuen will be responsible for managing the continued growth of the ECCO Golf brand across the U.S., acting as the key liaison between ECCO Golf Headquarters and the North American market.

He will oversee all product and sales activities, as well as the development and execution of key marketing campaigns with the overarching goal of maximising sales to meet key company objectives for the region, alongside managing all golf-related PR activities, specific to the U.S. market.

“Jesper has been an integral part of the successful growth of our brand in the Asia-Pacific region since his move there, and we’re confident that with his skills and expertise, we’ll see our market share grow in the U.S. in the coming years,” said Michael Waack, Head of Global Golf at ECCO.

Commenting on his appointment, Thuen added: “This new challenge is one that really excites me, and I look forward to having a positive contribution in what is an extremely key market for us.”

As part of his new role, Thuen will remain in charge of all global sponsorship related activity at ECCO Golf.

ECCO Golf shoes are worn in competition around the world by 2018 European Ryder Cup Captain Thomas Bjørn, Fred Couples, Lydia Ko, Minjee Lee and Caroline Masson, among others.

ECCO Golf – Fred Couples renews longstanding relationship with Danish shoemakers

November 13, 2018 – Danish shoemakers ECCO Golf have announced the renewal of their partnership with golf legend and World Golf Hall-of-Famer, Fred Couples.

Couples’ performance in the 2010 Masters tournament while wearing ECCO’s pioneering Golf Street launched the Hybrid golf shoe category to the world, and the American will continue to wear the brand’s innovative shoes and sport the ECCO Golf logo on the left of his headwear as a result of the multi-year extension.

“I honestly can’t imagine competing in any other shoes,” commented Fred Couples following the announcement. “ECCO Golf have been a big part of my journey for over a decade and I’m ecstatic to be partnering with them for the foreseeable future.”

The Golf Digest certified “Coolest Golfer of all Time” has enjoyed a stellar career worldwide, notably winning the 1992 Masters Tournament and the 1984 and ’96 PLAYERS Championship. Having joined the Champions Tour in 2010, he has taken his total career win tally to 62 and claimed two further major championships at the SENIOR PLAYERS Championship ’11 and the Senior Open Championship ’12.

“Fred has been an amazing ambassador for our brand for over a decade,” said Jesper Thuen, responsible for global golf sponsorship for ECCO Golf. “He’s an incredible golfer, a legend of the game and we’re very proud to be able to continue such a successful partnership together.”

More information at golf.ecco.com and www.holidaygolf.com.

ECCO Golf – Arnaus claims Challenge Tour grand final to secure European Tour berth wearing ECCO COOL

November 6, 2018 – Adrià Arnaus shot a final round 69 (-3) to claim a wire-to-wire victory at the Ras Al Khaimah Challenge Tour Grand Final in the United Arab Emirates and secure his graduation to the European Tour for the 2019 season.

Wearing ECCO COOL, the Spaniard entered the final round with a three-shot lead as he went in search of a maiden Challenge Tour victory, having already notched five top-five and seven top-ten finishes this season.

The 24-year-old birdied the 72nd hole to seal victory at the season-ending event by a single shot and secure promotion from the Challenge Tour in just his first full season as a professional golfer.

“Winning the tournament wire-to-wire is something that I have never done before in a professional level,” commented Adrià Arnaus.

“It’s even more special because from the first day I was able to maintain the intensity and play some good golf, that makes this day even more memorable. 

“It’s my first full year as a professional golfer and my main goal has always been to get to the European Tour, and to be able to do that in this way is just wonderful,” he added.

Jesper Thuen, responsible for sponsorship at ECCO Golf, said: “What Adri has been able to achieve in less than a year as a professional golfer is nothing less than spectacular.

“This win is a fitting way to cap what has been an incredibly consistent season for him, and his performances on the Challenge Tour this year show he possess all the attributes to succeed at the very highest level.

“We wish him nothing but success as he embarks on his maiden European Tour season later this month in Hong Kong,” added Thuen.

Arnaus competed wearing ECCO COOL, a ground-breaking cleated model which leverages GORE-TEX SURROUND technology to provide 360° breathability without compromising on waterproof protection.

ECCO Golf shoes are worn in competition around the world by European Ryder Cup Captain Thomas Bjørn, Fred Couples, Lydia Ko, Minjee Lee and Caroline Masson, among others.

More information at golf.ecco.com and www.holidaygolf.com.

ECCO Golf – South Korean Mi Hyang Lee wins Ladies Scottish Open with the ECCO BIOM G 2 golf shoes

August 1, 2017 – Wearing ECCO BIOM G 2, Mi Hyang Lee claimed the fourth professional title of her career as she shot a final round six-under-par 66 to win the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open.

