Maybin agrees major sponsorship deal

GARETH MAYBIN has plenty of extra incentive to charge into contention on the European Tour this year after signing a sponsorship deal that includes performance-related bonuses of up to $50m (€35.5m).

The 30-year-old Belfast golfer, who made his mark on tour last season with runner-up finishes at both The Ballantine’s Championship and Andalucia Valderrama Masters, has agreed the deal with London-based sports risk advisory Sportsrisq Capital that the company believes to be the largest sponsorship agreement in professional golf.

No details of the payment structure were released but the bonuses will primarily be based on tournament finishing positions and The Race to Dubai rankings, in which Maybin last year finished 40th in his second season on the European Tour. A cumulative effect, says Sportsrisq, would trigger the $50m (€35.5m) payout to the Ballyclare golfer, currently ranked 125 in the world.

“We’re delighted to be backing such a promising golfer as Gareth,” Sportsrisq managing director John Nagle said. “He has the potential to be a major force on the tour for years to come and we’ll hopefully be along for the ride. All the risk is placed through our risk capacity partners so we can cheer on Gareth without worrying about the huge liabilities. Our clients are sponsors and agencies so this is a great way to show the possibilities of what we can do. At the same time we’re demonstrating our commitment to professional sport by becoming a sponsor. We’ll continue to explore innovative sponsorship opportunities as we grow.”

Maybin will wear his new sponsor’s logo when he tees off on Thursday at the Trophée Hassan II in Morocco and his manager, Conor Ridge of Horizon Sports Management, said: “The Sportsrisq deal represents an exciting, new type of sponsorship deal that both Gareth and Horizon are proud to be involved with. Gareth doesn’t need any more motivation but the prospect of $50m (€35.5m) certainly won’t hurt.”