TMaG Press Release: TaylorMade Introduces Rossa TP by Kia Ma Putters

Gxgolfer · November 13, 2008

TaylorMade Introduces Rossa TP by Kia Ma Putters

Five New Premium Models Created by Legendary Putter Craftsman Kia Ma

CARLSBAD, Calif. (November 12, 2008) TaylorMade Golf has introduced five new premium putters that were created by, and named for, a true master of the art of putter-making, Kia Ma.

His name, scarcely known to the average golfer, is revered among tour pros. A native of Vietnam, Ma endured a 17-month immigration to the United States in 1980 and found a home in the golf industry soon after, assembling clubs for a small southern California equipment manufacturer called Shamrock Golf. In 1987 he joined Ray Cook Golf and took up putter design, and built his own workbenches and bargained for the tools he needed to further his craft. His talent for applying the exact degree of heat needed to bend a shaft to the precise amount of curve or angle became legendary. He started his own company, K & M Golf, which quietly serviced some of the most powerful brands in the game. Six years ago he joined TaylorMade, and since then has been instrumental in elevating the company's stature in the world of putters.

In the past, premium Kia Ma putters have been reserved for TaylorMade's Tour Staff professionals, including the custom-made putter used by Sergio Garcia to win the Castello Masters and the HSBC Champions event in Shanghai. That's changed with the new Rossa® TP by Kia Ma putter franchise, which consists of five carefully crafted models painstakingly honed by Ma, whose expert eye for shape and detail is clearly reflected in each one.

The line consists of three blades – Daytona, Monaco and Imola; and two mallets – Monte Carlo and Maranello, each 100% CNC-milled from soft 1020 carbon steel and completed with a rich, midnight finish. Look closely and you'll see the rich detailing that Kia Ma putters are known for, including the six tungsten weights embedded into the rear side of the Daytona and Monaco.

"Rossa TP by Kia Ma putters are guaranteed to appeal to the golf purist who loves classic design and flawless execution," said Bill Price, TaylorMade's senior director of putter creation. "Every surface is satiny smooth and every curve and corner is perfectly rendered. Their straightforward shaping makes them easy to look at and aim, and they feel fantastic. When you pick one of these putters up you realize right away the person who created it is someone special."

On the PGA Tour this season, the Rossa TP by Kia Ma line was put in play by TaylorMade-adidas Golf professionals Justin Rose (Monte Carlo), Andres Romero (Daytona), Mike Weir (Daytona) and Garcia (Daytona).

"'Smooth,' 'classic,' 'exceptional,' 'beautiful' and 'performance' are some of the buzz words that I hear on a weekly basis from the Tour players who roll a putt with a Kia Ma putter," said TaylorMade Tour rep Shawn Mullin. "I believe there is a true appreciation shared amongst the players for the tremendous detail and craftsmanship that goes into each putter. It's great that all golfers can now play the same putter players on Tour are all talking about."

Rossa TP by Kia Ma putters are available for purchase in mid-December at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $360.

Geo · November 13, 2008

Despite all the science-driven, (arguably manipulated) data-proven roll tech behind the AGSI putters, I've never been able to get past the feel, and never wanted to put more faith in my putter than in my putting. I still don't know about 'performance,' but 'smooth,' 'classic,' 'exceptional,' and 'beautiful' are the reasons my interest is piqued in this new line. Looking forward to seeing these in the real world. :good:

xxio · November 13, 2008

Is this an implied realization by TM that AGSI doesn't work?

Geo · November 13, 2008

Is this an implied realization by TM that AGSI doesn't work?

Nope. Looks to me like this is a press release regarding a new line of putters that TM is offering for people who are not in the market for an insert putter, who prefer a solid-faced milled putter. AGSI's still in the lineup. But then again, I'm one of "those people" who think that Odyssey's offering of a non-insert putter wasn't an implication of anything other than Odyssey providing an option for those who don't like inser putters. But what do I know? :fool:

Twohey · November 13, 2008

Can't wait to see pics! Hoping they make it for LH too!

elementlax · November 13, 2008

looks nice

goos to see taylormade back in the non-agsi market.

i like previous inserts, but agsi sucked

choeppner · November 15, 2008

I like the looks of them. I wonder a little at the Price Point though right now. Price for the models is $359.95

Here are some pics and more info

-Chris

lboeme · November 15, 2008

I just grabbed a tour issue 34/350 Monaco Kia Ma Milled TP, Ill post in hand pics Monday and give a review!

james77 · November 17, 2008

i had a go with the kia ma range today, wow! they feel fantastic just had to order one in each style. They feel like the original scotty cameron. cant wait to get them.

TheMoneyShot · November 17, 2008

This is a great move for TM! They will take dome business from SC no doubt. I have not heard one negative comment about this line.

Sniperman · January 4, 2009

I had a chance to roll some balls at the local golf shop the other day. Tried the Daytona; I have to say the the feel was exceptional. "Perfect" soft feel (if there is such thing, if not, there is now), nice "click" upon face to ball contact, true roll almost after leaving the face, very nice alignment and proportional weight. The look definitely separates it from the other TM blades; especially with the KiaMa engraved on the sole. For those who doesn't know the history of Kia Ma, Mr. Ma taught Mr. Cameron the trade of "crafting" and designing the "purist's" putter. Yes, I am talking about the creator of the highly publicized and successfully marketed Scotty Cameron putters. As a matter of fact I own two of the SC putters, Newport 2 and Fastback 1.

After trying out the Daytona Kia Ma, I called by brother-in-law right away to sell the SC Newport at half-price, which he quickly agreed to. There aren't many of these out there yet. The Roger Dunn shop I bought it from only received one Daytona and one Imola (both in 35" shafts), and this is the largest RD in Southern CA. The fellow that helped me called other stores to ask for the 34" shaft but no one had it.

My only complain on the putter is the ugly standard grip from TM. Luckily (I suppose...) I had to cut the shaft to 34" which gave me a chance to regrip with a black SC grip. I now have a perfect putter! Now, only if I can perfect my putting...which will never happen :(

If you get a chance to try them out...do it. Just don't be saddened if you have to leave it behind. I just hope he'll get the same marketing as SC, as these putters are as good if not better.

BTW...they retail for $299

SoCalTitleist · January 4, 2009

What Roger Dunns did you go too? Santa Ana?

SwingBlues · January 4, 2009

Hmmh...I see semblance of the SC Del Mar 3.5 in there...:D

BEND OF THE RIVER GC · January 4, 2009

A very WEAK, at best, TP Mills (sort of) copy. At $360, they should look much nicer than this.

For that much coin, get a Mills, Machine or a Byron for that matter.

I just don't see a ton of people (not me anyway) dropping $360 on that....they are a STEP ABOVE the AGSI offerings though...

Ed Settle · January 4, 2009

I think the price point will be @ $299. haven't hit one yet but, I can say I am disappointed in the one pass face milling. Maybe it doesn't matter. But the look has changed from the early pictures.