2013 Complete PGA Tour Equipment Changes - Top page 1 for all changes

[AlexMac]

I think Titleist have made sure they have kept their big names (like Scott) and their next-big-things (like Matteo Manassero), let some of the middle-of-the-roaders go for big bucks and rely on the next crop to come along. It is smart in that there are still plenty of Titleist bags and caps seen on TV week-in-week-out.

I still think that Donald to Titleist is a chance...

[tbowles411]

I think Luke has a year left on his deal for Mizuno. It just seems that Titelist is a good place to have pros begin their careers. When they want to get paid and have some big talent and want to get paid, they leave for another OEM. I'm sure they'd like to keep all of their talent, but I'm sure they're not going to break the bank.

[Lefty94]

Luke had a MAJOR hand in designing the new irons. They were designed more like his 62's and he didn't like the 59's. I can't see any way he puts new irons in the bag next year. He might get a new deal and not be a mizzy staffer per say but I can't see him dumping his new irons he designed or his Odessey.

[jdepyper]

[quote name='Lefty94' timestamp='1357073407' post='6149435']
Luke had a MAJOR hand in designing the new irons. They were designed more like his 62's and he didn't like the 59's. I can't see any way he puts new irons in the bag next year. He might get a new deal and not be a mizzy staffer per say but I can't see him dumping his new irons he designed or his Odessey.
[/quote]

i understand what your saying and somewhat agree. but money talks. and isn't about time that titleist gets in the game with a big signing? i mean that can only last on ball sales for so long. rory was the face of the brand i feel like now they need someone else to step into that spot whether it be luke or another person.

[jdepyper]

just my two cents.

[AlexMac]

The journo's on Twitter are all saying that his Mizzy contract expired end of December...

[jdepyper]

[quote name='AlexMac' timestamp='1357074035' post='6149491']
The journo's on Twitter are all saying that his Mizzy contract expired end of December...
[/quote]

i can't find anything. post some quotes

[PMAC]

[quote name='AlexMac' timestamp='1357073054' post='6149401']
I think Titleist have made sure they have kept their big names (like Scott) and their next-big-things (like Matteo Manassero), let some of the middle-of-the-roaders go for big bucks and rely on the next crop to come along. It is smart in that there are still plenty of Titleist bags and caps seen on TV week-in-week-out.

I still think that Donald to Titleist is a chance...
[/quote]

Since when is Nick Watney a middle of the roader??? Or Stanley??

[jokerusn]

[quote name='PMAC' timestamp='1357074742' post='6149555']
[quote name='AlexMac' timestamp='1357073054' post='6149401']
I think Titleist have made sure they have kept their big names (like Scott) and their next-big-things (like Matteo Manassero), let some of the middle-of-the-roaders go for big bucks and rely on the next crop to come along. It is smart in that there are still plenty of Titleist bags and caps seen on TV week-in-week-out.

I still think that Donald to Titleist is a chance...
[/quote]

Since when is Nick Watney a middle of the roader??? Or Stanley??
[/quote]

Or World #1?

[freddyottawa]

[quote name='jdepyper' timestamp='1357072946' post='6149393']
[quote name='Puppetmaster' timestamp='1357072661' post='6149365']
[quote name='Jag80' timestamp='1357066077' post='6148765']
[quote name='Puppetmaster' timestamp='1357065476' post='6148673']
[quote name='freddyottawa' timestamp='1357064615' post='6148579']
I know it isn't unusual for Titleist to let some of their big name staffers move along (Ernie, Phil, Sergio) but they seem to be taking quite a hit this year. Of course, i'm not sure it means anything in the grand scheme of things but it is alot of talent to lose in one year.
[/quote]

I was thinking the same thing. What's with the mass exodus from Titleist? Some or all of the players' contracts expired at the same time, but no renewal efforts by Titleist or did the other companies just offer too much money? Many of those players have been with Titleist since they came on Tour and don't seem to much of a reason to switch equipment, not that equipment was ever a big reason for players to stay loyal, lol. Anyway, just thinking out loud because I'm surprised at how many good players left Titleist this year. And it's not like they have bad equipment this year, the 913s look awesome, and there's the driving iron, etc etc.
[/quote]

This has been discussed before. As was told to me and I agreed, Titleist is first and foremost a ball company. They make their money from ball sales. Equipment is just another way to sell balls. They aren't going to pay a lot of $ for an equipment contract when the majority of their profits come from ball sales.
[/quote]

Seen those discussions too but I doubt that's the entire story or the root cause. I think Tour presence and marketing are still important to Titleist regardless of whether their focus is on balls or other equipment. There's gotta be something else driving it like cost-cutting coming from a tighter financial plan for the coming years, or something along those lines. The ball story may well be it and I'm completely wrong, but it doesn't make sense to me that a relatively big clubmaker is simply dropping endorsements, and big names at that, because their balls sell themselves.
[/quote]

they could just be letting the other guys walk for someone big.
[/quote]

I doubt it. I could be missing someone, but when was the last time Titleist signed a big name player? They tend to go with young guys straight out of college. Bud Cauley and Patrick Cantley are two recent ones that I can recall.

