James Patrick joins Titleist

[OrangeCrush]

Great pick up. Based on the article stating Mr. Vokey's health was becoming an issue that they needed to pass the torch to someone younger. So we could be rocking some "Patrick's" in the coming years. The name Vokey is like Scotty. You only need 1 name and people know exactly what your talking about. I look froward to seeing whats coming out.

[phi482]

I don't really see there being a change to way things are today. I see there will be a mass produced line in $129 range, a TVD grind line for $160, and the custom hand ground in $350 range. For those that say his creativity could be reigned in, I would look at Scotty Cameron for proof that won't happen. He has a mass produced, retail line and then his tour / custom shop. Scotty makes rebar putters that are $18,000 so I don't think Titleist will try to limit what he had do. My 2 cents.

[JJensen]

So the question is... Can I get JP Titleist before my nationals tournament in the spring? Or will I have to get vokeys gain

[whatshannenin]

They also might have hired him to get some flash in the JDM/Asian wedge markets, most of Scotty Cameron's crazy stuff is sold over there anyway.

[miket_81]

This might get me to give up my Cally X-forged wedges which I consider to be the best factory wedge made to date...

[ctgolfnut66]

I can definitely see him taking over the new custom Vokey line that they have started to develop. It makes sense to keep the standard off the rack Vokey's at $125, but then offer a custom forged version in that $250+ market. Some people have found it hard to justify the $300 cost for the new custom Vokey's, but if they are able to differentiate themselves with a cool custom line of JP wedges, they will get some play. Smart move by Titleist here!

[m_schroeds]

Like some other posters have already said in this thread, I absolutely respect the skill and passion that goes into his work, but I prefer a clean, raw, traditional wedge with some bite. Flashy colors and logos seem to be the hot thing right now. If the standard Vokey offerings go this route, I will likely go elsewhere when it comes time to replace.

[Bad9]

Who?

[PZero]

I don't think they will drop the Vokey name, it has too much value and has great brand awareness.

[ctgolfnut66]

[quote name='PZero' timestamp='1374769876' post='7537206']
I don't think they will drop the Vokey name, it has too much value and has great brand awareness.
[/quote]

Agreed. That name is not going anywhere. It carries just as much value as the name "Scotty". I have to imagine that JP is going to just be designing under the Vokey name.

[linksgolfer21]

In all honesty I think his work will be subdued/toned down with Titleist, the mass market appeal for an exotic design is less. With the history of Titleist design and r&d they tend to skew less flashy than other OEM's.

[evenStephen]

[quote name='TigerStrong' timestamp='1374723793' post='7534324']
More cake decorating...Titleist is going the wrong way...no no it's great...Titleist should be done by 2018...
[/quote]

ha TigerStrong your user name says it all .. ha .. they will be around longer than 2018

[evenStephen]

Titleist makes some of the purest sticks in the game to date. The 714s look fine just like their current 913 woods.

This wedge move is interesting. Vokey will retire soon because of health and I am curious if they will keep the name style and just use JP for more custom shop things. I dont know much about JP Wedges, but they look very unique and solid. Some very cool ideas with the three weights and lesser soles. I wonder how they play and preform. AND most importantly how will his style work in the Mass Production world. I might buy Mack Daddy 2 wedges to replace my 4 year old vokeys soon and by then maybe JP will be making a production wedges for Titleist.

Very interesting move, but I believe it will work out for both parties.

[jokerusn]

I've always thought JP's wedges looked amazing but I'm kind of torn as to what to make of the deal. I hope this doesn't stifle JP's creativity but at the same time, I don't want to see Titleist (Vokey or whomever's name ends up on the wedge in the future) start charging hand made forged prices for retail wedges. I'm sure there will be some trickle down from prototype concepts to the retail line but I'm going to try to be pessimistic and hopefully end up with a nice surprise in the future.

[FutureSuper]

I assume he's done some work with Titleist before

[Lupino]

[quote name='FutureSuper' timestamp='1374781157' post='7538602']
I assume he's done some work with Titleist before
[/quote]



Didn't take long for the news to travel to ebay


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Titleist-James-Patrick-Prototype-Wedge-52-/251310041213?pt=Golf_Clubs&hash=item3a833ee87d

[ZJohnson]

Congrats to James. Cool Clubs is proud.

[ZJohnson]

[quote name='FutureSuper' timestamp='1374781157' post='7538602']
I assume he's done some work with Titleist before
[/quote]

No. That would have been done at either Cool Clubs or Hot Stix.

