New Contracts confirmed

[wobgon]

[quote name='wundej' timestamp='1383882101' post='8117904']

I can follow what you are saying but I really do think that what some of these big names and faces of the brands are pushing has an influence on people. We might not hear a lot of people that say they want certain equip due to a specific player but I think they see the power of someone who is followed like Phil in the decision making process for the average golfer. If the choice was between two clubs from different oems and they couldn't see a difference, they'd go with the club from their favorite sponsored player.

Remember "Be like Mike"? It may not happen blatantly but there is always some subconscious brand steering going on in our minds.
[/quote]
I can honestly say without a shadow of a doubt that i have never bought or played a club because a tour player was using it.....

[Dizz]

[quote name='wobgon' timestamp='1383882334' post='8117918']
[quote name='J.W.' timestamp='1383881388' post='8117848']
[quote name='PMAC' timestamp='1383879141' post='8117704']
[quote name='enis750' timestamp='1383860930' post='8116432']
PMac to TMAG would be neat
[/quote]

I already do[quote name='MadGolfer76' timestamp='1383865990' post='8116742']
[quote name='J.W.' timestamp='1383865678' post='8116720']
Does anyone else think this stuff is basically meaningless?
[/quote]

Me.
[/quote]



If so why read into the second page and make a post. Most who read this enjoy it.
[/quote]

Maybe you could read my posts and understand what I meant... I realize it doesn't work that way here though
[/quote]
Please refrain from stating your opinion and asking questions.....It keeps others from enjoying this thread......
[/quote]
You got it

[TKD24]

I think these types of changes are worth mentioning because the majority of the high handicappers and new golfers out there who don't read WRX everyday will see what clubs a player uses and remember that when it comes time to purchase.

"Oh, Tiger and Rory use those."
"Didn't that guy who won the US Open use Taylormade?"
"That Bubba guy uses Ping right?"

It's about brand recognition for the point of purchase. Again, this doesn't apply to the WRX community, but it applies significantly to the majority of the golfing population and those new golfers who are looking to start playing.

[tbowles411]

[quote name='TKD24' timestamp='1383883756' post='8117990']
I think these types of changes are worth mentioning because the majority of the high handicappers and new golfers out there who don't read WRX everyday will see what clubs a player uses and remember that when it comes time to purchase.

"Oh, Tiger and Rory use those."
"Didn't that guy who won the US Open use Taylormade?"
"That Bubba guy uses Ping right?"

It's about brand recognition for the point of purchase. Again, this doesn't apply to the WRX community, but it applies significantly to the majority of the golfing population and those new golfers who are looking to start playing.
[/quote]
It's not just high cappers that do it.

[highflyer13]

Well typically it makes players feel better when you have big oem's that have direct input from tour pro's to design there products. IMO I think that's a factor often over looked.

[Dillinger]

[quote name='bruinsPATSirish' timestamp='1383859943' post='8116362']
[quote name='MCoz' timestamp='1383859420' post='8116338']
Some of these have been speculated and I am sure there is more. You may see some in new gear but most won't be allowed to until Jan 1 after existing contracts expire. These are done deals, hats and shirts have been ordered and are in production for those that need custom and personalization.

*Pat Perez to Callaway
*Harris English to Callaway
*Ernie Els to Adams
*Matteo Mansserro from Titleist to Callaway, he looked at a couple of major OEMs but Callaway offered twice what another (not Achushnet) offered.
*Another Major Winner leaving Callaway for TaylorMade. Not sure if I can make this public at the moment but many can guess this one. He is playing today with the old gear as is everyone here except maybe Perez.

There is a couple more to come, can't comment on yet but I am not aware of any major deals or players. Overall, so far, a relatively quiet year. But there are still some talks going on. But these OEMs have budgets that they are holding to. Only Callaway is spending more. They and Nike are spending more endorsement money against revenue than the others!
[/quote]

Els to Adams?! That's definitely a change of pace. Is he going to be Adams straight through the bag, or do you think he will be open to have some Taylormade as well?

Also another major winner from Cally to TMAG? I think the only others are what Furyk, Immelman, and Phil? Furyk isn't a full
Cally deal anyways, but Phil switching would be nuts!
[/quote]

Els is going to play a TM driver. I heard this at the range from a bunch if gossiping Staff guys but you know we hear a lot of crap!

