This is the point that I didn't make well. Is there a big return on investment based on the current stars of the game? I talked some with Jose and Yagley at the Morgan Cup and they said the return on investment was hard to determine but they wanted their product out there. We went deeper discussing whether you needed a ton of stars playing their gear or just one or two. And that is with star players who get a lot more visibility playing the product. We also discussed the move of viewership to other channels (YouTube especially) and how golf companies are now sponsoring YouTube golfers with big followings as these are now showing a return on investment. (Prior to the event Cobra/Puma got a lot of visibility with the Alex Elliot Golf channel). I feel that those YouTube golf content creators get a lot more screen time and connect more directly with consumers than Gary who we hardly see swing a club anymore.
This was enlightening for me. We all have players we are fans of but I was struggling to remember what drivers that Jack and Gary got with the ceremonial drives to start the Masters last year. I remember a story line of Rory helping Jack with his driver so I would guess Taylormade but I had no idea what clubs Gary was using until seeing your picture. And I'm a big fan of Jack Nicklaus. I would get a lesson with him in a heartbeat, but would trust a fitter to show me what to play. Alternatively, I know Peter Finch and the Me & My Golf boys are Adidas / Taylormade sponsored, Rick Shiels is nike (and has been playing Wilson irons though not sponsored), Crossfield is sponsored by Titleist, Buzza Golf is Callaway.. Etc. And I don't consume a ton of their content but have seen enough video logs to know. I'm just curious if this will bring the return they are hoping for because it doesn't move the needle at all for me personally.I assume a certain level of golf aficionado that would attend a Gary Player lesson or seminar would be interested in what clubs he uses. Also, while not the only logo on his bag, Callaway featured fairly prominently on his bag and hat for press and other photos.
If PXG ended up on the side of the bag of a 9-time major winner who continues to spread the gospel of golf, I'd consider that a win.
Rereading my comments I realize I come off as someone that doesn't like Gary Player and that couldn't be further from the truth. He's accomplished so much and has been an incredible ambassador for the game and I respect that. He just wasn't one of my favorite players that I rooted for and had more of a connection to like Arnie, Jack, Tom Watson.. etc. My point is that I wouldn't put something in my bag just because one of the ones I was a big fan of plays them. But I'm only the voice of one consumer. But I did want to clarify that there's no GP hate from me.
I agree about Peter Finch. I always felt like the Me & My golf guys came off as shills for Taylormade and that Crossfield lost his objectivity when signing with Titleist (though with him specifically I didn't trust him or like him for various other reasons). I do like the more unbiased reviews from those that haven't signed with a sponsor but I wonder how long until they are all offered enough money that they can't say no to.
From reading your post, I guess there is one recent story which does make me feel less than warm and fuzzy about GP (and it's partially because I'm a big fan of Jack). A few years back Gary spent a lot of time training and working on his driving so that he could outdrive Jack with the ceremonial Masters tee shot in a competition that Jack didn't realize was going on. He did outdrive Jack and there was some playful ribbing but some of his bragging came off as petty and arrogant seeing as Jack had no idea up until the weekend that they were in an apparent long drive contest and Jack was clearly out of shape and hadn't been playing golf. The following year Jack (being Jack) trained and worked on his driving including getting help from Rory and knocked it well past Gary off the tee. Gary responded "we'll call it a tie" and the sudden look on Jack's face showed he was irritated and made Gary appear to be the sore loser. That's my only real negative memory that comes to mind but I chalk it up to two lifetime competitors being themselves and still respect the heck out of what GP was able to do in that generation of great players.
