Jon Rahm to Callaway

[jll62]

This move wouldn't surprise me at all. I'm not adding anything new to the conversation here, but my thoughts align with others in the thread.

 

Rahm is able to ask for #1 in the world money now, but TM is top heavy with DJ and Rory in that spot too (but they're major winners). Then you've got Morikawa (a major winner) and Wolff (a unique, marketable player) to keep around, and finally Tiger. Where does Rahm fit into this picture? If you couldn't keep them all, Rahm seems like the odd man out. He's probably making a "business decision" like Xander did. For Rahm's sake, I hope the transition goes more smoothly than it did that first year or so for Xander.

 

I hadn't thought about the Mickelson connection until I saw someone post it here. Seems logical.

[swgolf12]

11 minutes ago, 1s1k said:

He went from #1 player in the world to 32nd.  So he might want to be a little more picky on what he's playing.

 

And Tiger fell to 1,199th playing the exact same clubs that were all custom made for him.  I guess in your head people can't play bad golf from anything other than bad equipment. 

[1s1k]

Rose didn't have the injuries Tiger had to deal with.  Move on

[Titletown]

This is not a comparable situation to Sergio and Rose I don't think. Both of those guys were on the downward trajectory of their careers and Rahm is ascending. I think it is a no-brainer for Callaway, but if he somehow flames out with Callaway equipment (which I think is very unlikely) it would be a VERY bad look for Callaway. 

[bcflyguy1]

1 minute ago, Titletown said:

This is not a comparable situation to Sergio and Rose I don't think. Both of those guys were on the downward trajectory of their careers and Rahm is ascending. I think it is a no-brainer for Callaway, but if he somehow flames out with Callaway equipment (which I think is very unlikely) it would be a VERY bad look for Callaway. 

This is correct, there is much more potential upside in this for Callaway than there was with Sergio.

I'm really surprised at all the responses that seem to think there wasn't an extensive amount of testing that went on behind the scenes before this deal was agreed. As alluded to, there is great potential risk in this for both parties and both will have gone to great lengths to mitigate that risk to the max extent possible.

[codeman]

16 hours ago, getitdaily said:

Makes a lot of sense if he likes the equipment. Between dj, tiger, Wolfe, morikawa, and rory, rahm was in the shadows. He immediately becomes callaway's top draw. 

This. At TM he was caught in the middle of long established superstars like Tiger, Rory, and DJ and the up and comers like Morikawa and Wolff. I'm sure its not all about the money but from that perspective Rahm is now the top guy for marketing, interviews, exposure, etc. for Callaway. Great move for Callaway to get their flagship player and what i would imagine will be a very lucrative deal for Rahm.

[cardoustie]

Like others have said, not sure Rahm will sell equipment in NA ... he could if he gets past the wahmbulance stage

 

Could be awesome for Europe though as he's likely to be a stalwart in the Ryder Cup for 8 more meetings or so

[scooterhd2]

Seems odd to make a move when you are playing so well, but I get the appeal of being top dog for a new company. I'm sure the money is better. And I always say bet on yourself. So I'm sure Rahm feels like he can continue to play at a high level with the changes. I don't doubt him, but there is always some risk. 

[dubbelbogey]

He got too annoyed by the guy with the beard and sunglasses.

[Golfingfanatic]

According to the Fully Equipped Podcast he shot 59,64,61 in his first three rounds with the Callaway bats.

[bcflyguy1]

2 minutes ago, Golfingfanatic said:

According to the Fully Equipped Podcast he shot 59,64,61 in his first three rounds with the Callaway bats.

Is that good?

[QuigleyDU]

1 hour ago, drbonesvt said:

Will be interesting what he goes with putter wise 

 

 

This was my thought as well. 

[the bishop]

40 minutes ago, jll62 said:

This move wouldn't surprise me at all. I'm not adding anything new to the conversation here, but my thoughts align with others in the thread.