[Farst]

[quote name='MadGolfer76' timestamp='1383865990' post='8116742']
[quote name='J.W.' timestamp='1383865678' post='8116720']
Does anyone else think this stuff is basically meaningless?
[/quote]

Me.
[/quote]

+1

[Langlands]

[quote name='Lesmond' timestamp='1383881908' post='8117884']
Big question is what do they do with their old sponsor equipment?

If they don't need it, I'll take it. I'll PM them my address.
[/quote]

A lot of them keep it - I've seen pictures on here of Darren Clarke, Ernie Els, Arnold Palmer and Nick Price's club rooms at their homes - absolutely stuffed full of gear you would give your right arm for.

[moose557]

I think it matters to a degree and agree some weekend golfers buy equipment based on what they see the pros using . I know its a little different, but look at whats happened with superstroke. Phil and Duffner won majors with the grip and from what I hear stores can't keep them in stock now.

[J13]

top name players add legitimacy to a brand among a million other reasons. It's all about emotion. Marketing 101 and believe me it works well.

[moose557]

If one of these established tour stars absolutely loved their equipment would they take less to stay with their current company instead of taking the highest bidder? I know in the case of Rory the money difference between what Nike was offering and what Titleist would offer was probably too big, but lets take for example a player like Rose. He just won his first major and is playing great. Is the difference between these offers that large to mess with changing the equipment your totally comfortable with?

[Dizz]

[quote name='J13' timestamp='1383914647' post='8118638']
top name players add legitimacy to a brand among a million other reasons. It's all about emotion. Marketing 101 and believe me it works well.
[/quote]

Absolutely but what does that mean? Works well? I cannot imagine the investment Nike has made with TW and Rory (just an example) actually paying them back in sales and those are the biggest names in golf. So I 100% agree, it gives legitimacy to the brand and I like what someone else said earlier about the players work with the OEM's for design and input BUT these mid level guys making big money.... I just find it hard to believe they move the needle.

For what its worth I've been in a meeting for marketing for a major OEM and I know how they look at where their tour investment goes.... One thing I found surprising without giving out too much inside info is-- the HAT. They put a lot of stake on TV time with the hat.... and the persona that goes with a hat and bag deal because most people will not go too much further than that to see what's in the bag but they see the big staff bag and the OEM's name on the player's hat.

Obviously-- I just think this is fun discussion. I'm sure these OEM's have done their research before they stuff money into players.... and I definitely don't think I know more than they do. I just find it interesting based on my experience in the business.

Let's take it one step further--- which do you think is a better (or best) strategy? Titleist-- they want young quality players... push the golf ball and have a lot of players playing the golf ball and very seldom pay anyone big time. TaylorMade-- lots of guys, push the driver/metal woods, lots of hat, bag and metal woods deals, have quite a few big money guys. Callaway-- seems similar there but maybe less of the hat, bag, metal wood guys.... and they also seem to be making a big push. PING-- brings up their junior and college program guys, pay the smallest amount, do NOT pay for their one off clubs for non-staffers... ie- PING putter, Anser hybrids, irons in the bag of random players, wedges, etc.

[fore_life]

[quote name='drpurpell' timestamp='1383909457' post='8118504']
[quote name='Lesmond' timestamp='1383881908' post='8117884']
Big question is what do they do with their old sponsor equipment?

If they don't need it, I'll take it. I'll PM them my address.
[/quote]

A lot of them keep it - I've seen pictures on here of Darren Clarke, Ernie Els, Arnold Palmer and Nick Price's club rooms at their homes - absolutely stuffed full of gear you would give your right arm for.
[/quote]

You can buy all of Pat Perez's stuff from proclubsdirect.

Seems kind of douchey for a millionaire who gets product for free to sell his old equipment rather than donate it to the first tee or something. But who knows, maybe he donated the money to charity. Or a down payment on another Lamborghini.

[Chilli9880]

[quote name='J.W.' timestamp='1383865678' post='8116720']
Does anyone else think this stuff is basically meaningless?
[/quote]

Yet you're in here, reading and commenting. It doesn't really matter to me but it is news and it is interesting. Also it's a topic that generates conversation.

