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

[grm24]

[quote name='spga82' timestamp='1357086737' post='6150549']
Ryan Moore signed w TaylorMade as well...
[/quote]

Since Taylormade now owns Adams Golf I don't see this as that big a deal. Moore doesn't move the needle for gear sales IMO.

[Lefty94]

[quote name='grm24' timestamp='1357090505' post='6150847']
[quote name='spga82' timestamp='1357086737' post='6150549']
Ryan Moore signed w TaylorMade as well...
[/quote]

Since Taylormade now owns Adams Golf I don't see this as that big a deal. Moore doesn't move the needle for gear sales IMO.
[/quote]

A considering his Adams deal doesn't include a single Adams club in his bag.....

[torrejuan]

[quote name='spga82' timestamp='1357086737' post='6150549']
Ryan Moore signed w TaylorMade as well...
[/quote]

He is the definition of a "Club Ho!"

[golf_junkie27]

[quote name='PMAC' timestamp='1357089720' post='6150755']
[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.
[/quote]
yesyes, I can see how Watney is the bigger star. after all, he made $500,000 less than Luke while playing in 10 more tournaments. Watney also failed to make the US Ryder Cup team. Meanwhile, Luke, the lesser star, won the money title on both tours in 2011. Based upon this info, I would definitely want to show less of the more accomplished player.

[playbo44]

Glover is playing Mizzy irons

[PMAC]

[quote name='golf_junkie27' timestamp='1357091160' post='6150921']
[quote name='PMAC' timestamp='1357089720' post='6150755']
[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.
[/quote]
yesyes, I can see how Watney is the bigger star. after all, he made $500,000 less than Luke while playing in 10 more tournaments. Watney also failed to make the US Ryder Cup team. Meanwhile, Luke, the lesser star, won the money title on both tours in 2011. Based upon this info, I would definitely want to show less of the more accomplished player.
[/quote]

You said it. 10 more events. And he is American. Luke is the more accomplished player, but you SEE more of Watney during a golf season. It is a gamble any time (see AK) but Nike must think there is a huge upside in signing Watney.

[bushy007]

[quote name='practicetee' timestamp='1357065030' post='6148637']
[quote name='fulton' timestamp='1357062229' post='6148335']
[quote name='KascoPro' timestamp='1357061891' post='6148319']
Is AK going to TMAG?
[/quote]
AK has to pay for his own equipment.
[/quote]

AK is still with Nike, per the tour staff profiles on their website. With his love of Nike Dunks and Jordan brand it isn't a surprise.


[quote name='PMAC' timestamp='1357063953' post='6148497']
Chris Kirk will be a Callaway Staff Player[attachment=1471823:image.jpg]
[/quote]

Anyone else notice Harry trying to mock/pick a fight with Nike on Twitter?
[/quote]
Not really? How do you get that?

[Arpeggi]

[quote name='PMAC' timestamp='1357089720' post='6150755']
[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.
[/quote]

Prove it.

[AlexMac]

[quote name='PMAC' timestamp='1357092283' post='6151027']
[quote name='golf_junkie27' timestamp='1357091160' post='6150921']
[quote name='PMAC' timestamp='1357089720' post='6150755']
[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.
[/quote]
yesyes, I can see how Watney is the bigger star. after all, he made $500,000 less than Luke while playing in 10 more tournaments. Watney also failed to make the US Ryder Cup team. Meanwhile, Luke, the lesser star, won the money title on both tours in 2011. Based upon this info, I would definitely want to show less of the more accomplished player.
[/quote]

You said it. 10 more events. And he is American. Luke is the more accomplished player, but you SEE more of Watney during a golf season. It is a gamble any time (see AK) but Nike must think there is a huge upside in signing Watney.
[/quote]
So by your line of thinking, the guy you need to sign is JJ Killeen - he started more events than anybody last year, so he is seen more than anybody else so he must be the guy that everybody wants to sign. Never mind he finished 157th on the money list...

Luke had more Top 10 finishes than Nick did as well - 8 top 10's in 17 events compared to 5 out of 26 for Nick. Nick might be seen more by people like us who watch a lot of golf, however for the overall average audience I'd say Luke is seen more than Nick.

The money list suggests you are seeing Luke a lot more on Sundays on television than you are seeing Nick. That's when the people are watching golf.

