Xander Schauffele and Descente: His New Sponsor After Adidas Split Explored

Xander Schauffele has quit his 9-year-long partnership with Adidas for a tie-up with Descente. This move comes at a time when there is a major restructuring of the golf sponsorship world. Among the changes being made are the recent departure of players like Tiger Woods and Jason Day from the global apparel giant, Nike. This shift from former industry giants like Nike and Adidas to more new-age brands like Titleist, Taylor Made, Malbon Golf and the aforementioned Descente signals a new age of corporate interest in the sport.

Schauffele began wearing Descente’s golf apparel, training gear, and accessories in January 2024 as part of this multi-year deal. But the collaboration goes beyond simple support. Schauffele will work on product development, applying his knowledge and skills to improve Descente’s products. Furthermore, he will oversee marketing targeted at enhancing Descente’s brand image and broadening its range of golf products, especially in upcoming golfing regions like China, Korea, and Japan.

Known for taking a fresh approach to the sportswear industry, Descente has led the way in creating superior training and performance clothes. With a ninety-year history, the Japanese brand has consistently pushed the limits of sportswear workmanship and functionality and wishes to continue to do so with golfer on board.

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Descente CEO, Shuichi Koseki, seemed elated while talking about having Schauffele on board. “Xander is a world-class talent and an athlete who embodies Descente’s premium sports brand philosophy,” he said.

Talking about his deal with the brand, the PGA Tour pro said, “I am very honored to join the Descente team. The Descente brand has a rich history of developing performance and training apparel for a variety of indoor and outdoor sports, including golf. I am very grateful for the opportunities to work closely with such a storied brand and look forward to contributing to the success of Team Descente on and off the golf course.”

Xander Schauffele has been with his former sponsors, Adidas, ever since he became a pro in 2015. In the years that this partnership has played out, Schauffele has risen among the ranks to become one of the best in the game today.

Xander Schauffele’s illustrious run with Adidas

Adidas has been with the pro through his seven PGA Tour wins, including titles such as The Greenbrier Classic, the Tour Championship, and notably, the Gold Medal at the Tokyo Olympics Men’s Individual Stroke Play. Today, Schauffele is ranked 6th in the world, and Adidas has had their hand to play in that achievement.

Even in the ongoing THE PLAYERS Championship, where Schauffele is performing exceptionally well and stands at T1 after the third round. The golfer is wearing Adidas shoes on the greens of the TPC Sawgrass. But we can also see the transition being made, as the American is donning Descente on his chest. This means that it could be the last time the player wears his old partner’s apparel, signaling the end of an era.

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