 

Rahm is able to ask for #1 in the world money now, but TM is top heavy with DJ and Rory in that spot too (but they're major winners). Then you've got Morikawa (a major winner) and Wolff (a unique, marketable player) to keep around, and finally Tiger. Where does Rahm fit into this picture? If you couldn't keep them all, Rahm seems like the odd man out. He's probably making a "business decision" like Xander did. For Rahm's sake, I hope the transition goes more smoothly than it did that first year or so for Xander.

 

I hadn't thought about the Mickelson connection until I saw someone post it here. Seems logical.

Generally agree, but to Xander's credit he clearly wasn't going to put anything into play until he was 100% comfortable with it so Rahm should have the clout to work that into his deal.  The post noting the low scores he shot w/the Cally gear notwithstanding it can take some time to reach a comfort level to take it into competition.  I think he'll do fine but as others mention the ball is the biggest switch.  But hopefully he worked his deal so he's not locked into their ball.  Not that it's a bad ball but they don't fit everybody.

[Hot Rod 71]

The ball has been discussed in several posts in this thread, and I agree its the most difficult piece of equipment to change. 

 

There may be a non-retail Chrome Soft or Chrome Soft X that can replace his current ball. 

[QMany]

Does any Callaway staffer, let alone a marquee player, play a non-Callaway ball? He'll be in some Chrome Soft iteration.

  

1 hour ago, swgolf12 said:

Much better comparison would have been Daniel Berger who played TM and was a budding star, switched to Callaway and disappeared until he went back to his old TM clubs. 

 

Berger switched to Callaway in 2017 and soon thereafter won the 2017 FedEx St. Jude Classic (and lost in playoff to Spieth's bunker holeout at The Travelers). He has three wins, two with Callaway. His disappearance had all to do with his wrist injury.

 

Edited December 4, 2020 by QMany

[MtlJeff]

I think we make way too big a deal about this stuff. Especially the ball. Even if you've used a ProV1 you're entire life it's not the exact same proV1, even the same brand of ball changes year to year. It's not like a guy playing a 2020 Pro V1 is using the same ball as when he used a Pro V in 2015. It's a different ball too

 

The Original Chrome Soft played way different than the next Gen Chrome Softs. I hated the originals, couldn't chip with them, they felt so heavy. The next gen was much different. 

 

These are pros, they've gotten to where they are and have adapted many times (different clubs and balls) to get where they are

 

 

 

[codeman]

10 minutes ago, QMany said:

Does any Callaway staffer, let alone a marquee player, play a non-Callaway ball? He'll be in some Chrome Soft iteration.

  

 

Berger switched to Callaway in 2017 and soon thereafter won the 2017 FedEx St. Jude Classic (and lost in playoff to Spieth's bunker holeout at The Travelers). He has three wins, two with Callaway. His disappearance had all to do with his wrist injury.

 

Kisner comes to mind as a Callaway guy who plays a different ball – plays the ProV. Pretty sure he's also in Titleist wedges so I guess it depends on whether you consider an 11 club deal or whatever he has to be a true staffer.

[bcflyguy1]

11 minutes ago, QMany said:

Does any Callaway staffer, let alone a marquee player, play a non-Callaway ball? He'll be in some Chrome Soft iteration.

  

 

Berger switched to Callaway in 2017 and soon thereafter won the 2017 FedEx St. Jude Classic (and lost in playoff to Spieth's bunker holeout at The Travelers). He has three wins, two with Callaway. His disappearance had all to do with his wrist injury.

 

Stenson and Kisner come immediately to mind (both Titleist balls).

Another less well known name is Chase Seiffert (plays an iteration of TP5 or X).

[SubaruWRX]

Money always makes sense! 💰💰💰

[bcflyguy1]

30 minutes ago, QuigleyDU said:

 

 

This was my thought as well. 

Given that he got along with the TM Spider and the 2 Ball, I have a hunch about what we'll see him go with.

[TheBear95]

11 minutes ago, MtlJeff said:

I think we make way too big a deal about this stuff. Especially the ball. Even if you've used a ProV1 you're entire life it's not the exact same proV1, even the same brand of ball changes year to year. It's not like a guy playing a 2020 Pro V1 is using the same ball as when he used a Pro V in 2015. It's a different ball too

 

The Original Chrome Soft played way different than the next Gen Chrome Softs. I hated the originals, couldn't chip with them, they felt so heavy. The next gen was much different. 