[Arpeggi]

99% of the population doesn't know the difference between Nick Watney and Bill Haas and countless other very good players. Meanwhile Donald is a former no.1 and has been in a million Ryder cups. Heck, Donald gets more press for NOT winning majors than Watney for his entire career and life.

[golflifer]

A couple of things that I have heard regarding Nike throwing around all this cash for 2013. One, they no longer are sponsoring Lance Armstrong, which I heard was a significant financial stake. Two, heard that clauses in TW's contract with Nike stipulated additional cash as long as he was World #1, so that might have freed up some more $ for their new guys. Just my 2 cents....

[PMAC]

[quote name='AlexMac' timestamp='1357093944' post='6151189']
[quote name='PMAC' timestamp='1357092283' post='6151027']
[quote name='golf_junkie27' timestamp='1357091160' post='6150921']
[quote name='PMAC' timestamp='1357089720' post='6150755']
[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.
[/quote]
yesyes, I can see how Watney is the bigger star. after all, he made $500,000 less than Luke while playing in 10 more tournaments. Watney also failed to make the US Ryder Cup team. Meanwhile, Luke, the lesser star, won the money title on both tours in 2011. Based upon this info, I would definitely want to show less of the more accomplished player.
[/quote]

You said it. 10 more events. And he is American. Luke is the more accomplished player, but you SEE more of Watney during a golf season. It is a gamble any time (see AK) but Nike must think there is a huge upside in signing Watney.
[/quote]
So by your line of thinking, the guy you need to sign is JJ Killeen - he started more events than anybody last year, so he is seen more than anybody else so he must be the guy that everybody wants to sign. Never mind he finished 157th on the money list...

Luke had more Top 10 finishes than Nick did as well - 8 top 10's in 17 events compared to 5 out of 26 for Nick. Nick might be seen more by people like us who watch a lot of golf, however for the overall average audience I'd say Luke is seen more than Nick.

The money list suggests you are seeing Luke a lot more on Sundays on television than you are seeing Nick. That's when the people are watching golf.
[/quote]

This will be my last post regarding this to get the forum back on topic

My main point was that Nick is American and will get more exposure in the USA then Luke to sell the clubs they play. Worldwide Luke is a much better catch for an equipment company but in North America and specifically the USA, Watney will be seen more.

[robbie91]

I don't think Titleist even cares if they lose players anymore. They refuse to overpay (for what that means these days) and still sell the crap out of their stuff. PING is the same way. I kind of commend those companies. That being said, Nike has certainly made some huge moves. It will be interesting to see how much more they sell since the viewing public will be seeing their swoosh almost 24/7 on tv. I think Ryan Moore was a nice pick up for TaylorMade he always seems to have some really nice showings in a good number of events.

[JaxBeachNole]

Watney's wife is hotter

[spga82]

[quote name='golflifer' timestamp='1357095339' post='6151343']
A couple of things that I have heard regarding Nike throwing around all this cash for 2013. One, they no longer are sponsoring Lance Armstrong, which I heard was a significant financial stake. Two, heard that clauses in TW's contract with Nike stipulated additional cash as long as he was World #1, so that might have freed up some more $ for their new guys. Just my 2 cents....
[/quote]



Money has never been the issue and has never needed the extra money to sign more players. Nike is all in with their equipment and offered an equipment deal to every player ranked in the top 50 in the world who's contract ran up 11-31-12. Nike isn't going anywhere, too much money to be.

[hef63303]

The big question is Do any of these guys make you want to buy the brand of equipment they are using? Would any of you change the clubs in your bag just because one of these guys change?

[borgore23]

[quote name='Arpeggi' timestamp='1357094373' post='6151239']
99% of the population doesn't know the difference between Nick Watney and Bill Haas and countless other very good players. Meanwhile Donald is a former no.1 and has been in a million Ryder cups. Heck, Donald gets more press for NOT winning majors than Watney for his entire career and life.
[/quote]

Well said. One is the face of the company and the other is well.. Isn't even close.

[borgore23]

[quote name='hef63303' timestamp='1357096866' post='6151473']
The big question is Do any of these guys make you want to buy the brand of equipment they are using? Would any of you change the clubs in your bag just because one of these guys change?
[/quote]

To us.. No. But to the weekend golfer or the guy that plays 5 times a year I think seeing the world #1 golfer play a certain brand then yes it makes a difference.