[Ed Settle]

[quote name='J.W.' timestamp='1383918117' post='8118806']
[quote name='J13' timestamp='1383914647' post='8118638']
top name players add legitimacy to a brand among a million other reasons. It's all about emotion. Marketing 101 and believe me it works well.
[/quote]

Absolutely but what does that mean? Works well? I cannot imagine the investment Nike has made with TW and Rory (just an example) actually paying them back in sales and those are the biggest names in golf. So I 100% agree, it gives legitimacy to the brand and I like what someone else said earlier about the players work with the OEM's for design and input BUT these mid level guys making big money.... I just find it hard to believe they move the needle.

For what its worth I've been in a meeting for marketing for a major OEM and I know how they look at where their tour investment goes.... One thing I found surprising without giving out too much inside info is-- the HAT. They put a lot of stake on TV time with the hat.... and the persona that goes with a hat and bag deal because most people will not go too much further than that to see what's in the bag but they see the big staff bag and the OEM's name on the player's hat.

Obviously-- I just think this is fun discussion. I'm sure these OEM's have done their research before they stuff money into players.... and I definitely don't think I know more than they do. I just find it interesting based on my experience in the business.

Let's take it one step further--- which do you think is a better (or best) strategy? Titleist-- they want young quality players... push the golf ball and have a lot of players playing the golf ball and very seldom pay anyone big time. TaylorMade-- lots of guys, push the driver/metal woods, lots of hat, bag and metal woods deals, have quite a few big money guys. Callaway-- seems similar there but maybe less of the hat, bag, metal wood guys.... and they also seem to be making a big push. PING-- brings up their junior and college program guys, pay the smallest amount, do NOT pay for their one off clubs for non-staffers... ie- PING putter, Anser hybrids, irons in the bag of random players, wedges, etc.
[/quote]

No doubt, the hat and bag deals have the most bang for the buck. By covering the woods and a carefully drapped towel, even Greg can't always get a clear picture of the contents of some bags!! It is why they (and we imitate!) put their sunglasses on the back of their hats. Don't cover the Logo! These guys wear their hats in interviews so it is the only thing visible at all times. That is why Robert Rock is so unique.

[Dizz]

[quote name='Chilli9880' timestamp='1383918774' post='8118838']
[quote name='J.W.' timestamp='1383865678' post='8116720']
Does anyone else think this stuff is basically meaningless?
[/quote]

Yet you're in here, reading and commenting. It doesn't really matter to me but it is news and it is interesting. Also it's a topic that generates conversation.
[/quote]

I don't think the thread is meaningless, if you keep reading maybe you'll get what I meant. I enjoy the conversation, it doesn't take a simpleton to figure it out.

[J13]

[quote name='J.W.' timestamp='1383918117' post='8118806']
[quote name='J13' timestamp='1383914647' post='8118638']
top name players add legitimacy to a brand among a million other reasons. It's all about emotion. Marketing 101 and believe me it works well.
[/quote]

Absolutely but what does that mean? Works well? I cannot imagine the investment Nike has made with TW and Rory (just an example) actually paying them back in sales and those are the biggest names in golf. So I 100% agree, it gives legitimacy to the brand and I like what someone else said earlier about the players work with the OEM's for design and input BUT these mid level guys making big money.... I just find it hard to believe they move the needle.

For what its worth I've been in a meeting for marketing for a major OEM and I know how they look at where their tour investment goes.... One thing I found surprising without giving out too much inside info is-- the HAT. They put a lot of stake on TV time with the hat.... and the persona that goes with a hat and bag deal because most people will not go too much further than that to see what's in the bag but they see the big staff bag and the OEM's name on the player's hat.

Obviously-- I just think this is fun discussion. I'm sure these OEM's have done their research before they stuff money into players.... and I definitely don't think I know more than they do. I just find it interesting based on my experience in the business.

Let's take it one step further--- which do you think is a better (or best) strategy? Titleist-- they want young quality players... push the golf ball and have a lot of players playing the golf ball and very seldom pay anyone big time. TaylorMade-- lots of guys, push the driver/metal woods, lots of hat, bag and metal woods deals, have quite a few big money guys. Callaway-- seems similar there but maybe less of the hat, bag, metal wood guys.... and they also seem to be making a big push. PING-- brings up their junior and college program guys, pay the smallest amount, do NOT pay for their one off clubs for non-staffers... ie- PING putter, Anser hybrids, irons in the bag of random players, wedges, etc.
[/quote]

I'm with ya but it's extremely hard for us who go bananas over clubs to see it through the eyes of Joe weekend duffer. We are tainted lol.

