The European Tour has confirmed that Nestlé, the world’’s largest food and beverage company, will provide support for the Tour’’s Physiotherapy Unit for the next four years (2000-2003). In recognition of their broad portfolio of nutrition oriented products, the Unit will be named the Nestlé Nutrition Physiotherapy Unit.
Evan Kaloussis, Senior Vice President of Nestlé, officially opened the Nestlé Nutrition Physiotherapy Unit at the 2000 Volvo PGA Championship at Wentworth Club.
Commenting on the launch, Evan Kaloussis said: “In keeping with our ongoing commitment to provide good food for a good life – at all ages and stages - Nestlé is proud to be an official partner of the European Tour. These days it is no longer sufficient to rely on fitness, talent and the desire to win. The right training and the right skills are important factors in performance. However, a balanced diet is also very much part of the package. Nestlé Nutrition will provide golf professionals and enthusiasts with information and up-to-date advice on sports nutrition, innovative foods and beverage products, giving them the winning edge.”
Severiano Ballesteros, on behalf of the Members of the European Tour, said: “We all acknowledge the high level of fitness required to remain at the top of our sport, and the development of the Physio Unit over the years has been of paramount importance to the players. We would like to thank Nestlé for their wonderful support and at the same time congratulate Guy and all his team for their terrific advise and guidance throughout each season on Tour.”
To support the Physio Unit operation, Nestlé will provide expert nutritional advice to players as well as help to maintain physical health of Tour Members through the services of four dedicated full time professional staff.
Part of Nestlé’’s commitment will be to provide golf professionals and enthusiasts with information on sports nutrition. Nestlé’’s FIT FOR GOLF booklet, as well as the new computer program HYDRAOPT, available at the Nestlé Nutrition Kiosk, will offer nutrition recommendations and guidelines as well as personalised hydration plans. Nestlé will also provide nutritional oriented food and beverage products in the Physio Unit for all Tour players and at the Nestlé Nutrition Kiosk for interested spectators.
The Nestlé Nutrition Physiotherapy Unit will attend more than 20 events during the 2000 season, providing players with the very best advice and service available at the majority of events on the European Tour.
George O’’Grady, Deputy Executive Director of the European Tour, said: “We are committed to ensuring first class facilities are available for all Members of the European Tour, and in Nestlé we have found the ideal partner to further develop the Physiotherapy Unit and Service.”
Guy Delacave, Head of the Physiotherapy team comprising Kris Huizenga, Jonathan Shrewsbury and Rob Hillman, commented: “It is probably safe to say that the Physio Unit is the most popular and frequently visited facility on-site at Tour Events. Such are the demands on the modern international golfer that physical fitness is now a vital component of the game and players frequently seek the advice of the professional staff on the Nestlé Nutrition Physiotherapy Unit to ensure that they are ready, physically and mentally, for tournament golf.”
