WATCH ABOVE: Graham DeLaet introduced as Shaw Communications new ambassador and then gives a clinic outside in Saskatoon.
On a relatively balmy winter’s day in Saskatoon, Canadian golf star Graham DeLaet spent part of the morning hitting balls in the snow.
While he’s usually practising under the desert sun at his Arizona home this time of year, DeLaet, the 39th-ranked golfer in the world, was at a hotel today showing off his swing, smacking some golf balls into the icy waters of the South Saskatchewan River.
What DeLaet described as a “stunt,” was the kick off to a multi-year deal the golfer signed with Shaw Communications Inc., parent company of Global News, which will see the Shaw logo on his hat and golf bag.
WATCH: Shaw’s new ambassador Graham DeLaet demonstrates his power and prowess during a clinic
“It is a good Canadian brand getting their foot in the door with golf,” says DeLaet, 31, who grew up in Weyburn, Sask. “I’m excited moving forward with it. For me it starts with playing good golf, and when you play great golf other things off the course come with it.”
Shaw chief executive Brad Shaw, who, along with some friends, watched as DeLaet battled American golf star Jordan Spieth on Sunday at last year’s Presidents Cup, says the golfer’s work ethic and personality are a strong fit for the media company.
WATCH: Global golf analyst Robert Thompson discusses the exciting partnership between Shaw and Graham DeLaet
Shaw already broadcasts 27 PGA Tour tournaments, is the title sponsor of the Shaw Charity Classic in Calgary and the media partner for the RBC Canadian Open.
DeLaet, who already has two Top 10 finishes on the 2013-14 PGA Tour season this year, will wear the Shaw logo next week when he plays the Farmers Insurance Open. He’ll also play his first Masters in April, trying to become only the second Canadian to win a men’s major championship.
WATCH: Graham Delaet joins Team Shaw. Rob Leth reports.
Since emerging as a rookie on the PGA Tour in 2010, DeLaet’s powerful driving, homegrown enthusiasm and ability to rise to the occasion has made him a force in professional golf.
Last year he nearly won the Barclays, part of golf’s FedEx Cup playoffs, recorded seven Top 10 finishes, and made $2.83-million in earnings. His strong play earned him a spot on the International Team of the Presidents Cup, the competition that matches the best American stars against the top golfers in the world outside of Europe.
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Despite his team losing to a dominant American group, Masters winner Adam Scott called DeLaet the MVP of the international squad. His play won accolades from team captain Nick Price, who said DeLaet is “a hell of a player. I think Canada has a lot to look forward to the next ten or 12 years or so watching him play because he’s definitely major championship material.”
READ MORE: DeLaet recalls days on Canadian Tour
DeLaet recognizes that his success has led to increased expectations, but he’s comfortable with that.
“I have a little bit more belief in myself and that just comes from a confidence standpoint, playing well in the playoffs and the Presidents Cup, when I was under the gun,” he says. “I feel like I have a few more things to draw from, like if I’m in contention on a Sunday. So mentally I’m in a good spot, and physically things like my putting have come a long way.”
DeLaet’s powerful game – he ranked 19th in driving distance last year at 298 yards on average – always impressed those around him as he rose through the ranks, representing Canada throughout the world on its national amateur team before playing college golf at Boise State in Idaho.
Though self-taught – unusual among top golfers – DeLaet turned professional in 2007 and joined the Canadian Tour, now PGA Tour Canada. He played well as a professional – winning Rookie of the Year in golf’s developmental league – but struggled financially as he chased his dream.
The following year his fortunes turned, and DeLaet won on the Canadian Tour, and his success led him to represent Canada that year at the World Cup in China. He’d win two more times on the Canadian Tour in 2009, as well recording a victory in South Africa, before playing his way onto the PGA Tour through its extremely challenging qualifying school.
PGA Tour Qualifying school is a grueling affair held over several stages, with the final stage requiring six rounds to determine who moves forward.
He did make it, earning $954,011 in his rookie year, before a back injury, suffered while playing recreational hockey, forced him to have surgery. Uncertain of how the surgery would effect his game, DeLaet sat out almost all of 2011, and played the following season on an injury exemption.
READ MORE: DeLaet gives back to junior golf with tournament
Though he admitted at the time his career might be in jeopardy, DeLaet came back in stunning fashion, recording three Top 10 finishes and earning more than $1-million.
This year many golf pundits are labeling DeLaet as most likely to record a win and with the possibility of being in the mix at any of golf’s four majors. He’s already started out well, with two Top 10 finishes in three starts in the newly configured 2013-2014 season
In addition to the sponsorship with Shaw, DeLaet has just inked a new clothing deal with Puma, and is continuing with sponsor RBC and club company Titleist, as well as an ambassador for the province of Saskatchewan.
DeLaet says the connection with Shaw is just an extension of his on-course success.
“All across the country – and in Saskatchewan – I’ve had tons of support,” he says. “I’m a Saskatchewan boy and Shaw is an Alberta company. Saskatchewan and Alberta are like big brother and little brother, though I don’t know which is the little brother any more. Western Canada is an important part of my life and growing up so there’s no coincidence this is happening.”
Graham DeLaet Fact Box
- Age: 31
- Born: Weyburn, Sask.
- Resides: Boise, Idaho and Scottsdale, Arizona
- Turned pro: 2007
- Joined PGA Tour in 2010
- Current world rank: 39
- Career earnings: $5.3-million
- 2013-2014 season earnings: $449,667 in three tournaments
- Best finish on PGA Tour: Second at Barclays (2013)
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