Who makes the nike tour ball?

ashortgame · June 21, 2009

Does anyone know who makes the Nike tour ball?

I am pretty certain that Bridgestone make them but i was wondering if anyway knows for sure.

Also while I am asking ,does anyone know who does the TM red and TM black? My mail is that they are made for them by Dunlop.

Would be interested if anyone knows for sure. Just curious.

BEND OF THE RIVER GC · June 21, 2009

B-stone makes all Nike balls to their designs and specs.

dubbie · June 21, 2009

I just picked up a couple of sleeves of the Nike Tour One Red. I can say that I really don't care for them as I have seemed to lose some control. Are they a little firmer than the Black? I wish I would have picked up a sleeve of each.

ashortgame · June 21, 2009

Cheers, thanks Bend.

Any idea on who makes the TM ball?

Starched · June 22, 2009

Hey there, I believe Taylor Made makes their "own" balls now, but here is some data on how they got to where they are. Their maufacturing facility would basically be the guts of the old operation for Dunlop Maxfli here in the States. Here is some news info. Hope it helps. Jeff (starched) By the way, you need to read the whole thing to understand the evolution.

10/1-01

By Chuck Stogel

GolfWeb Columnist

The air, and retail shelves, are filled with golf balls this fall. That's because, in the past few weeks, just about every manufacturer in the business has decided to launch at least one new golf ball, for sale through the end of this year and 2002.

Titleist, Nike, Spalding, Maxfli, Callaway, Wilson and the rest have all teed off with new balls this autumn, either replacing previous lines or extending current models with the latest in technological developments.

Normally, new balls for next year would have been introduced this coming January, at the annual PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla. But the competition in the golf business is intense, and with technology advancing at a rapid pace, it does seem like none of the companies wanted to wait until mid-winter to introduce what is essentially ready to fly now.

"It takes a year or two, in research and development and testing, before a ball comes to market," said Mike Ferris, Spalding's executive director of golf balls and public relations. "At any given time, we're working on and testing dozens of different types of balls, with the goal of making what we've got even better. As materials and scientific understanding improve, the scope of what we can produce quickens and expands."

Although distance is still the acknowledged playing characteristic the majority of golfers desire in the balls they play, manufacturers are pushing ahead with new construction techniques that not only make balls fly farther, but also fly straighter along with enhanced spin for greater feel and control.

"The state of the art is such that the biggest and best ball makers are actually making products that are as good as any of their competitors," one ball-making research and development chief candidly conceded. "The points of differentiation have narrowed. What golfers need to do is seek out the playing characteristics they desire the most, try a few different models and then go with whichever feels most comfortable. In all honesty, if it's from a major manufacturer, they won't be disappointed no matter whose ball they buy."

Among the balls being introduced this fall, Spalding -- which recently launched the all-new Top-Flite 3000 series -- is now tweaking its multi-layer lineup with several additions to the Strata family of golf balls. Meanwhile, Dunlop Slazenger Group Americas adds new models to its three main ball lines: Maxfli, Dunlop and Slazenger.

On the heels of Titleist's success early this year with the hot-selling Pro V1 ball, both Strata and Maxfli are specifically claiming new models of their own which purportedly surpass the Pro V1 in distance.

Here's a closer look.

STRATA

In 1996, Strata was the first multi-layer ball put in play on the PGA TOUR. Now, according to parent company Spalding Sports Worldwide, 80 percent of PGA TOUR players use a multi-layer ball, including Strata TOUR staffers Hal Sutton, Jim Furyk and Bernhard Langer.

With the introduction of three new balls for 2002, the Strata lineup now comprises five different models. The Tour Ultimate and the Professional Distance are existing Strata balls that will continue. Joining the group are the new Tour Ultimate 2, the Professional Control and an upgraded Tour Professional. With solid cores and multi-layer covers, all are geared for different playing characteristics.

The Strata Tour Ultimate 2 extends the capabilities of the original Tour Ultimate by combining its tungsten energy core with a new, firmer Zynthane III cover for added distance. The ball promises a high launch angle and high trajectory off both woods and irons.

