In the dynamic world of golf sponsorships, Patrick Cantlay’s recent split with Goldman Sachs over his hat sponsorship is making headlines.
After a four-year partnership, the investment banking giant has decided not to renew its deal with Cantlay, marking an end to an era that saw the golfer become a recognizable figure under the Goldman Sachs cap.
Embed from Getty ImagesCantlay first inked a deal with Goldman Sachs in 2020, a significant move as he was the first athlete to secure such a sponsorship with the firm.
This partnership was primarily aimed at promoting Marcus, Goldman Sachs’ online banking service. Cantlay’s hat, adorned with the Marcus logo, became a familiar sight on the golf course.
However, with Goldman Sachs now stepping back from retail banking and focusing more on investment banking and trading services, the need for this kind of brand promotion has diminished.
The story of Cantlay’s hat took an interesting turn at the Ryder Cup.
Dubbed ‘HatGate‘, Cantlay’s decision to go hatless sparked a flurry of speculation and controversy.
Some reports suggested that his hatless appearance was a protest against the lack of player pay at the Ryder Cup.
Cantlay himself mentioned that the hat didn’t fit well, but there were also hints of financial motivations behind his choice.
This incident led to a memorable moment where Cantlay’s caddie, Joe LaCava, waved his hat towards the crowd, a gesture that didn’t sit well with Rory McIlroy.
Despite the end of this particular sponsorship, Cantlay’s status as a top golfer remains unchanged.
He’s been a mainstay in the World Top 10 and delivered some of his best performances recently, including at the Ryder Cup.
The termination of the hat deal with Goldman Sachs opens up new opportunities for Cantlay.
His ‘hat real estate’ is now available for other sponsors, and given his prominence in the golf world, it’s likely he won’t be without a hat sponsor for long.
In the meantime, Cantlay’s relationship with Goldman Sachs isn’t completely severed.
This development in Cantlay’s sponsorship journey reflects the changing priorities in corporate sponsorships and the personal branding strategies of professional athletes.
As the golf world watches to see who will be the next brand to adorn Cantlay’s hat, it’s clear that the saga of the golfer’s headwear is far from over.
Founder, Editor
Ed is the founder and editor at EEE Golf. He’s been playing golf for over 20 years, competing in many top amateur events. He’s played courses all over the world and played with some of the best players in the game. His aim is to help educate people about the game of golf and give insights into the sport he loves most.