[Holy Moses]

[quote name='golflifer' timestamp='1357095339' post='6151343']
A couple of things that I have heard regarding Nike throwing around all this cash for 2013. One, they no longer are sponsoring Lance Armstrong, which I heard was a significant financial stake. Two, heard that clauses in TW's contract with Nike stipulated additional cash as long as he was World #1, so that might have freed up some more $ for their new guys. Just my 2 cents....
[/quote]

What if he becomes #1 again?

[dlefty]

[quote name='golflifer' timestamp='1357095339' post='6151343']
A couple of things that I have heard regarding Nike throwing around all this cash for 2013. One, they no longer are sponsoring Lance Armstrong, which I heard was a significant financial stake. Two, heard that clauses in TW's contract with Nike stipulated additional cash as long as he was World #1, so that might have freed up some more $ for their new guys. Just my 2 cents....
[/quote]

The course of action for '13 was set well before the Lance Armstrong thing came about..........they didn't just decide this was the way to go in October.

[dlefty]

[quote name='Fore(ged)' timestamp='1357097613' post='6151547']
[quote name='golflifer' timestamp='1357095339' post='6151343']
A couple of things that I have heard regarding Nike throwing around all this cash for 2013. One, they no longer are sponsoring Lance Armstrong, which I heard was a significant financial stake. Two, heard that clauses in TW's contract with Nike stipulated additional cash as long as he was World #1, so that might have freed up some more $ for their new guys. Just my 2 cents....
[/quote]

What if he becomes #1 again?
[/quote]

Nike would be [b]ECSTATIC[/b] if Rory and Tiger were battling it out for #1 / #2 over the next several years..........they win either way, one of their 2 studs is #1, and all the media talks about and shows on telecasts is the battle going on for #1, all air time goes to Nike either way, trust me, if they have to toss more $ to Tiger for a #1 bonus, they'd be more than happy to.

[PMAC]

And some news for the Canadians......

As per @ashbyash John Ashworth, Mike Weir will be wearing his line LinkSoul.

Weir had his own line for several years made by Second Skin.

[ALIF]

[quote name='Tmagsecretinthedirt' timestamp='1357054621' post='6147725']
Glover to TMAG also.
[/quote]

Is this b/c the TM reps hotter and easier than the Nike reps?

[scottcheek]

[quote name='robbie91' timestamp='1357095866' post='6151399']
I don't think Titleist even cares if they lose players anymore. They refuse to overpay (for what that means these days) and still sell the crap out of their stuff. PING is the same way. I kind of commend those companies. That being said, Nike has certainly made some huge moves. It will be interesting to see how much more they sell since the viewing public will be seeing their swoosh almost 24/7 on tv. I think Ryan Moore was a nice pick up for TaylorMade he always seems to have some really nice showings in a good number of events.
[/quote]

This is Nike buying consumer confidence in thier equipment, it may work. It's quality gear and becoming more appealing (especially if they drop the VR stuff (VictoryRed for TW's red shirt on sunday) which has polarized quite a few would be purchasers).

As Robbie said, Titleist apparently does not care how many top guys they have, and has chosen to continue the same path they have for years even under new Korean ownership, but rather to market using the counts of those who choose to play thier equipment on the world wide tours for lesser dollars. This Nike spending spree may work out for them...or...if those guys all flop this year because of the equipment change.....ouch Mr. Knight might have his attorneys looking at loopholes in contracts.

[UncleKevin]

I can't wait for the new Nike Golf commercials

[Josh L.]

[quote name='scottcheek' timestamp='1357105958' post='6152099']

This is Nike buying consumer confidence in thier equipment, it may work. It's quality gear and becoming more appealing (especially if they drop the VR stuff (VictoryRed for TW's red shirt on sunday) which has polarized quite a few would be purchasers).

As Robbie said, Titleist apparently does not care how many top guys they have, and has chosen to continue the same path they have for years even under new Korean ownership, but rather to market using the counts of those who choose to play thier equipment on the world wide tours for lesser dollars. This Nike spending spree may work out for them...or...[b]if those guys all flop this year because of the equipment change[/b].....ouch Mr. Knight might have his attorneys looking at loopholes in contracts.
[/quote]

This is what I'm most interested in. It could be totally unrelated to equipment but what if 3 of the 5 new players do nothing in 2013? What if all 5 have mild seasons in 2013? If Rory only wins once most people will consider it a quiet follow up to his huge 2012 season. Only time will tell if Nike's "big money" strategy pays off, but I think most avid golfers buy on performance and not who's playing what. And at least at my local golf shop minimal Nike product (equipment only, not talking apparel) is being moved and that's unlikely to change for 2013 as well.

