How You Can Make the Callway and Titleist Suit Work for You
In a semi-humorous piece, I write for Sports Central about how the Callaway/Titleist lawsuit reveals what really matters to the club companies and how we can get them to start paying attention to us again...fast.
about 3 years ago
Ryan Ballengee
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good stuff...
…but I think the Callaway R&D people would take exception to saying that they don’t put out a top of the line ball. They have some serious rocket science type people working on their ball technology. One guy that I have talked with worked on the Patriot missile development.
Titleist has what, a 50 year head start on companies like Callaway ? It’s tough to close a tradition gap like that, but they are creeping up the ladder.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
They've definitely caught up very quickly
I mentioned them as good competitors to Titleist in the piece. There are some brilliant minds that are working on golf equipment now. We’re just not seeing enough of it :)
by Ryan Ballengee on Nov 26, 2008 12:34 PM EST up reply actions
this part...
…“The ad campaign that Callaway just invested probably seven figures in turns out to hinge on truthiness. Still, Callaway would much rather use this advertising opportunity to boost sales rather than inventing and presenting better products to the golf consumer.”
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Yeah
I do stand by that. That’s not to say that the people working on the products aren’t working hard or aren’t brilliant. It’s that the marketing and executive level folks would rather focus on winning a lawsuit (still in appeal, though) than roll out a ball that’s unequivocally better than the Pro V1.
by Ryan Ballengee on Nov 26, 2008 1:10 PM EST up reply actions
who says they don't ?
who can say that the Callaway ball isn’t better than the ProV ? ESPECIALLY after Titleist cheated !! :-) Balls are preference and/or influence. Very few people really go out and test a bunch of balls – they either play what their favorite pro plays, or what their friends or pro tells them to play.
Bridgestone has done a brilliant thing with their travelling ball testing van. A lot of people are thrilled when they find out that a $20 ball fits their game better than a $45 ProV.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
I do like what Bridgestone is doing
Rather than suing people, they are getting out there trying to convince the consumer with science. It can be blinding at times, but it can also be very useful. The ball is really the only way to gain market share now since golf clubs are more or less mature with the USGA regulations.
by Ryan Ballengee on Nov 26, 2008 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
I know they did
It’s about perception, though. At this stage of the game, everyone is suing everyone. At least Bridgestone is trying to grow in the market – not just in the courts.
by Ryan Ballengee on Nov 26, 2008 2:56 PM EST up reply actions
different marketing techniques
Callaway spent money on players like Mickelson, Els, Sorenstam, and dozens of others – counting on people to come use their balls because of the names.
Bridgestone has Fred Couples, Charles Howell III, Matt Kuchar, and Stewart Appleby – not exactly on the same level of fame. Paula Creamer uses Precept balls but not many people make the connection between Precept and Bridgestone.
(if you’ve seen “Oh, Brother Where Art Thou” – it’s like Pappy O’Daniel – Callaway’s not pressin’ the flesh – they’re MASS COMMUNICATIN" ! Bridgestone is pressin’ the flesh) :-)
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
really?
Where can an average golfer test a bunch of balls? For that matter, what difference does it make if you’re not at the elite level? I’d prefer not to pick up a ball that someone lost, but occasionally I’ll end up playing a found, high-end ball. I don’t get any more or less out of it than I do any other ball.
Truth has a well-known liberal bias.
you might be pleasantly surprised...
…on your own, you can go to most golf stores that have an indoor hitting area with a simulator or analysis machine. A lot of the stores down here will go through some balls with you to help you out.
Outdoors, Bridgestone travels around the country with their testing vans giving people a chance to test balls. I know they make their presence known at all the PGA Tour stops. check Bridgestonegolf.com and I believe you can see where they have their scheduled stops.
Balls are designed with different playing characteristics. If you need to get the ball further in the air – if you need help straightening out your shots – if you want more spin or less spin on the greens – harder or softer feel – pure distance…..
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
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