But yes hat and bag are huge. I feel for the caddies because staff bags seemed to be getting bigger (more signage) lol especially Patrick Reeds caddy whom I expressed this too.

[bruinsPATSirish]

[quote name='J.W.' timestamp='1383918117' post='8118806']
[quote name='J13' timestamp='1383914647' post='8118638']
top name players add legitimacy to a brand among a million other reasons. It's all about emotion. Marketing 101 and believe me it works well.
[/quote]

Absolutely but what does that mean? Works well? I cannot imagine the investment Nike has made with TW and Rory (just an example) actually paying them back in sales and those are the biggest names in golf. So I 100% agree, it gives legitimacy to the brand and I like what someone else said earlier about the players work with the OEM's for design and input BUT these mid level guys making big money.... I just find it hard to believe they move the needle.

For what its worth I've been in a meeting for marketing for a major OEM and I know how they look at where their tour investment goes.... One thing I found surprising without giving out too much inside info is-- the HAT. They put a lot of stake on TV time with the hat.... and the persona that goes with a hat and bag deal because most people will not go too much further than that to see what's in the bag but they see the big staff bag and the OEM's name on the player's hat.

Obviously-- I just think this is fun discussion. I'm sure these OEM's have done their research before they stuff money into players.... and I definitely don't think I know more than they do. I just find it interesting based on my experience in the business.

Let's take it one step further--- which do you think is a better (or best) strategy? Titleist-- they want young quality players... push the golf ball and have a lot of players playing the golf ball and very seldom pay anyone big time. TaylorMade-- lots of guys, push the driver/metal woods, lots of hat, bag and metal woods deals, have quite a few big money guys. Callaway-- seems similar there but maybe less of the hat, bag, metal wood guys.... and they also seem to be making a big push. PING-- brings up their junior and college program guys, pay the smallest amount, do NOT pay for their one off clubs for non-staffers... ie- PING putter, Anser hybrids, irons in the bag of random players, wedges, etc.
[/quote]

I would venture to say that Nike paying TW and Rory is less about solely influencing their golf sales alone, but rather their brand as a whole. Nike wants the top athletes in the world repping the swoosh and Rory and TW are two of the fittest athletes on tour.

[chocolatte]

Callaway spending twice the money to get Manny!? That is ridiculous. Manny is a solid young player who seems quite likable. But I never see the star quality in him. Maybe I am wrong. Looks like the new Callaway strategy is to spend big money on star/young players like Nike, and shorten product cycle like TM.

[Dizz]

[quote name='bruinsPATSirish' timestamp='1383920665' post='8118942']
[quote name='J.W.' timestamp='1383918117' post='8118806']
[quote name='J13' timestamp='1383914647' post='8118638']
top name players add legitimacy to a brand among a million other reasons. It's all about emotion. Marketing 101 and believe me it works well.
[/quote]

Absolutely but what does that mean? Works well? I cannot imagine the investment Nike has made with TW and Rory (just an example) actually paying them back in sales and those are the biggest names in golf. So I 100% agree, it gives legitimacy to the brand and I like what someone else said earlier about the players work with the OEM's for design and input BUT these mid level guys making big money.... I just find it hard to believe they move the needle.

For what its worth I've been in a meeting for marketing for a major OEM and I know how they look at where their tour investment goes.... One thing I found surprising without giving out too much inside info is-- the HAT. They put a lot of stake on TV time with the hat.... and the persona that goes with a hat and bag deal because most people will not go too much further than that to see what's in the bag but they see the big staff bag and the OEM's name on the player's hat.

Obviously-- I just think this is fun discussion. I'm sure these OEM's have done their research before they stuff money into players.... and I definitely don't think I know more than they do. I just find it interesting based on my experience in the business.

Let's take it one step further--- which do you think is a better (or best) strategy? Titleist-- they want young quality players... push the golf ball and have a lot of players playing the golf ball and very seldom pay anyone big time. TaylorMade-- lots of guys, push the driver/metal woods, lots of hat, bag and metal woods deals, have quite a few big money guys. Callaway-- seems similar there but maybe less of the hat, bag, metal wood guys.... and they also seem to be making a big push. PING-- brings up their junior and college program guys, pay the smallest amount, do NOT pay for their one off clubs for non-staffers... ie- PING putter, Anser hybrids, irons in the bag of random players, wedges, etc.
[/quote]

I would venture to say that Nike paying TW and Rory is less about solely influencing their golf sales alone, but rather their brand as a whole. Nike wants the top athletes in the world repping the swoosh and Rory and TW are two of the fittest athletes on tour.
[/quote]

LOLOL-- $50 million a year to have two of the fittest golfers on tour!