"The tungsten energy core is the next generation of golf ball technology," said Tom Kennedy, Spalding vice president of research and development. "By using the heavy metal tungsten in the middle of the core, we were able to put 6 percent of the ball's mass into 1 percent of the ball's volume. This reduces fillers in the golf ball core and creates a more rubber-enriched core, resulting in higher coefficient of restitution (rebound effect) than other similar compression and construction golf balls."

What's the difference between Strata's Tour Ultimate and the Tour Ultimate 2?

"One golf ball does not fit all the performance needs of all golfers," Ferris said. "Golfers are continually seeking that optimal balance between distance and spin. The Strata Tour Ultimate leans more toward the spin side, and the Strata Tour Ultimate 2 leans toward the distance side."

Suggested retail for the Tour Ultimate 2 is $54 per dozen.

In making a revised Strata Tour Professional, Spalding enlarged the core along with using a thinner cover to net an average 8 yards longer off the driver, as measured by controlled testing, than its predecessor. Along with added distance, the ball still touts a high spin rate off irons on approach shots and around the green.

The new Strata Professional Control ball is designed for players seeking a combination of distance and some added control around the greens. By utilizing a co-terthane cover and soft core, players should experience higher spin and soft feel.

Suggested retail price for the Tour Professional is $44 per dozen and for the Professional Control it's $39 per dozen.

MAXFLI

In mid- to late-summer, Maxfli unveiled the A10 ball, which essentially is the latest incarnation of its Revolution model. Made with a solid core, rubber windings with tungsten added, and a urethane cover, the A10 was quickly put into Tour play by Fred Couples, Ian Woosnam and Se Ri Pak.

Now, Maxfli adds the Noodle ball to its lineup.

Yes, that's actually the name. According to the folks at Maxfli, they wanted a name that would simply tell golfers about the ball's playing attributes: a ball that plays long and feels soft.

Currently, the ball is available only in regional test markets, but is expected to roll out fully in January at the trade show in Orlando.

A two-piece ball composed of a large solid core with just 80 compression -- the softest Maxfli makes -- surrounded by a Surlyn cover, the Noodle carries a suggested retail price of $24.99 per dozen.

DUNLOP

This may be the value-priced line for the company, but technology and performance are also very much a part of the product. The latest model is the Advanced Titanium, which promises enhanced distance.

With a suggested retail price of just $18 for a 15-ball pack, Dunlop's Advanced Titanium ball has an oversized, titanium-enriched core encased in a Surlyn cover.

"Dunlop is pleased to introduce a golf ball that proves to be the longest titanium ball in golf, or your money back," said Edward Hughes, vice president of marketing for Dunlop Slazenger Group Americas.

Dunlop is also rejuvenating its popular DDH SteelCore ball, which is offered in 90 and 110 compression models. New packaging, and an 18-ball pack that includes a sleeve of three Advanced Titanium balls, carries a suggested retail price of just $14.99.

SLAZENGER

At the other end of the price spectrum, with a suggested retail price of $52 per dozen, Slazenger has launched the Black Label ball.

A multi-layer product, the Black Label ball features an oversized solid core, an interlocking layer of polyurethane between the core and outer cover, and a soft urethane outer cover. With a Hybrid 402 dimple pattern, the new Slazenger ball promises distance, spin, feel and durability.

According to company officials, creating Black Label required a new manufacturing process. Because of the interlocking layer, the balls are crafted in small batches, where they are cured, buffed, hand-inspected and branded with the leaping panther logo.

"Black Label sets a high standard of performance," said David Vogrin, DSGA senior marketing manager.

10-02-01 http://www.mad.co.uk/Main/News/Sectors/Spo...nger-Group.html

Dunlop Slazenger Group

Dunlop Slazenger was a sports equipment manufacturing company formed by BTR plc by consolidating the various sports brands acquired as part their take-over of Dunlop Holdings in 1985.[1] The company is most recognised for its involvement in golf, tennis, squash and badminton through the Dunlop, Slazenger, Maxfli and Carlton brands.

