Nicklaus Golf

PKMillerJr · January 2, 2012

Gone?

I contacted a few of the big stores that sell Nicklaus Golf to find out what I could regarding a post elsewhere on GolfWRX regarding the possibility that Nicklaus Golf was out of business. Edwin Watts (an employee, not the person) told me they would know more after the PGA show if NG was going to restructure or was going out of business totally. Golfclubs.com emailed me and their response was: "They are no longer producing golf club equipment."

So, I do not know if Nicklaus will be back or not. I was under the impression that they were doing well and were profitable due to not spending money on tour pros and didn't advertise as much.

I do not know what the final outcome will be. Both answers I was given could be part of the same equation here. Nicklaus may reorganize and start producing again or they may be gone for good.

One interesting note, the Nicklaus golf website for UK and European customers states: "New website, new product line being launched 1st March 2012." This may mean they will have someone license their product in 2012 or new developments have taken place since the announcement on their website.

I would love to see Jack Nicklaus buy MacGregor and bring back the brand name with his name on it. Two great names. One great combination. A synergy of sorts -- two or more things functioning or working together to produce a result not independently obtainable where the final result is greater than the summation total of its two parts.

I think the Nicklaus golf equipment was functional but not always aesthetically pleasing to the eye. I liked Jack's JNP's which were similar to the MacGregor Muirfield 20th irons. I think the NG driver's were real sleepers but had alot to contend with in terms of the offerings from TM and Titleist.

PS: I noticed that Nicklaus Golf was not listed for the PGA show as of last night.

PKMillerJr · January 3, 2012

I got this bad news today via email:

[b]Happy New Year!
Hello from the Nicklaus Companies and thank you for your email and
support of our products.
Yes, your are correct about Nicklaus Golf Equipment.

The Nicklaus Companies has transitioned out of the US Operations for
Nicklaus Golf Equipment.
Effective Jan. 1, 2012, Nicklaus Golf Equipment will be solely a
licensee products division.
Currently, we only have international licensee's and none in the US.

However, Clay Long is still the Nicklaus designer and will continue to
do so for 2012 and beyond on the international front.

Unfortunately, the JNP irons have all been sold as well as the Black
staff bags.
We would suggest an online search for these items?

Sincerely,

Nicklaus Companies[/b]

Wedge it In Close · January 18, 2012

I did a ton of business with them the last 2 years and when I got this email on OCT 3, 2011 I was floored.

Below is a Statement from Jack Nicklaus and Bob Kelly regarding reasons for and the future of NGE and the Nicklaus Companies: [b][i]“After 20 years designing and manufacturing golf equipment, we have decided to shift our focus away from the manufacturing of equipment and direct our efforts on licensing. No industry has felt more the brunt of our challenging economy than golf, particularly the golf equipment business. Every company has struggled to maintain success in hard goods, and we are no different. However, our licensing business is surging, and we are experiencing a record year in 2011. So amid this continued uncertain industry landscape, we are directing our resources in other areas and taking a more conservative approach that has worked well for us for over 40 years in licensing the Nicklaus brands. Golf equipment has been an important part of Jack Nicklaus’ legacy in the game, as they are the tools he used to craft his record-setting championship career. So we will continue to research the strongest companies in each market and explore potential licensing relationships for the coming years.”[/i][/b] [b][i]Jack Nicklaus/ Bob Kelly[/i][/b][b][i]Chairman/ CEO [/i][/b][b][i]Nicklaus Golf Equipment Company[/i][/b]