Badds joins Nike

Australian teenage sensation Aaron Baddeley is the latest addition to the Nike stable as he joins Tiger Woods, David Duval, Micheal Campbell and Adam Scott by using their equipment.

But instead of signing for a head to toe agreement with Nike, Badds has opted to play the Nike Tour accuracy TW ball, wear the shoes and use the glove and he will continue using his current King Cobra irons and Taylor Made 300Ti driver.

The 19-year-old won the Australian Tour money list in his first season as a professional and has been tipped for major stardom by Greg Norman, one of his close friends.

"We're extremely proud of Aaron's accomplishments," said Kel Devlin, marketing Director for Nike Golf.

"He was the first player outside the U.S. to play the Tour Accuracy TW golf ball, and he's been one of the most consistent performers on the Australasian Tour ever since. He's only beginning to tap his potential for becoming a major force in international play."

Baddeley is the only player to have won the coveted Australian Open both as an amateur and professional having successfully defended his title last year. And in doing so, he is now exempt from the European Tour although he plans to play predominately in the USA on the PGA Tour this season, hoping to gain his card in seven sponsors exemptions.

"I'm looking forward to building on my success and playing in European and PGA Tour events," Baddeley said.