In 1996 the company was sold in a management buyout backed by private equity firm Cinven.[2] This arrangement did not have a successful existence, and Dunlop Slazenger soon found itself being run by the banks, led by The Royal Bank of Scotland.[3] Under the banks management, TaylorMade-adidas Golf took up their option to purchase the Maxfli golf brand in 2004, following a previous licensing arrangement,[4] and the rights to Slazenger Golf in North America were sold to the Slazenger Golf Products Company.[5]

The remainder of Dunlop Slazenger was eventually sold to Sports World International in 2004, since when the various brands have been licensed freely.[

Dunlop Slazenger has the rights to the Dunlop name on all sports products, while Dunlop tyres are owned by a Japanese company called SRI that was in turn bought by Goodyear of America. Rights to the Dunlop name on sports equipment are almost worldwide, but do not extend to Australia or New Zealand; nor to Japan (where they are owned by the tyremaker). "It's all horribly complicated," admits Derby. But blame maladroit post-war management for that.

Brands: Dunlop, Slazenger and Maxfli (golf clubs)

Products: squash, tennis, cricket, hockey, badminton and golf equipment

Headquarters: Camberley in southeast England

Zenith: 1966, when England won the World Cup final, playing with a Dunlop ball

Comment

The damage done to the Dunlop and Slazenger brands by decades of neglect could take about as long to put right, even supposing it can be put right. The former tyremaker Dunlop was both a mighty champion of British industry and a truly global brand. The sports-equipment manufacturer is neither.

In the sports sector, Nike reigns supreme with turnover more than double that of its nearest competitor Adidas, which in turn is way ahead of the pack. Claudius Konig of Wolff Olins goes as far as to describe Dunlop Slazenger (annual turnover £200m) as a niche player.

"It really needs to reinvent itself," he says. "It is not about modern life so much as history." He believes that street talk is about the shoes/clothes/equipment brand Puma (which also has a pedigree) or about hip youth brands such as those associated with activities like skateboarding.

Worst of all, Konig is dismissive of Slazenger's trophy player, Tim Henman, who, he says bluntly "is not a winner". It's enough to make the heart ache of anyone who has longed for Henman to win Wimbledon. But isn't that the story of Dunlop Slazenger? Perhaps it should get back into football after all?

01-01-02

TaylorMade-adidas Golf and Dunlop Slazenger Group Limited, the sporting goods manufacturer and owner of the Maxfli and Slazenger golf brands, formed an exclusive license and distribution pact.

TaylorMade-adidas Golf will assume exclusive distribution and licensing rights for the Maxfli and Slazenger golf brands. Dunlop Slazenger, in turn, will purchase TaylorMade's golf ball production facility and take over manufacturing and supply responsibilities for the Maxfli, Slazenger and TaylorMade balls. This agreement allows two leading golf companies to capitalize on their respective strengths in a consolidating golf market and gives both partners the potential for higher sales, shared marketing and retail

04-10-02

A recent reunion should make it easier to focus on Dunlop Golf, its ball and club products. Easier for everyone: the manufacturer, sales reps, retail and pro shops, and, of course, golfers. That's because Dunlop and all its equipment have been reunited, with both balls and clubs being marketed in the United States by Focus Golf Systems, based in Greenville, S.C.

Previously, Dunlop clubs were managed by Focus Golf, but the balls were being handled by a separate corporate entity that also was peddling Maxfli and Slazenger products. That relationship, often confusing, changed this past winter,

In essence, Maxfli and Slazenger products will now be handled by TaylorMade in a working agreement that, should it go forward, will probably lead to the purchase of those two brands sometime in the next five years by the TaylorMade-Adidas conglomerate.

At the same time, Dunlop will now focus exclusively on its own portfolio. A privately owned company, Dunlop Sports Group Americas sells golf, tennis, squash and badminton products, with $170 million in worldwide revenues.