[Lefty94]

It boils down to 2 different strategies. Nike, TM and Cobra have to buy consumer confidence. They have great products, but in golf terms are new to the game. In order to win confidence in their products, they have to blanket the tours and the market to the masses. NOw once they get into peoples hands, they have to perform, which for the most part their products do. It's just the vehicle in which they need to get products into peoples hands. Hence the white drivers, big marketing campaigns, and catchy slogans by TM, and why NIKE is putting the NIKE machine behind their clubs and apparel. Or in Cobras case flashy colors and big name young stars like Rickie and Lexi.

Titliest and PING could absolutely care less about marketing to the masses. They have a much more loyal following. If your a PING guy or a Titleist guy, you generally are for life. Among many they are still considered to be the top brands. Just look a lot of amateur bags, especially amongst the elite, you will still see a ton of Titliest/PING gear. They just continue to crank out high quality products and rely on their brand loyalty, which is very high.

Callaway is IMO is a little different. I think there was a time that you could have put them more into the Titleist/PING category, with their original big bertha's and their late 90's/early 2000 products. But then they kind of lost their way as they have admitted and kind of fell from that status. Now I think they find themselves more in the market to the masses category, of high visibility, big name tour presence and getting your products into peoples hands. I think they have done that and I hope their sales this year reflect their quality products they are releasing and the work they have put in to re-establishing themselves.

It is also why I think a brand like Cleveland, which doesnt market to the masses and doesn't have that huge brand loyalty is struggling to keep afloat.

[Chilli9880]

[quote name='Lefty94' timestamp='1357090724' post='6150869']
[quote name='grm24' timestamp='1357090505' post='6150847']
[quote name='spga82' timestamp='1357086737' post='6150549']
Ryan Moore signed w TaylorMade as well...
[/quote]

Since Taylormade now owns Adams Golf I don't see this as that big a deal. Moore doesn't move the needle for gear sales IMO.
[/quote]

A considering his Adams deal doesn't include a single Adams club in his bag.....
[/quote]

Well, his hybrid is Adams. But you are correct, he gets to make this deal and the only thing that changes for him is hat and staff bag. A shame really, I liked the way he dressed and didn't ho himself to a label. But when you aren't winning and the money is there (yes I know he just won) it's an easy fix. Good Luck to him.

[Chilli9880]

[quote name='Lefty94' timestamp='1357136539' post='6152847']
It boils down to 2 different strategies. Nike, TM and Cobra have to buy consumer confidence. They have great products, but in golf terms are new to the game. In order to win confidence in their products, they have to blanket the tours and the market to the masses. NOw once they get into peoples hands, they have to perform, which for the most part their products do. It's just the vehicle in which they need to get products into peoples hands. Hence the white drivers, big marketing campaigns, and catchy slogans by TM, and why NIKE is putting the NIKE machine behind their clubs and apparel. Or in Cobras case flashy colors and big name young stars like Rickie and Lexi.

Titliest and PING could absolutely care less about marketing to the masses. They have a much more loyal following. If your a PING guy or a Titleist guy, you generally are for life. Among many they are still considered to be the top brands. Just look a lot of amateur bags, especially amongst the elite, you will still see a ton of Titliest/PING gear. They just continue to crank out high quality products and rely on their brand loyalty, which is very high.

Callaway is IMO is a little different. I think there was a time that you could have put them more into the Titleist/PING category, with their original big bertha's and their late 90's/early 2000 products. But then they kind of lost their way as they have admitted and kind of fell from that status. Now I think they find themselves more in the market to the masses category, of high visibility, big name tour presence and getting your products into peoples hands. I think they have done that and I hope their sales this year reflect their quality products they are releasing and the work they have put in to re-establishing themselves.

It is also why I think a brand like Cleveland, which doesnt market to the masses and doesn't have that huge brand loyalty is struggling to keep afloat.
[/quote]
I think Cleveland really needs to hitch their wagons on Keegan and Graeme and just hope these guys have great years!

[DeepSixer]

Gary Woodland hitting new Callaway XHot driver here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_vEr_Pw-KU