[KYMAR]

[quote name='PMAC' timestamp='1357074742' post='6149555']
[quote name='AlexMac' timestamp='1357073054' post='6149401']
I think Titleist have made sure they have kept their big names (like Scott) and their next-big-things (like Matteo Manassero), let some of the middle-of-the-roaders go for big bucks and rely on the next crop to come along. It is smart in that there are still plenty of Titleist bags and caps seen on TV week-in-week-out.

I still think that Donald to Titleist is a chance...
[/quote]

Since when is Nick Watney a middle of the roader??? Or Stanley??
[/quote]

Compared to some of the names we're talking about like Luke and Rory, what would you call them? I don't think he meant middle of the roaders in terms of talent, but in name recognition. WE know who all these guys are, but we are outlier freaks who know every player, every rumor etc, might as well have 3 eyes! (apologies to anyone with 3 eyes of course)

[AlexMac]

[quote name='PMAC' timestamp='1357074742' post='6149555']
[quote name='AlexMac' timestamp='1357073054' post='6149401']
I think Titleist have made sure they have kept their big names (like Scott) and their next-big-things (like Matteo Manassero), let some of the middle-of-the-roaders go for big bucks and rely on the next crop to come along. It is smart in that there are still plenty of Titleist bags and caps seen on TV week-in-week-out.

I still think that Donald to Titleist is a chance...
[/quote]

Since when is Nick Watney a middle of the roader??? Or Stanley??
[/quote]
Are people really buying clubs because Nick Watney is playing them? Of Kyle Stanley?

They are buying Saturday and Sunday TV presence and not much else. People buy clubs because Tiger Woods plays them - besides Rory there isn't anybody else there that is really "selling clubs".

[AlexMac]

[quote name='jdepyper' timestamp='1357074726' post='6149551'] [quote name='AlexMac' timestamp='1357074035' post='6149491'] The journo's on Twitter are all saying that his Mizzy contract expired end of December... [/quote] i can't find anything. post some quotes [/quote]
Sorry mate - I'm at work and our firewall is not playing nice with Twitter. The main one I remember was Rick Young from Score Golf ([url="https://twitter.com/RickSCOREGolf"]https://twitter.com/RickSCOREGolf[/url]) but I saw it a couple of times this morning...

[scottishgolf20]

https://twitter.com/i/#!/david59duval/media/slideshow?url=pic.twitter.com%2FY59Vq9tC

I saw this on twitter... I doubt Duval would be classed as an Athelete nowadays but interesting to see he has the sticks back in the bag again after playing Scratch for a while.

[jdepyper]

[quote name='AlexMac' timestamp='1357076585' post='6149679']
[quote name='jdepyper' timestamp='1357074726' post='6149551'] [quote name='AlexMac' timestamp='1357074035' post='6149491'] The journo's on Twitter are all saying that his Mizzy contract expired end of December... [/quote] i can't find anything. post some quotes [/quote]
Sorry mate - I'm at work and our firewall is not playing nice with Twitter. The main one I remember was Rick Young from Score Golf ([url="https://twitter.com/RickSCOREGolf"]https://twitter.com/RickSCOREGolf[/url]) but I saw it a couple of times this morning...
[/quote]

Good find, he really seems to know whats up with equipment. looks like he's leaning toward titleist for luke as well.

[AlexMac]

[quote name='jdepyper' timestamp='1357078200' post='6149789'] [quote name='AlexMac' timestamp='1357076585' post='6149679'] [quote name='jdepyper' timestamp='1357074726' post='6149551'] [quote name='AlexMac' timestamp='1357074035' post='6149491'] The journo's on Twitter are all saying that his Mizzy contract expired end of December... [/quote] i can't find anything. post some quotes [/quote] Sorry mate - I'm at work and our firewall is not playing nice with Twitter. The main one I remember was Rick Young from Score Golf ([url="https://twitter.com/RickSCOREGolf"]https://twitter.com/RickSCOREGolf[/url]) but I saw it a couple of times this morning... [/quote] Good find, he really seems to know whats up with equipment. looks like he's leaning toward titleist for luke as well. [/quote]
Unless Mizuno is going to throw a bunch of cash at Luke - and to me it would make sense that they do and remain visible - it appears time that Luke makes the last few years hard work and success pay. It just seems that Titleist would be the right fit - plus no need to change ball.

