February 09, 2005
Columnist Adam Candee:
Adam Candee covers golf for the Las Vegas Sun

Back in black

So I know it's a cheap gimmick. And I know the ball doesn't fly any farther or bite any harder. And I also know that my money could be spent in so many other ways to benefit both humanity and/or myself.

But that all-black golf ball that a few Nike-backed players busted out at the raucous 16th hole of last week's FBR Open in Scottsdale is just plain cool, and I want a sleeve. Don't you, too? (Fall in line with my worst capitalistic instincts, won't you please?)

Not only does it look great, but any piece of sporting equipment that can actually serve as symbolism for my endeavor (you know, like I'm already mourning the flight, plight, etc., of my ball by dressing it in black) is neat.

For now, Nike is tentatively planning to give out a couple of the all-black beauties as a bonus for buying a dozen of another new design. Soon, you too can be "blackballed" in Las Vegas, but without ever crossing the Nevada Gaming Commission.

From pga.com:
By Steve Pike, PGA.com Senior Writer
02.09.2005 07:47 pm (EST)

BLACK MAGIC: Nike Golf said the consumer demand over its black Nike One golf ball has been so strong that it is offering a limited number of two-ball sleeves of the black Nike One Black with the purchase of a dozen Nike One Black or Nike One Gold golf balls at participating golf shops and golf specialty stores.

Nike Golf said the black One Black two-ball sleeves are expected to begin shipping by the end of this month and will only be available while supplies last. Only on-course and off-course locations that opt to take part in the program will receive a limited run of the black One Black.

At last week's FBR Open, Nike Golf staffers Rory Sabbatini, Justin Leonard, K.J. Choi and Stewart Cink each teed up the black Nike One Black on the famed par-3 No. 16 at The TPC of Scottsdale. Kel Devlin, Nike Golf's Global Sports Marketing Director, said it will be up to the players to decide when and where they would put it into play again.