Hello, friends, and welcome to this edition of the Rogers Report, where I’m reporting to you live from the 8AM Invitational at Wynn Las Vegas. Thirty-six athletes and celebrities are out in Vegas for a few days to tee it up in Justin Timberlake’s event benefitting the American Skin Association, and there is no detail too small when it comes to this event.
Friday at the 8AM Invitational was a particularly exciting day because it marked the launch of the Justin Timberlake Nike Golf Victory Tour 4 “Raggio di Sole” shoe, a limited-edition shoe crafted in Montebelluna, Italy. The shoe has a cork sole, features Timberlake’s signature on the tongue and come in an Oatmeal/Dark Field Brown-Pink Tint-Hot Lava color way. And I’m not kidding when they say these are a limited-edition kick — Nike and JT are releasing just 1,981 pairs as an ode to the singer’s birth year.
The Raggio di Soles aim to bring a new cultural take on the classic golf shoe that we all know, love and see Rory McIlroy wear. My personal favorite detail is that the shoe takes inspiration from early-morning golf, the best coffee in the world (which you’ll notice by the shoe’s color) and sneaker culture. Basically, it’s a mix of the finest things in life.
I attended the official launch of the shoe on Friday morning at the 8AM Invitational at Wynn Las Vegas, and the whole activation was on point. There was a custom-branded coffee truck pop-up where the celebs could see the product, have a cup of joe and pick up their own pair of the kicks. That’s right, every single player in the field received a custom Nike Golf kit including the golf shoes, a head cover, a t-shirt and a ball marker. Most of the players in the field are rocking the new shoes at the event this week, and they are loving them.
I have a feeling these golf shoes are going to sell out fast, so act quick! You can purchase them right here.
Justin Timberlake x Nike Victory Tour 4 “Raggio Di Sole”
Nike Golf and Justin Timberlake have joined forces to unveil a limited-edition take on the Victory Tour 4, aptly named “Raggio Di Sole” — Italian for “ray of sunshine.” Expertly handcrafted in Montebelluna, Italy, this exclusive release is limited to just 1,981 pairs, a nod to Timberlake’s birth year, and represents the perfect fusion of high-performance design and Italian luxury.
Crafted with a luxurious mix of materials, the upper combines tumbled leather, smooth leather, and velvety suede to create a richly layered, tactile aesthetic. Unique design flourishes are woven throughout — from the “Raggio Di Sole” inscription and Timberlake’s signature on the tongue, to cork insoles accented with lighthearted coffee-ring imagery, and a debossed Montebelluna emblem at the heel. Housed in specially designed packaging, each pair is delivered with an elevated sense of exclusivity and personal flair.
Terms and Conditions for Limited Release
If you’re reading this, there’s really good chance you’re a fan of professional golf. And you know who our favorite golfers’ favorite people are? Their significant others. And this month, the PGA Tour Wives Association is hosting a silent auction to raise funds that directly support children and familities in need across the communities that the PGA Tour visits each year.
There are a ton of great items to bid on, including golf tournament experiences, memorabilia, clubs and a whole lot more. You can bid directly on items and experiences or donate directly to the foundation right here. The auction is live until April 30. Thanks to Jenna Hughes for sharing more about the silent auction on the Birdie Little Secrets Podcast.
Do yourself a favor and check out the PGA Tour Wives Association’s Instagram page. They are constantly bringing joy to all of the communities they visit, and they’re going to inspire you to do the exact same thing.
Tony Finau’s latest act of kindness
And since we’re on the topic of doing good, let’s take a look at how Tony Finau celebrated his Easter Sunday at the RBC Heritage.
This is not the first time Finau has given his shoes to a young fan who asked for them, and I can guarantee it won’t be the last; there’s a reason he’s a fan favorite to so many. There’s a very, very good chance that kid won’t ever grow enough to fit into those shoes, but it’s cooler to keep those clean on display somewhere at home anyways. Folks, if you’re ever in the market for a fresh new pair of kicks, it seems like you’ve got a good chance at getting a lightly-worn pair from Tony Finau if you ask politely — and keep asking.
The best wedding gift of all time
Move over, dish wear and decorative pillows! The go-to items you purchase for your friends’ weddings have officially been knocked down a lot of notches. Annika Sorenstam just gave Madelene Sagstrom and her husband the wedding gift of all wedding gifts.
As far as presents go, a round at Augusta National is a good as it gets. My dad always says that it’s better to get an experience than an item, and this is definitely an “experience” most people wouldn’t be able to give. Congrats to Sagstrom and her husband on the opportunity to play Augusta National. And on their marriage, of course.
