Ace goes inside the ropes with Hunter Mahan

Ace Hardware is doing something new in 2015: it's backing up a pro athlete. The co-op announced that it has signed on for a multi-year sponsorship of PGA TOUR golf pro Hunter Mahan.

The ensuing campaign will involve Mahan's appearance in Ace's 2015 "Golf Swing Away" television ad in April, which will promote Ace's Free Store Pickup program launching that month. Mahan will also wear the Ace logo on his golf apparel during competitions and tournaments.

The partnership will also position Ace as Mahan's exclusive home improvement retailing sponsor.

"Hunter is not only a standout player on the TOUR, but a standout person and family man as well," said Jeff Gooding, senior director, consumer marketing for Ace. "He matches the qualities of our brand and our retailers, so our partnership is a perfect fit. Forging a relationship with one of the world's top-ranked golf professionals will help Ace leverage the sport that our core customer is most invested in and will allow us to extend our award-winning helpful brand promise to this important audience."

Mahan is a six-time winner on the PGA TOUR and has been a member of four United States President's Cup teams and three United States Ryder Cup Teams.

"I'm humbled by the opportunity to partner with Ace Hardware and represent their brand and stores each week on the PGA TOUR," said Mahan. "Growing up I always loved visiting my neighborhood Ace with my dad, and to this day, I'm still impressed with the helpful folks at Ace who put their customers first. I'm proud to be the newest member of their team."