Top 10: Most memorable golf equipment
The sad announcement this week that major sportswear company Nike would stop selling golf equipment will undoubtedly go down as one of the big shocks of modern golf.
Nike golf has become an iconic brand in the sport, with the sponsorship of 14-time Major champion Tiger Woods in the late 1990s one of its biggest draws.
The American clocked up trophy after trophy for two decades as he inspired a generation of youngsters to take up the sport.
In recent years Rory Mcllory has become the new face of Nike and the firm’s decision to stop selling equipment has left the Northern Irishman in limbo.
While Nike’s equipment will remembered with nostalgia over pints in the clubhouse in years to come, what other brands have left their mark in golf’s history?
10. Howson Hippo woods
Hands up who had a Howson Hippo wood in their bag when they were making their first steps in the game?
I remember topping many a ball with my Hippo and chucking it angrily back in my bag as I trudged 10 yards for my second shot.
9. Callaway Big Bertha
Named after the First World War German artillery gun, the Big Bertha howitzer, Callaway’s huge driver is still a popular choice with golfers today.
It was launched in 1991 and many a club golfer down the years has been the envy of the clubhouse when they have rocked up with one of these bad boys.
Not convinced? Well, this advert starring Kenny G should do the trick.
8. Bulls Eye putter
Everyone will recognise this classic putter shape. I remember it from when I was toddler wildly swinging my plastic golf clubs round my nan’s garden.
It’s a simple design that was used by many tour pros with huge success, including Tom Kite, Johnny Miller and Jack Nicklaus.
7. TaylorMade Burner
“Capture the power!” is the phrase this 1995 advert used to describe the TaylorMade Burner driver.
I’m not sure what a ‘bubble shaft’ is, but I definitely want it fitted on all my golf clubs.
6. Maxfli HT Balata balls
Many a golfer will have teed it up using a Maxfli HT-90 Tour Balata.
It used a liquid centre rather than the rubber core used in balls nowadays.
5. Ping Anser putter
The Ping Anser putter is still as popular today as it was back in 1966 when Karsten Solheim, a Norwegian-born engineer, sketched the first designs of this iconic club.
We thank you, Karsten!
4. Wilson Firestick
John Daly is as big a character as you will find in golf and his driving was, and still is, just as big.
The flamboyant American used a host of Wilson clubs in his rise to the top of the men’s game in the 1990s, including the Firestick.
3. Wilson TPA putter
The Wilson TPA putter was made famous thanks to the exploits of Sir Nick Faldo. Several of Sir Nick’s biggest triumphs arrived with him using the TPA putter and it resulted in golfers across the globe rushing to their nearest golf shop to replicate his heroics on the greens.
2. Ping Eye2 beryllium copper irons
Not only did the Ping Eye2 beryllium clubs look good but they were also effective.
Mark Calcavecchia used the irons to clinch the 1989 Open Championship at Royal Troon.
1. MacGregor Response ZT 615
The huge MacGregor Response ZT 615 was that putter Jack Nicklaus used to clinch the 1986 Masters.
It is the only Major-winning club that Nicklaus no longer has in his possession.
An iconic club used by one of the most iconic golfers in history
A chicken, a barrel, and Nelson Mandela? The weirdest golf trophies you’ll ever see…
Quick 9: Golf’s greatest comebacks