[FutureSuper]

[quote name='ZJohnson' timestamp='1374786200' post='7539112']
[quote name='FutureSuper' timestamp='1374781157' post='7538602']
I assume he's done some work with Titleist before
[/quote]
No. That would have been done at either Cool Clubs or Hot Stix.
[/quote]
That makes sense

[T Shaf]

This must be a fantastic move for JP...I hope it works out and his name reaches the level of Vokey's some day. What I hope doesn't happen is it limits his artistry...

From all that I've seen, online only, he makes a wedge I would love to play...blended hosel, no offset, straight leading edge and insane grinds. But those designs are basically opposite of a mass produced wedge. Hopefully Titleist and JP can blend effortlessly to develop the most innovative wedge offerings from a major OEM...I eagerly await the outcome.

It's been mentioned and I have to agree that perhaps this is the lead in to a Titleist branded forged wedge...

[gunmetal]

[quote name='TheMackDaddy' timestamp='1374723525' post='7534296']
How much of the classic JP work will we see on the Titleist wedges? You know, the magnificent grinds, the insane finishes, or the perfect trifecta of weights? I have never been a Titleist wedge guy, but have always loved JP's work.
[/quote]

I would expect not very much given production will no be taking place in Beijing or thereabouts. That's not a dis in any way, probably just reality. I still expect some JP influence to be present and certainly top notch wedges, but nothing like what he was doing one at a time with his own hands.

[Tiger512]

[quote name='robbie91' timestamp='1374722741' post='7534206']
I've followed James and his work and it is incredible. Titleist will definitely continue to be #1 in wedges with his assistance.
[/quote]
Titleist sells more wedges than Cleveland?

[nitram]

[quote name='HipCheck' timestamp='1374722682' post='7534200']
BIG news. JP is a good guy.
[/quote]

+1.

Thanks for the find Zak.

I wonder if we're about to embark on the era of "the art of wedging."

[TripleGrindSole]

Bet you they're cast...

[longbal30]

Well coming from JP's rep, the titleist line will be forged not cast. The line will not carry the vokey name anymore as well. Looks like a total change for titleist.

[TWshoot67]

[quote name='longbal30' timestamp='1374896577' post='7548190']
Well coming from JP's rep, the titleist line will be forged not cast. The line will not carry the vokey name anymore as well. Looks like a total change for titleist.
[/quote]

Wow. I didn't see this coming, but it seems like every company goes through changes to keep an edge, and I guess they feel they are loosing in the wedge department? I can't see this as being good but then again who knows. I would have thought Vokey would go on forever as I still think they are the best retail wedges made. I've tried so many other wedges and always go back to the 200 series for shape, playability and feel. I'm a forged iron player and have been for a long time and maybe a Titleist forged wedge might work, but I hope they keep the same mold for the 200 series.

[TheMackDaddy]

[quote name='longbal30' timestamp='1374896577' post='7548190']
Well coming from JP's rep, the titleist line will be forged not cast. The line will not carry the vokey name anymore as well. Looks like a total change for titleist.
[/quote] Booyah.... these or MD'2s???

[scratchswinger]

[quote name='TheMackDaddy' timestamp='1374897280' post='7548258']
[quote name='longbal30' timestamp='1374896577' post='7548190']
Well coming from JP's rep, the titleist line will be forged not cast. The line will not carry the vokey name anymore as well. Looks like a total change for titleist.
[/quote] Booyah.... these or MD'2s???
[/quote]

C'mon son....

[TheMackDaddy]

[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1374898125' post='7548330']
[quote name='TheMackDaddy' timestamp='1374897280' post='7548258']
[quote name='longbal30' timestamp='1374896577' post='7548190']
Well coming from JP's rep, the titleist line will be forged not cast. The line will not carry the vokey name anymore as well. Looks like a total change for titleist.
[/quote] Booyah.... these or MD'2s???
[/quote]

C'mon son....
[/quote]
Callaway designed those wedges for me though... It just wouldn't be right...

[scratchswinger]

[quote name='TheMackDaddy' timestamp='1374898246' post='7548342']
[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1374898125' post='7548330']
[quote name='TheMackDaddy' timestamp='1374897280' post='7548258']
[quote name='longbal30' timestamp='1374896577' post='7548190']
Well coming from JP's rep, the titleist line will be forged not cast. The line will not carry the vokey name anymore as well. Looks like a total change for titleist.
[/quote] Booyah.... these or MD'2s???
[/quote]

C'mon son....
[/quote]
Callaway designed those wedges for me though... It just wouldn't be right...
[/quote]

I have a feeling that you will be able to get 3 MD's for the price of one JP.