[lpitts82]

Sounds like Ernie is getting ready for the Champions Tour. Switching to Adams seems to be the common move for guys reaching the end of their PGA tour days.

[taylorx300]

Nike contracts are about the brand ...aka the Swoosh. That is why none of their staff players can have any other logo on the apparel.
Example is Rory, who before the Nike deal, had every logo possible on the hat, the sleeves, the collar, etc. Now it is only the swoosh.
And that embroidered swoosh is 3 times larger that what comes on standard apparel we buy in the stores so it's captured on every camera
it is exposed to both TV and print.

[m_schroeds]

Think Matteo will switch from his SC to an Odyssey? Will most of these guys be signing full bag deals? What is the most common contract setup for the higher profile players?

[Cwing]

[quote name='moose557' timestamp='1383913807' post='8118610']
I think it matters to a degree and agree some weekend golfers buy equipment based on what they see the pros using . I know its a little different, but look at whats happened with superstroke. Phil and Duffner won majors with the grip and from what I hear stores can't keep them in stock now.
[/quote]

------- and don't forget the white driver and putter craz!.

[bruinsPATSirish]

[quote name='taylorx300' timestamp='1383923299' post='8119138']
Nike contracts are about the brand ...aka the Swoosh. That is why none of their staff players can have any other logo on the apparel.
Example is Rory, who before the Nike deal, had every logo possible on the hat, the sleeves, the collar, etc. Now it is only the swoosh.
And that embroidered swoosh is 3 times larger that what comes on standard apparel we buy in the stores so it's captured on every camera
it is exposed to both TV and print.
[/quote]

Exactly. They don't sign Lebron and Derek Jeter to sell basketballs and baseball gloves. They pay these athletes big money to boost their brand. Some people just don't understand that.

[buckeyefl]

[quote name='JaxBeachNole' timestamp='1383868065' post='8116886']
[quote name='MadGolfer76' timestamp='1383860011' post='8116374']
Perez to Callaway...

Why?
[/quote]

Cally has flat bills that are specially made for forty somethings
[/quote]

Hopefully they make it in d-bag sizes for Perez.

[Zach Heusser]

[quote name='BlkNGld' timestamp='1383873465' post='8117318']
[quote name='tommyrobson' timestamp='1383869852' post='8117020']
Callaway locking up Ishikawa and Manny makes sense economically for those who are wondering why they would bother with signing both these players.

Ishikawa is HUGE in Japan. Japanese golfers pay unheard of amounts of money for golf clubs. I won't add those together for you guys, should make sense.

Mannasero's signing does the same thing for Callaway but in Italy. It is also probably a bet by Callaway that Manny will get big soon and would rather pay now then after its happened.
[/quote]

Exactly.

At the Fry's tournament, Matsuyama, as the next big thing in Japan, had a press following that was not quite Tigeresque but definitely Phil like. While Ishikawa's star has lost a little of its lustre, he still had a noticeable following as well.

Even if Manassero isn't the next Rory, if he were to become the next Monty in terms of European success it would be a good signing for Callaway.
[/quote]
If Manassero goes on the win the Order of Merit ten times and dethrones Monty as Europe's best Ryder Cup player it will have been a huge signing. But I'm not sure he's going to get anywhere near Monty's career.... Seems like a good young player though.

[Imp]

[quote name='JDuffJr.' timestamp='1383863293' post='8116610']
I think it would be cool to se Phil go to Tmag
[/quote]Agreed. Just for the humor value of watching heads explode through the internet on this forum.

--kC

[ohcanada17]

Rumors about a GOOD Titleist player going to TaylorMade too..... I hoping on this one to be true!

[bruinsPATSirish]

[quote name='Imp' timestamp='1383926054' post='8119392']
[quote name='JDuffJr.' timestamp='1383863293' post='8116610']
I think it would be cool to se Phil go to Tmag
[/quote]Agreed. Just for the humor value of watching heads explode through the internet on this forum.

--kC
[/quote]

I doubt they would let him roll an Odyssey if they pulled him from Callaway. Maybe they'd make him a new one or let him roll a Napa? That would be sweet!