2002: Maxfli launched its new Performance Series: three balls - M3 Tour (red), M3 Tour LT (black) and A3 (red)engineered to deliver exceptional performance on every type of shot. Already, Performance Series balls have been used to win four tournaments and set seven course records.

2003

Strata, Spalding's high end product, unveiled its Tour Ace and Tour Ultimate. The Tour Ace is a four-piece ball, multi-layer ball that is stamped with playing card suites in lieu of numbers Last true great Strata is the Ace - then went to Callaway and re-branding from 2004 forward. Dormant. then re-marketed in 2007 with Gamer and D2 and new logo.

01-02-03

TaylorMade-Adidas Golf Acquires Maxfli Golf Balls from Dunlop-Slazenger.

02-05-04

Dunlop Slazenger, one of Britain's best-known sports brands, has been sold to one of the country's least-known multi-millionaires, Mike Ashley, the owner of the Sports Soccer retail chain

2-25-04

Dunlop Americas LoCo ball is a prototype the company said was specifically constructed to fit Daly's swing.A perfect marriage: John Daly, Dunlop and the Loco Driver and Loco Pro Golf Ball. Daly signs 3 year contract.

3-29-04

The Revolution Tour is the fastest, longest tour-caliber ball Maxfli has ever created, the company said. It features Speedcore, a technology that boasts low compression for a soft feel and low spin off the driver for increased yardage

2-09-05

Maxfli, a brand of the TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company, has introduced a premium, tour-caliber golf ball called BlackMAX that's engineered to compete with the Titleist Pro V1, Titleist Pro V1x and Callaway HX Tour.

11-16-05

Under the leadership of Sports World Group, LTD., based in London, England, Dunlop Sports announces that it has combined the ownership of the Dunlop brand and the management of the Dunlop business in the USA, now having completed consolidation of former licensing agreements (with Focus Golf) into the new Dunlop structure. Dunlop, now operating as a fully integrated business, will centralize its United States and Canadian golf and racquet sports business units under new direct Dunlop management in Greenville, SC According to Sameski, “As of November 4, 2005, we have completed the combined ownership of the Dunlop brand and the management of the Dunlop business, now having consolidated golf and racquet licensing agreements into the new Dunlop structure, with the exception of golf clubs in the US market.”

1-15-08

Guys, I worked for Dunlop when Daly was our boy (inside sales) and I can tell you that the reason his putter kept breaking had nothing to do with the product. When you have 350 lbs leaning on it like a crutch, it is going to Break/bend. Cameron's putters do the exact same thing. With regards to his irons, he loved his irons, never complained about them and used the exact same set just restamped when he went to TM. The LoCo Pro golf ball we made for him was basically a Maxfli Revolution (original) and Daly was all over that golf ball, his best year in the last ten was with Dublop's product. The only thing we could not get him to do was play Dunlop wedges (we admittedly sucked at those) and the driver. The driver, TM was paying him 12K per week in tee up fees, we couldn't compete with that and the driver we had him hit he liked, just didn't love it enough to come away from the TM product. We actually got him to play our driver in the Masters in 04 and 05 for the first round, and had he not broken loose some epoxy in 05, he would have played the second round with it. I still have the exact club head from that tourney...GREAT driver, 420cc, Pear shaped head...Just a killer driver.

So basically what I am saying is this, Daly nor Dunlop dropped the ball with him...he had his best year in 10 yrs with Dunlop product. TM is the only company to drop the ball with him. the Maxfli Fire Tour? Are you kidding me? THat ball is Friggin terrible....no spin and it is shorter than almost every other ball out.

02-08-08

Taylor Made just announced the unloading of the Maxfli brand name to big box retailer Dick’s Sporting Goods this week.

This announcement was not really all that surprising. Taylor Made has allowed the Maxfli brand name to languish in a saturated golf ball market. Taylor Made had recently jumped back into the ball market with their TP Red and TP Black premium golf balls. The only Maxfli that was hanging on to any sort of acceptable sales numbers was the Noodle. Not surprisingly, Taylor Made is keeping the Noodle name within their brand strategy.