King: Adams could play key role in evolving marketplace
says TaylorMade is banking on Adams Golf to boost sales. But how the brand accomplishes that feat in the future may surprise some.
U.S. rounds played up 17.1 percent in April
Favorable weather conditions continued to bolster participation trends as rounds played increased 17.1 percent in April, according to the latest national report.
Callaway CEO refocuses company, recruits rival
Callaway CEO Chip Brewer, making moves to refocus the company on its core business, has hired a marketing executive from rival TaylorMade and eliminated a top-level product-development position.
First Links: A new starting point
says the First Links program addresses one of golf's most critical needs: beginner facilities.
Ashworth bolsters tour presence, adds Justin Rose
In a move designed to showcase its performance wear and greater presence on pro tours, Ashworth announced Justin Rose as its latest brand endorser.
Nike unveils golf-fitness initiative, launches app
In an effort to elevate golf fitness – and strengthen its business – Nike Golf has launched a major training initiative called NG 360. Among its first elements: a smartphone app and an alliance with the Gray Institute, a renowned "movement" center.
Title IX: An empowering transformation
says Title IX has transformed women's college golf, but its full impact on the game has yet to be witnessed.
Canada’s Golf Town to acquire Golfsmith
Toronto-based Golf Town announced May 14 that it reached an agreement to acquire Golfsmith International Holdings Inc., creating the largest golf specialty retail chain in North America.
Coalition touts golf’s impact before Congress
Gene Yasuda says We Are Golf makes a case touting golf’s economic and “green” contributions.
LPGA teams with Streetwear for apparel line
The LPGA has partnered with Boston-based Streetwear Inc., designating the company as an official licensee of LPGA apparel.
Raven Golf Club engages families with programs
Gene Yasuda: Phoenix’s Raven Golf Club engages parents, kids with creative programs
PGA chief Steranka to depart at end of '12
PGA chief executive Joe Steranka, who has championed industry collaboration and led efforts to grow the game, is resigning at the end of 2012, capping a 25-year tenure with the association.
Callaway sells Top-Flite to Dick’s Sporting Goods
Citing a desire to concentrate on its core businesses, Callaway Golf announced April 4 the sale of its Top-Flite brand to Dick's Sporting Goods.
RBC extends sponsorship of Canadian Open
Canada’s largest bank solidified its extensive investment in the PGA Tour, lengthening its title sponsorship of the RBC Canadian Open through 2017.
Golf 2.0 bolsters player-development staff
Golf 2.0, the PGA of America-led initiative to grow the game, continues to build its field staff to help golf facilities in key markets attract players.
FootJoy's offering: customized green shoes
FootJoy is offering a commemorative shoe for the season's first major - the Masters – and custom-made no less.
Architects' society to award First Links grants
says the 'First Links' initiative holds the promise of pairing architects and golf courses to build beginner-friendly venues.
Adidas Group to acquire Adams Golf for $70 million
In the latest round of industry consolidation, the Adidas Group, TaylorMade's parent, announced Monday it will acquire Adams Golf for $70 million.
Callaway calls Brewer’s number
Known for grinding out market-share gains, Chip Brewer, Callaway's new CEO, has been charged to rejuvenate the iconic brand.
Callaway hires Adams' Brewer as CEO
Hoping to regain its leadership position in the equipment marketplace, Callaway Golf Co. announced Feb. 27 the appointment of Chip Brewer as president and chief executive officer.
Polo Golf’s sponsorships: An investment in authenticity
Polo Golf long has been associated with marquee players such as Tom Watson. But its marketing investment in the sport goes far beyond signing PGA Tour players.
DIGs unearth new Nike line
Based on research indicating that golfers want different attire to suit different occasions, Nike has introduced its Sport Collection – its most casual apparel line yet.
PGA of America to drive growth with Golf 2.0
Gene Yasuda: Striving to court more golfers and serve them better, the PGA of America’s Golf 2.0 initiative aims to help course operators convert their facilities into centers of hospitality.
Natural-motion shoes gaining foothold
“Natural motion” footwear is causing a buzz in the running community and could crossover into golf. Gene Yasuda explains.
Amped up: The relaunch of Cobra
Twenty months ago, Puma made headlines for acquiring Cobra. Now, it’s hoping to garner attention for Cobra’s relaunch, which includes an array of new products.