If it was Nike, Taylor Made or Callaway they would have had it leaked by now - it is a pretty big signing.

[AlexMac]

Mike Johnson from Golf World (via Twitter) is suggesting that Stewart Cink will be playing Taylor woods, Ping irons, Vokey wedges and Pro V ball. Really is a mixed bag!

[pga43]

[color=#333333]
AP Golf Writer's recent tweet[/color]
[color=#333333]
"[url="https://twitter.com/dougferguson405"][b]Doug Ferguson[/b][color="#999999"] ‏[/color][color=#999999][size=3][s]@[/s][b]dougferguson405[/b][/size][/color][/url][/color][color=#333333]
Watney and Stanley to Nike not a surprise. Stewart Cink and Lucas Glover to TaylorMade. John Huh to TaylorMade. Woodland to Callaway"[/color]

[pga43]

[quote name='AlexMac' timestamp='1357079868' post='6149905']
Mike Johnson from Golf World (via Twitter) is suggesting that Stewart Cink will be playing Taylor woods, Ping irons, Vokey wedges and Pro V ball. Really is a mixed bag!
[/quote]

Stewart has all those clubs listed in his Twitter profile

[pickerjohn]

We are in a new era now, its not so much about who sells clubs
as it is about BRANDING. These full line companies make more money
on shoes, clothes and balls than they do clubs. The only golfers
I've ever seen spike the sales on clubs were Greg Norman (Cobra) and
Fred Couples (Lynx). There are some powerful branders though, such
as Tiger, Rory,Ricky and many more. You can bet these Companies don't
throw money around carelessly.

[KPH808]

Wow, a lot more changes for this year than I thought. Thanks for the post.

[JaxBeachNole]

Huh to TM is surprising.

What about Dufner? I thought I remembered someone saying he was going to NikeMadeway

[PMAC]

[quote name='KYMAR' timestamp='1357076127' post='6149633']
[quote name='PMAC' timestamp='1357074742' post='6149555']
[quote name='AlexMac' timestamp='1357073054' post='6149401']
I think Titleist have made sure they have kept their big names (like Scott) and their next-big-things (like Matteo Manassero), let some of the middle-of-the-roaders go for big bucks and rely on the next crop to come along. It is smart in that there are still plenty of Titleist bags and caps seen on TV week-in-week-out.

I still think that Donald to Titleist is a chance...
[/quote]

Since when is Nick Watney a middle of the roader??? Or Stanley??
[/quote]

Compared to some of the names we're talking about like Luke and Rory, what would you call them? I don't think he meant middle of the roaders in terms of talent, but in name recognition. WE know who all these guys are, but we are outlier freaks who know every player, every rumor etc, might as well have 3 eyes! (apologies to anyone with 3 eyes of course)
[/quote]

To me, Watney is as big if not a bigger name in golf, in North America, then Luke Donald.

[AlexMac]

[quote name='PMAC' timestamp='1357083548' post='6150223'] [quote name='KYMAR' timestamp='1357076127' post='6149633'] [quote name='PMAC' timestamp='1357074742' post='6149555'] [quote name='AlexMac' timestamp='1357073054' post='6149401'] I think Titleist have made sure they have kept their big names (like Scott) and their next-big-things (like Matteo Manassero), let some of the middle-of-the-roaders go for big bucks and rely on the next crop to come along. It is smart in that there are still plenty of Titleist bags and caps seen on TV week-in-week-out. I still think that Donald to Titleist is a chance... [/quote] Since when is Nick Watney a middle of the roader??? Or Stanley?? [/quote] Compared to some of the names we're talking about like Luke and Rory, what would you call them? I don't think he meant middle of the roaders in terms of talent, but in name recognition. WE know who all these guys are, but we are outlier freaks who know every player, every rumor etc, might as well have 3 eyes! (apologies to anyone with 3 eyes of course) [/quote] To me, Watney is as big if not a bigger name in golf, in North America, then Luke Donald. [/quote]
To you he might be, but I would suggest you would be in the minority.

