The 5 Most Iconic Golf Brands
Unfortunately, Tiger withdrew from the Genesis Invitational yesterday afternoon citing an “illness”. Golfers were hoping to watch him over the weekend but he withdrew about 30 minutes after the golf channel picked up the telecast on Friday.
Illness is better than injury – hopefully we’ll get the chance to see him again soon. However, I was also looking forward to seeing his new brand in action after he and Nike parted ways earlier this year.
There hasn’t been much available to golf fans on Sun Day Red, other than the logo which was made public as the new brand was announced.
Feelings are mixed. I happen to agree with a reddit comment I stumbled across saying the logo would be better stylized like the LaCoste alligator (instead of the Greg Norman shark). The logo also appears to be in the center instead of the left breast, which is unique.
Either way, the excitement and subsequent disappointment got me thinking about the most iconic golf brands. I did some googling, looked up some history, and compiled a list of the ‘most iconic’ golf brands in a niche (but affluent) B2C retail space.
5. Wilson
America’s oldest golf brand. Wilson started in 1914 and has a pretty cool founding story according to Wikipedia:
“In 1932 Wilson Advisory staff member Gene Sarazen was inspired by the aerodynamics of an airplane’s wing to create a club head that would glide smoothly through sand. Sarazen welded a piece of steel to the sole of the club and ground it producing ‘bounce’. This marked the introduction of the sand wedge and in 1933 alone, Wilson sold 50,000 of these clubs, marketed as the R-90, which went on to be the most popular sand wedge in golf.”
Wilson also claims to have more major winners with Wilson Staff irons than any other brand. To this day, they make both high-end iron sets and affordably priced full sets for entry-level golfers. Their apparel selection is modest but it’s full of traditional-looking golf apparel for both men and women (above).
4. TaylorMade
TaylorMade has become synonymous with innovation and performance in the golf industry. Founded in 1979, the company quickly made a name for itself with groundbreaking products like the metalwood driver, according to an excerpt from the website:
“In the spring of 1979 a golf equipment salesman named Gary Adams took out a $24,000 loan on his home and founded the TaylorMade Golf Company. He rented a 6,000 square-foot building that at one time housed a television assembly plant. Counting him, there were three employees and a single, innovative product: a 12-degree driver cast of stainless steel. This new metalwood looked and sounded different from a wooden wood, and most importantly, it was performed differently. ”
Over the years, TaylorMade has continued to push the boundaries of technology, earning the trust of countless amateur and professional golfers alike. From drivers to irons to putters, TaylorMade offers a comprehensive range of equipment designed to help players of all skill levels maximize their potential on the course. Evidently, the brand is so well respected that Costco’s Kirkland brand ripped off the P790.
3. Titleist
Titleist is a name that commands respect in the world of golf. With a legacy dating back to the early 20th century, with a pretty cool founding story according to their website:
“The Titleist success story began one Sunday in 1932, when Phil Young, a dedicated amateur golfer and owner of a precision molded rubber company, missed a well-stroked putt in a match with his friend, who was head of the x-ray department at a local hospital.
Convinced that the ball itself was at fault, Young and his opponent went to the hospital, x-rayed the golf ball in question and found that its core was, in fact, off-center.
With his discovery, Phil Young persuaded Fred Bommer, a fellow MIT graduate, rubber specialist and avid golfer, to head up the Acushnet Golf Division. They set out to develop the highest quality and best performing golf ball in the world.”
Titleist has long been associated with excellence and precision craftsmanship. The brand's golf balls are among the most trusted by professionals, and its clubs are renowned for their performance and reliability. In addition to equipment, Titleist also offers a wide range of apparel and accessories designed to meet the needs of serious golfers everywhere. They are truly the “number one ball in golf”.
2. FootJoy
When it comes to golf footwear, few brands can rival FootJoy. Established in 1857, they would be technically older than Wilson but didn’t officially making golf gear until 1923. Below is the timeline from their website:
“1857
Burt and Packard Shoe Company founded in Brockton, Massachusetts. Soon thereafter named Field and Flint Company.
1923
The Field and Flint Company launches what they believe to be the best shoe on the market, using the brand FootJoy for the first time. Their tagline: “A shoe that’s different”.”
FootJoy has been at the forefront of golf shoe design for over a century. From classic leather models to cutting-edge athletic styles, FootJoy offers a diverse range of footwear options to suit every golfer's preferences. In addition to shoes, FootJoy also produces a variety of gloves, apparel, and accessories, all crafted with the same commitment to quality and innovation that has made the brand a favorite among professionals and amateurs alike.
1. Ping
At the top of our list is Ping, a brand that has become synonymous with excellence in the golf industry. Founded in 1959 by Karsten Solheim, Ping has a long history of innovation and technological advancement. Below is from Wikipedia:
“The company was founded by Karsten Solheim, following a career as an engineer at the General Electric company. In 1959, he started making putters in his garage in Redwood City, California. In 1967, he resigned from his job at General Electric to develop the PING company.”
From the iconic Anser putter to the groundbreaking G Series drivers, Ping has consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible in golf equipment. In addition to clubs, Ping also offers a wide range of accessories, including bags, apparel, and more. With a reputation for quality and performance that is second to none, Ping remains the gold standard in golf equipment.
While Sun Day Red may be a newcomer to the golf apparel scene, there's no denying the enduring appeal of these iconic brands. Quality equipment goes a long way but also find something that fits your personal brand. And while maybe one day Sun Day Red will join the ranks of these legendary brands, until then, here's to the timeless classics that continue to inspire and elevate the game we love.
Honorable mentions; Cleveland Golf, Callaway, Srixon
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