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All down hill since the acquisition by the Adidas Group. I still don't believe one does not need to know the business to market the product or the service.
I was actually surprise a few years back when they bought out Adams Golf.
Taylormade $$$$$$ woes.....
I'm partial to PING, but I think part of that is because they understand that sometimes- less is more. They've done very well staying relevant over the years by not trying to be something they're not.
Most notably, they've adjusted to the economic times they've been dealt with. And to some extent, the same can be said of Callaway Golf. And to a lesser degree, Titleist.
They've stayed relevant because they've taken note of the ever-changing marketplace.
Wasn't Callaway in some kind of financial issue a few years back ?
Ping is run by the Solheim , with some what old fashioned method. Not to over leverage, not to chase the market, always staying solvent. Sure they had a few down years here and there because they did not try to chase the wind, but they also eliminated falling off the horse's back, keep the race going is what they did.
No one could ignore the change of market place, and no one has a crystal ball to foretell what will happen in a decade.
I don't recall Callaway being in financial straits. Maybe I'm foggy with my memory, but the only big deal was with their lawsuit against Titleist re: patent infringement.
They have, for the most part, been somewhat innovative in their design philosophy... whether or not it has translated to overall improved performance aspects is a different discussion altogether.
But as a great salesman and mentor once told me, the sizzle is what sells the steak, it's not just about the quality cut of the meat. Doesn't hurt that they have a legendary spokesperson in Phil Mickelson serving up the sizzle.
He seems to do more for Callaway than Jason Day and Dustin Johnson combined are doing for TM. Then again, the marketing ignorance of TM supersedes anything positive gained from three of their most relevant superstars (Rose, Day and DJ). Imagine if PING or Callaway had them in their stables.
Maybe these companies are surviving because they're not recklessly hellbent on being #1.
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http://frontpagegolf.com/News/News2011/CallawayProblemsDeep071011.html
http://seekingalpha.com/article/662491-callaway-a-big-flop?page=2
Most issue were not from the playing staff, or even how muck the marketing expenses were. The trouble started from the very top. All these Ivy League graduate sure could make numbers look great on paper.... not always the case in reality - especially with the Global competition in recent years.
I think certain companies have their niche and are successful...PING is very well rounded. Forgiveness and easy to hit is their calling card. They manage package it into a driver that also offers distance. Players irons as well as super game improvement for all levels.
Titleist has the traditionalist market carves out. More for the serious player.
Taylormade is like a stripper...always looking to see what kind of new and exciting move they're gonna throw at u.
Callaway was a little like Ping...easy to hit...just bit funky looking. Now they seem to worry me some just trying to beat out Taylormade.
All I know is that Callaway (to my knowledge anyway) isn't up for sale. That might be more due to them being practical in their marketing approach, or maybe the loyal following they have, or maybe because they just make a decent product?
Dunno. All I know is they've managed to keep their business afloat during the economic downturn and subsequent lack of interest that has been quite ominous for much of the industry as a whole.
Survival in this day and age would seem they're doing something halfway right.
Callaway does not need to be on the line for sale. Modern day ownership only take a certain percentage in holding.
Some entity's subsidiary's subsidiary could be rounding up the stocks for controlling shares without anyone's notice ( not to the public anyway ).
I'm not saying this is the case. Callaway seemed to be on the rebound in recent years, but this is a tough business to be in when the economy slowed down.
I personally know of at least three local golf course owners who have informed me over the past 5 years that they regret ever getting into the golf business.
It might be profitable for Billy Casper's golf management corporation, but not the case for most privately-owned public golf course owners.
There's an easier way to earn a better living.
PA-PLAYA It might be profitable for Billy Casper's golf management corporation
Not all of them,
One of the local track managed by then had shut down by the City because the operation was not profitable.
One of the more affordable and real grass practice tee in the Summer.
Sumner Meadows closed down in 2013. I believe it was the only golf course on the west side of the Cascade managed by Billy Casper's Golf Corporation.
http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/golf/flowing-lake-and-sumner-meadows-golf-courses-closing/
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Your memory is failing rapidly.
http://frontpagegolf.com/News/News2011/CallawayProblemsDeep071011.html
A long time before that there were also financial problems which resulted in Reeves, the founder, being quietly edged aside.
The golf equipment business has churned the "industry leader" for a long time. Everyone in the business tends to get their in the barrel.
TM is too big to fail! We need a bailout!
How about a Donald Trump WITB....
sdandrea1 I remember back at the beginning for them that they used to pay around $1500/wk. for use of just their drivers. Probably why everyone was using them. Not sure they still have that kind of deal what with all the big endorsement deals going around today. I did recently read, and posted about in another thread, that DJ is on an incentive contract, as are the other T/Made fellas. Nothing guaranteed, as I recall reading, until all those incentives are met. And DJ has yet to meet them all.(this was before his latest win though) They do get pay for different areas until that point, but again, nothing for 'just showing up' and using/advertising the clubs. So, if I read things correctly, they have to "earn" the money, it's not just handed over every week/month.
I'll check around tonight and see if I can find the article.
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Par4QC , nothing for 'just showing up' and using/advertising the clubs.
Titleist started this play it and get paid thing with their golf balls back in the days ( aside from the apparel deals ).
It was also a tool to help out the new on the tour players . An extra source of income to stay on the tour before they could earn their way up the money list. 4-5 decades ago there are not enough price money for players outside of the top 80 to make a good living after the expenses.
And $ is getting tighter now, so we'll see these mega endorsement deals going away as we speak.