 

These are pros, they've gotten to where they are and have adapted many times (different clubs and balls) to get where they are

 

 

 

I tend to agree, but I do think it comes down to the player. And, a number of Titleist guys are still playing older ProV1 or ProV1X models that they like. 

[QMany]

Good call, I remembered Kisner but didn't know about Stenson. 

 

This would be Callaway's marquee player, after Phil. I just can't see Callaway backing up the Brinks truck only to let him opt out of their ball. I bet they'll be flexible, like they are with Rahm's most comparable (Xander), but only for so long.

 

 

[QuigleyDU]

10 minutes ago, bcflyguy1 said:

Given that he got along with the TM Spider and the 2 Ball, I have a hunch about what we'll see him go with.

Callaway was super cool with Xander playing old OEM equipment till he got comfortable. I have a feeling they will do the same here.. But yeah. I think I know where you are going. 

[getair23]

Heard he is going with a blacked out Sim2 and a left handed Original One 2w. Please respond 4,000 times for me to PM you pics. 

[swgolf12]

44 minutes ago, QMany said:

Does any Callaway staffer, let alone a marquee player, play a non-Callaway ball? He'll be in some Chrome Soft iteration.

  

 

Berger switched to Callaway in 2017 and soon thereafter won the 2017 FedEx St. Jude Classic (and lost in playoff to Spieth's bunker holeout at The Travelers). He has three wins, two with Callaway. His disappearance had all to do with his wrist injury.

 

I forgot about that Travelers, going to have to fact check you on the Callaway wins though. He won 1 time with Callaway. 2016 St Jude he was Head to toe Taylormade with a Pro V1X golf ball. This years win also with same Taylormade MC's.  Seems kind of like Rose, had a little initial success, but then faded, although his more likely to injury where Rose just seemed burnt out.

[ZAP]

As a tour pro you would be an idiot not to cash in on a big equipment deal if/when you could IMHO.

You are one minor injury away from not being on tour because the line is so thin.

Maybe it's just because I am a poor regular guy but the idea of financial stability would be first on my list in most circumstances.   

 

If I already had that then I would just play what I liked.  

[ProjectX]

16 hours ago, MattM97 said:

 

But Rose is extremely picky and particular to where if something is off a gram or two he won't play it because it feels off to him. Rahm on the other hand is less high maintenance with his equipment.

Part of me wonders if they bring back Rose with the space provided by Rahm's departure. Otherwise it's very clear Taylormade has eyes for Tommy Fleetwood given they made him his own irons.

[iNeedMoreGolf]

Ill be a staffer for a burger fries bbq sauce and a strawberry milkshake from smash burger.

[MillerLowLife]

Maybe this is just my anecdotal observation with golf companies but it seems like Callaway has been laying A LOT of ground work for becoming a powerhouse within the industry. They've made some big acquisitions in the last couple of years; OGIO, TravisMatthews, Toulon, and now TopGolf. I would almost think that this could be the first of a couple big names to sign with them. Especially since they seem to have no problem spending money now. 

Edited December 4, 2020 by MillerLowLife

[Myherobobhope]

1 hour ago, MtlJeff said:

I think we make way too big a deal about this stuff. Especially the ball. Even if you've used a ProV1 you're entire life it's not the exact same proV1, even the same brand of ball changes year to year. It's not like a guy playing a 2020 Pro V1 is using the same ball as when he used a Pro V in 2015. It's a different ball too

 

The Original Chrome Soft played way different than the next Gen Chrome Softs. I hated the originals, couldn't chip with them, they felt so heavy. The next gen was much different. 

 

These are pros, they've gotten to where they are and have adapted many times (different clubs and balls) to get where they are

 

 

 

If good players can adjust to different equipment, then how am i supposed to blame my equipment for bad play? It's clearly the clubs fault!!!

 

I'm also sure he, you know, TESTED the equipment to make sure it was a good fit before making the switch... I don't even know what a top equipment deal is worth, but surely it's not worth negatively impacting your golf game for.