Palmer launches 'Arnie' apparel to win new fans
Gene Yasuda: Nearly 50 years removed from setting the trend with his apparel, Arnold Palmer's fashion statement has inspired a whole new collection.
Ashworth continues revival with tour push
Once an iconic golf apparel brand, Ashworth, in its last years as an independent company, became what's dreaded in the business: nondescript casual wear.
With ample research, FootJoy takes aim at apparel
When FootJoy finally entered the apparel market this year, it did so with a virtually fail-safe plan based on tons of research and a laser focus on its core consumer.
Season preview: Will golf start to recover?
Gene Yasuda: Will the golf industry finally gain traction again in 2012? It’s the economy, stupid. It may be the most concise answer, but it only partially explains why golf is far from experiencing a recovery in 2012.
Puma signs Poulter to showcase footwear, belts
Ian Poulter, a long-time Cobra staff player, is expanding his endorsement duties to the company’s sister brand, Puma Golf. Beginning this season, Poulter will wear Puma footwear and belts, and continue to use Cobra equipment.
My year in golf: Gene Yasuda
A "personal worst" in rounds played explains the real reason why golf is ailing.
LPGA negotiates cable TV rights deal in Japan
The LPGA has agreed to an exclusive cable and satellite broadcast rights deal in Japan, giving the carrier access to approximately half of its tournaments.
Rounds-played report shows September drop
Rounds played in September fell 4.4 percent, continuing a steady string of year-over-year monthly declines and almost ensuring a participation drop for 2011.
PGA Tour tabs IMG to grow international retail licensing
The PGA Tour is expanding its partnership with IMG, charging the company to oversee international licensing for a host of retail goods, ranging from apparel to toys to jewelry.
Mitsubishi renews deal for Champions' season opener
When Mitsubishi Electric renewed its deal with the PGA Tour, it gained more than a title sponsorship of a Champions Tour stop. It also became the PGA Tour's "official elevator and escalator."
Officials prepare to select Olympic course design
Olympic organizers officially have begun the process to select a course design for the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro. Gene Yasuda reports.
Golfsmith aligns with South African retailer
In a continuing effort to market its proprietary brands globally, Golfsmith International announced a partnership with The MoreGolf Group, South Africa’s largest golf retailer.
Mickelson launches membership golf program, the M Club
Membership golf programs are becoming more common, but a new one in Arizona can claim distinction by touting its marquee owner: Phil Mickelson.
Woods signs with Rolex, 1st major deal in 2 years
Gene Yasuda: The golf cognoscenti may not be willing yet to restore their faith in Tiger Woods, but at least one major marketer is backing him – and putting its brand reputation on the line.
Equipment makers step up for Breast Cancer Awareness
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and golf equipment makers are taking steps to raise awareness and provide financial support for the cause.
America’s heartland, mid-Atlantic endure rounds decline
Through the peak of summer, America’s heartland and the mid-Atlantic region have endured the biggest percentage declines in rounds played.
Orender to lead women’s initiatives for ‘Golf 2.0’
PGA of America executives want to “reset” the golf industry.
National School Program plays key role for golf’s future
Gene Yasuda says teaching golf in elementary schools is a critical investment for the game's future.
Pinnacle makeover sharpens identity, trims offerings
Simplicity reigns: That’s the conclusion drawn from recent Pinnacle market research, and it explains the brand’s decision to streamline its offerings.
U.S. rounds down 1.7 percent in July
Rounds played in the U.S. fell 1.7 percent in July, marking the fourth decline in the past five months.
Acushnet plans to accelerate growth in Asia
Back home in South Korea, Gene Yoon is widely regarded as a rainmaker.
Disney to outsource its courses to APGM
Walt Disney World Resort announced it will turn over day-to-day operations of its five golf courses to Arnold Palmer Golf Management.
Phoenix Open tops $4 million in charitable giving
The Thunderbirds, the host organization that stages the Waste Management Phoenix Open, announced this year’s rendition raised more than $4 million for local charities.
Early results promising for 'Tee It Forward'
Tee It Forward, an initiative urging golfers to play from appropriate tees, promised to make the game faster and more enjoyable. Early results indicate it’s delivering on its pledge.
Rounds played show June uptick but remain down for '11
A slight increase in rounds played in June provided a rare uptick in participation trends, which still show a decline for the year.