Entering the weekend nine shots off the 36-hole leader, the 24-year-old South Korean birdied the 72nd hole for a total of 282, good enough for a one shot victory.

“It was a real surprise for me, and then just my front nine is amazing, and then I think I got a good start from my first hole,” Mi Hyang Lee told the media following her final round.

“Then just my back nine is a little up-and-down, but I made a lot of putts. I made a lot of good putts and then a good chip shot, too. Just I think hole-by-hole, simple,” she continued.

Jesper Thuen, responsible for sponsorship at ECCO Golf, added: “We’re thrilled about Mi Hyang’s victory and to do it in such style by going 10 under at the weekend makes the win even sweeter.

“To have now won three times across the LET and LPGA Tour at only 24 years of age is a phenomenal achievement. We look forward to seeing how her career develops over the coming months and years as she continues to climb the world rankings.”

ECCO BIOM G 2 is crafted at ECCO-owned factories, using DIP which bonds the upper and outsole unit, creating a one-piece shoe without the use of glue or stitching.

Additional elements of the ECCO BIOM G 2 outsole platform include a visible carbon-look insert bar running heel to mid-foot, an integrated forefoot stability bar and the CHAMP SLIM-Lok cleat system.

More information at golf.ecco.com.

ECCO Golf – Lydia Ko signs as brand ambassador and will compete with the new ECCO BIOM G2

January 5, 2017 – Leading golf footwear innovator ECCO Golf has announced the signing of New Zealand LPGA Tour player and current women’s world-number-one Lydia Ko as a brand ambassador.

19-year-old Ko will compete in the new women’s ECCO BIOM G2 model and showcase the company’s logo on her collar.

She has amassed an incredible 18 victories across both the LPGA and Ladies European Tours, including two Major Championships with her most recent coming at the 2016 ANA Inspiration.

The Korean-born New Zealand native became the youngest winner in LPGA Tour history when she won the CN Canadian Women’s Open as an amateur in 2012, as well as the youngest ever female major champion with her 2015 Evian Championship victory.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the ECCO Golf family and can’t wait to start competing in the ECCO shoe from January 2017. ECCO Golf has such an outstanding reputation in the women’s game. As soon as I began testing their new products, I knew there was only one shoe brand I could compete in moving forward,” said Lydia Ko.

Jesper Thuen, responsible for global sponsorship at ECCO Golf, added: “What Lydia has achieved since turning professional just a few years ago is nothing short of astonishing. We couldn’t be more excited to have her representing the ECCO Golf brand. We have no doubt that she’ll continue achieving great things in the women’s game, and we look forward to being a part of her journey.”

ECCO Golf shoes are worn in competition around the world by Fred Couples, Ernie Els, Peter Hanson, Thomas Bjørn, Minjee Lee, Caroline Masson, Gerina Piller, among others.

More information about ECCO Golf at golf.ecco.com and www.holgolf.com.

ECCO Golf – South Korean Na Yeon Choi wins wearing BIOM Hybrid model

ECCO-Na-Yeon-Choi

February 6, 2015 –Danish company ECCO, a leading manufacturer of innovative footwear, has announced the signing of LPGA Tour star Na Yeon Choi, who wore its award-winning BIOM Hybrid model en route to winning the Coates Golf Championship, held this weekend at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club in Ocala, Florida.

This victory marked the eighth career LPGA Tour title for Choi and moved her to No. 12 on the World Rolex Ranking. Affectionately known as “NYC,” the 27 year old is among South Korea’s most popular sports stars, having won the 2012 U.S. Women’s Open Championship and 2010 Vare Trophy for lowest scoring average on the LPGA Tour.

“Na Yeon is an icon in Korea, which is among the largest and most important markets for ECCO Golf,” says Jesper Thuen, Sponsorship, PR & Event Manager – ECCO Golf Lab. “She’s also admired globally for her engaging personality, outstanding style and exceptional talent.”

Choi, who turned pro in 2004, has claimed seven KLPGA titles, including two co-sanctioned LPGA Tour events. She represented Asia at the 2008 Lexus Cup and served as a member of the South Korean team during the 2014 International Crown.

Among the footwear Choi will showcase as an ECCO Golf Ambassador is the new BIOM Hybrid 2. It features an extra-thin midsole to bring golfers closer to the playing surface, as well as a dual-density TPU outsole that is harder in areas which need the most stability and softer in key comfort zones.

In addition to Choi, the ECCO Golf collection is endorsed by Tour stars Fred Couples, Ernie Els, Graeme McDowell, Thomas Bjørn, Marcel Siem, Thongchai Jaidee, Will Wilcox, Caroline Masson and many others.

More information at www.ecco.com/golf and www.holgolf.com.