CARLSBAD, CALIF. (July 27, 2010) – With 37 days and five countries behind them, “Wear In The World” finalists Steve Olsen (Wisconsin) and Chris Dukeminier (Oregon) completed the fifth stop in Thailand and began the next phase of their head-to-head competition to become the next social media catalyst at TaylorMade-adidas Golf this week in South Korea, the sixth of nine stops in adidas Golf’s globetrotting golf adventure.

With the competition at an all-time high with the finale looming and the chance of a lifetime to work at adidas Golf hanging in the balance, Olsen and Dukeminier find themselves short-handed as their luggage and golf clubs were lost in transit.

“We have said that the Wear In The World adventure was going to be filled with surprises and not having luggage or clubs for the next stop is certainly an unexpected challenge that Chris and Steve will need to overcome,” said Harry Arnett, Vice President of adidas Golf brand and product marketing. “As the end of the interview approaches and the competition continues to test their stamina and willpower, we will be relying heavily on the input of the consumer.”

Olsen and Dukeminier are faced with challenges that are decided by live polls on the adidas Golf Wear In The World website. With this live poll, consumers can vote on their favorite candidate and select who they believe, better deserves the job. In addition, the website also boasts an interactive toolbar allowing followers the ability to interact in real time better than before and enter to win great adidas Golf giveaways, including the most recent Ultimate Finale giveaway, where someone can win a trip and round of golf for two at Bandon Dunes.

With five of nine stops competed, Dukeminier has won the last two legs on the journey, with his latest victory coming down to the wire in Thailand. With Olsen owning a small lead, Dukeminier stole the victory by outlasting Olsen in the final challenge in which each competitor had 10 minutes to consume six different dishes of grilled and fried bugs. Each “delicacy” was worth different points ranging from five to 25.

While in South Korea, the pair will compete in various business-related competitions and play rounds at Lotte Sky Hill Country Club and Elysian Country Club, with or without their luggage.

The Wear In The World journey began June 26 in Herzogenaurach, Germany at the adidas Group global headquarters where the competitors played golf with PGA Tour Professionals Sergio Garcia and Retief Goosen, ziplined through the famed Olympic Stadium and learned firsthand what it means to be a “die-hard” sports fan as they celebrated in the streets with the Germans as their beloved national team notched multiple World Cup victories. 

The second stop in Norway included a game of golf at midnight at Tromso Golf Park and a competition where each contestant created a viral video to promote a benefit of selected adidas Golf products. On their next stop in Scotland, Olsen and Dukeminier were privileged enough to enjoy the Open Championship at St. Andrews where they mingled with adidas Golf athletes, competed in a haggis-eating contest and speed golf at Kingarrock Hickory Golf Club. Once in Dubai, adidas Golf challenged the participants to play golf in record-breaking heat (130^◦ F) and a downhill race at Ski Dubai’s indoor ski facility. On their fifth stop in Thailand, visited an elephant camp, competed at the Chiang Mai Highlands Golf and Spa Report with local youth players, created viral videos promoting adidas Golf gear where the fans and followers chose the winner and aforementioned bug eating contest.

The applicants will return to the United States where the journey will culminate with a finale planned at the Old MacDonald course at Bandon Dunes, Oregon the week of August 10^th. Before their return and following South Korea, the Wear In The World adventure will continue on to Japan (July 31) and Canada (August 5).

During their trips, Olsen and Dukeminier are tasked with creating compelling content through Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and other social media channels highlighting their adventures and building loyal followers during their trip. In addition to golf outings with adidas Golf's PGA, European and Asian Tour Professionals, the finalists will also sightsee and experience the various local cultures and activities. They are accompanied by an adidas Golf employee based out of the South Africa office, Aaron Russell, who is "hosting" the competition and ensuring seamless travel between locations. A small camera crew is documenting the entire trip and feeding it back to: www.adidasgolf.com/wearintheworld.