By SCOTT HAMILTON
Senior WriterOne of the most marketable names in golf has changed management agencies.
LPGA star Natalie Gulbis has left Octagon for IMG, joining a stable of golfers that includes Tiger Woods and Annika Sorenstam, several industry sources confirmed Jan. 9. Calls placed to Gulbis were not immediately returned, and attempts to reach John Steele, who will represent her for IMG, were unsuccessful.
Terms of the deal were unknown.
A copy of IMG's internal client list, obtained by
Golfweek, included Gulbis' name, confirming her move. The list circulates among industry executives, quoting prices for IMG's players to be at corporate outings and other events.
Gulbis’ separation from Octagon ends a two-year run during which she became one of the most visible women in golf, if not sports. In that span, she signed endorsement deals with MasterCard, RSM McGladrey, Canon, Raymond Weil, Sem Group, Anheuser-Busch and 24 Hour Fitness, as well as an extension with TaylorMade-Adidas.
Octagon will continue to manage Gulbis’ existing accounts until they expire. The status of her reality show on Golf Channel is unknown.
Calls to Octagon were forwarded to Giff Breed, the head of the firm’s golf division, but went unanswered.
• • •
Scott Hamilton is a
Golfweek senior writer. To reach him e-mail
shamilton@golfweek.com.
Posted: 1/9/2008
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