Titleist had yet another big year on Tour, including wins at the US Open (McIlroy), Tour Championship (Haas). But while they may dwarf everybody else on tour, other brands picked up some big wins as well. In particular I hadn’t realized that Taylormade snagged 5 wins with the Penta this year. Can anybody make a dent in Titleist’s numbers for 2012?
1. Titleist Pro V1x – 21 wins
2. Titleist Pro v1 – 6 wins
3. Tayormade Penta – 5 wins
4. Nike One Tour D – 3 wins
5. Callaway Tour i(z) – 2 wins
6. Srixon Z-Star XV – 2 wins
7. Bridgestone B330s – 1 win
Golf Digest
Bridgestone has finally announced the long-rumored signing of DLIII. This hasn’t exactly been the best kept secret in golf but now we finally know the specifics of what the deal entails.
Davis will be sporting the Bridgestone logo on his hat, bag and glove. He will also be putting the TOUR B-330S ball in play and swinging a set of prototype Bridgestone irons (3-PW). No word yet on what he’ll be doing for driver/wedges/putter.
This is a big deal for Bridgestone. Titleist wasn’t prepared to re-up Davis’s contract at his current rate and honestly probably won’t be too impacted by his departure given their large stable of tour players. Bridgestone on the other hand will be able to really utilize this endorsement deal to raise the status of their brand.
Davis may not be one of the of the top ranked players in the world anymore (although he is #6 on the all-time money list), but he certainly has the name recognition to make an impact. And that’s exactly what Bridgestone is counting on. Check out the full press release [update: and Love's first Bridgestone commercial] after the jump.
[click to continue…]
![SEA ISLAND, GA - OCTOBER 7 : Davis Love III smiles on the 16th hole during the first round of the McGladrey Classic at Sea Island Seaside Course on October 7, 2010 in Sea Island, Georgia. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)]( "The McGladrey Classic - Day One")
Tim Rosaforte let it slip that Davis Love III is indeed leaving Titleist for Bridgestone on Saturday evening’s Golf Central broadcast. This move has been rumored for over 2 months, but this is the first semi-official confirmation.
DLIII has apparently already shot his first commercial for Bridgestone. No word on the specifics of the deal, but hat/bag/ball (and possibly irons) is a safe bet.
One has to wonder how much of this was DLIII looking for something new/Bridgestone making a great offer vs Titleist trying to clean up their books in anticipation of being sold (or trying to prevent it). Could we be about to see other big name players leaving Titleist in the near future?
The rumor mill has it that long-time Titleist golfer, Davis Love III, will be jumping ship to Bridgestone for the 2011 season. If true, this would be a huge signing for Bridgestone, who’s roster of players currently include Fred Couples, Matt Kuchar, and Will Mackenzie.
The Fred Couples signing in 2005 put Bridgestone on the map, but it’s the quality of their products that has fueled their success. Their E6 Ball is currently the #4 selling ball in golf and they’re about to release a new and improved B-330 line for 2011 on Nov 1.
