ICYMI: Golf equipment deals for 2017
Golf equipment deals
We thought it would be a good idea to take a look at some of the changes in equipment deals that have already taken place this year.
Jason Day, Nike
The Ace.
Started from the bottom.
Standing strong at the top.
Member since 2017.#NikeGolfClubhttps://t.co/3v1hgDdgW6 pic.twitter.com/WzZlFiSe3h— Nike Golf (@nikegolf) January 1, 2017
Nike were quick to announce one of the worst kept secrets in golf on New Years Day as they welcomed Jason Day to the Nike Club.
Day will wear apparel, glove and shoes bearing the iconic Swoosh logo but will continue to use Taylormade clubs. The Australian will wear his new clothing at this weeks Tournament of Champions in Kapalua.
Bubba Watson, Volvik
Volvik Inks @bubbawatson to Play Color Golf Balls on PGA TOUR
Pink golf ball would be the 1st in history of PGA TOURhttps://t.co/Hkn0ENQ3PP pic.twitter.com/aFKal5KVdP— volvikUSA (@volvikUSA) January 4, 2017
Watson is never shy of going the extra distance when it comes to his golf game. It’s evident the American has his own unique style. It won’t come as a surprise to you that Watson has chosen a golf ball for 2017 that could be seen as another bold statement.
The two time Masters winner announced on his Instagram page that he would be teeing it up with Volvik golf balls for the upcoming season. Watson will switch from the Titleist Pro V1x ball he used throughout 2016 and will use the four piece Volvik S4.
It seems there has already been a ‘Bubba’ stamp placed on Volvik has they have already produced a pink ball for Watson. The S4 is designed for players with swing speeds of 95-120 mph.
The S4 has a urethane cover, improving durability and spin, making the ball perfect for Watson’s game.
Lydia Ko, PXG
Lydia Ko becomes the latest player to join Go Daddy owner Bob Parsons’ golf equipment manufacturer. The 19-year-old who has two major wins to her name has reportedly signed a deal worth $14.5 million.
The world number one has made the switch to Parsons Extreme Golf (PXG) from rivals Callaway. Ko joins Brittany Lang, Christina Kim and Ryan O’Toole in joining the company in 2017.
PXG only started manufacturing a year ago but have already got some of golf’s big names in their ranks. Ryder Cup stars Zach Johnson and Ryan Moore already use PXG clubs as well as 2014 FedEx Cup winner Billy Horschel.
Equipment isn’t the only change that Ko is making going into 2017. The New Zealander recently parted company with instructor David Leadbetter having worked with him for three years. Ko then fired her then caddie Jason Hamilton at the end of 2016 and has replaced him with Gary Matthews.
Rory McIlory, Callaway
McIlroy’s decision to change to Callaway woods and irons was soon overshadowed by Nike’s announcement of Day. Coincidence?
Although no deal has been signed between Callaway and the Northern Irishman, reports suggest he will also play an Odessey putter at this weeks South African Open.
If reports are true then McIlroy will also be playing in South Africa with Titleist wedges in his bag and teeing it up with the Pro V1x ball.
Dustin Johnson, Adidas Golf
This isn’t exactly news but Adidas were quick to show that Dustin Johnson is staying with the apparel side of the company. Rumours circulated that Nike were going to prize both Day and Johnson away from Adidas and allow them to still play Taylormade clubs.
However, Johnson had re-signed with both aspects of the company by the end of September last year. Adidas still wanted to send a quick reminder that Johnson is still their man on their Twitter page.
Make 2017 your year.#GearedForMorepic.twitter.com/7WAJaxxjbP
— adidas Golf (@adidasGolf) January 1, 2017
Daniel Berger
Vibin' into 2017 like our newest staffer.
Welcome to the team, @DanielBerger59. #EpicDriver pic.twitter.com/ug2qh2W8yh
— Callaway Golf (@CallawayGolf) January 4, 2017
Berger will be following in the same footsteps as Mcilroy by joining Callaway. Berger will be making the shock switch to Callaway after he has played with Taylormade equipment ever since he was a junior golfer.
The Florida native will be hoping to build on his impressive 2016 season. Berger won last years St Jude Classic for his maiden victory on the PGA Tour. He also went on to finish 26th in the FedEx Cup with six top 10’s and 12 top 25 finishes
Matthew Beedle
Matthew has been playing golf since he was around 13 and took up the game at a local nine-hole municipal course with his friends before joining Pontefract & District Golf Club just over the hedge.
Still a member of Pontefract with a handicap of 3, he currently sits on the board of directors to help with digital and marketing initiatives in order to improve membership and visitor income.
Matthew graduated university with a First Class in Sports Journalism from Leeds Trinity University and has been working in the golf industry since graduating.
NCG’s social media & marketing manager, Matthew’s main job role is to increase website traffic to the National Club Golfer website via our email and social media channels as well as driving entries to grow our NCG Top 100s Tour events amongst other tasks.
Not one to change his equipment too often, Matthew currently plays the TaylorMade M2 driver which has lasted the test of time in his bag. Elsewhere, you’ll find him using the TaylorMade Stealth 2 three-wood with a Ping G425 Crossover 2-iron to aid his long game.
Through his 4-iron to Gap Wedge, Matthew uses the Ping i500 irons accompanied by Ping’s Glide 3.0 56-degree and 60-degree wedges.
Another club that has stood the test of time in his bag is a Nike Method Core MC-3i putter which has had to have the SuperStroke grip changed at least three times. Ball of choice is the Titleist ProV1.