I'll be interested to see how many of this years signings get cut lose in a few years as Cink and Glover have been this year..

[pga43]

[quote name='AlexMac' timestamp='1357078538' post='6149815']
[quote name='jdepyper' timestamp='1357078200' post='6149789'] [quote name='AlexMac' timestamp='1357076585' post='6149679'] [quote name='jdepyper' timestamp='1357074726' post='6149551'] [quote name='AlexMac' timestamp='1357074035' post='6149491'] The journo's on Twitter are all saying that his Mizzy contract expired end of December... [/quote] i can't find anything. post some quotes [/quote] Sorry mate - I'm at work and our firewall is not playing nice with Twitter. The main one I remember was Rick Young from Score Golf ([url="https://twitter.com/RickSCOREGolf"]https://twitter.com/RickSCOREGolf[/url]) but I saw it a couple of times this morning... [/quote] Good find, he really seems to know whats up with equipment. looks like he's leaning toward titleist for luke as well. [/quote]
Unless Mizuno is going to throw a bunch of cash at Luke - and to me it would make sense that they do and remain visible - it appears time that Luke makes the last few years hard work and success pay. It just seems that Titleist would be the right fit - plus no need to change ball.

If it was Nike, Taylor Made or Callaway they would have had it leaked by now - it is a pretty big signing.
[/quote]

[b][size=5]Just got a e mail back from the Mizuno Tour rep and he told me Luke isn't going anywhere. Still with Mizuno irons.[/size][/b]

[AlexMac]

Thats a good thing - they make great clubs and need to keep having their logos sighted on the weekend. Wise decision (from both the company and Luke's perspective).

[spga82]

Ryan Moore signed w TaylorMade as well...

[Arpeggi]

[quote name='PMAC' timestamp='1357083548' post='6150223']
[quote name='KYMAR' timestamp='1357076127' post='6149633']
[quote name='PMAC' timestamp='1357074742' post='6149555']
[quote name='AlexMac' timestamp='1357073054' post='6149401']
I think Titleist have made sure they have kept their big names (like Scott) and their next-big-things (like Matteo Manassero), let some of the middle-of-the-roaders go for big bucks and rely on the next crop to come along. It is smart in that there are still plenty of Titleist bags and caps seen on TV week-in-week-out.

I still think that Donald to Titleist is a chance...
[/quote]

Since when is Nick Watney a middle of the roader??? Or Stanley??
[/quote]

Compared to some of the names we're talking about like Luke and Rory, what would you call them? I don't think he meant middle of the roaders in terms of talent, but in name recognition. WE know who all these guys are, but we are outlier freaks who know every player, every rumor etc, might as well have 3 eyes! (apologies to anyone with 3 eyes of course)
[/quote]

To me, Watney is as big if not a bigger name in golf, in North America, then Luke Donald.
[/quote]

Laughable at best.

[Llortamaisey]

[quote name='AlexMac' timestamp='1357073054' post='6149401']
let some of the middle-of-the-roaders go for big bucks
[/quote]

"middle-of-the-roaders" = Rory McIllory

[PMAC]

[quote name='Arpeggi' timestamp='1357088999' post='6150693']
[quote name='PMAC' timestamp='1357083548' post='6150223']
[quote name='KYMAR' timestamp='1357076127' post='6149633']
[quote name='PMAC' timestamp='1357074742' post='6149555']
[quote name='AlexMac' timestamp='1357073054' post='6149401']
I think Titleist have made sure they have kept their big names (like Scott) and their next-big-things (like Matteo Manassero), let some of the middle-of-the-roaders go for big bucks and rely on the next crop to come along. It is smart in that there are still plenty of Titleist bags and caps seen on TV week-in-week-out.

I still think that Donald to Titleist is a chance...
[/quote]

Since when is Nick Watney a middle of the roader??? Or Stanley??
[/quote]

Compared to some of the names we're talking about like Luke and Rory, what would you call them? I don't think he meant middle of the roaders in terms of talent, but in name recognition. WE know who all these guys are, but we are outlier freaks who know every player, every rumor etc, might as well have 3 eyes! (apologies to anyone with 3 eyes of course)
[/quote]

To me, Watney is as big if not a bigger name in golf, in North America, then Luke Donald.
[/quote]

Laughable at best.
[/quote]

Laughable. Not at all. In the business of golf it's about exposure. In North America Nick Watney plays more and gets more exposure on TV etc then Luke Donald. Simple.