Connect with us

19th Hole

Is Adams Golf coming back?

Published

on

If you happen to have “Adams Golf is resurrected” on your 2020 golf equipment bingo card—congratulations because it appears that after a total social media and club release blackout which started in May of 2016, something has awoken this OEM (or at least the social media manager) from a deep sleep.

The first sign of life was on their Twitter page, followed by an identical post on their Instagram page towards the end of last week referring to Pinehurst and the limited edition headcovers they produced for the 2014 major championships.

Then yesterday afternoon, there was a followup post on Instagram showcasing their XTD Forged irons backdropped by a links course. If Adams is looking to drum up interest based on nostalgia, so far they are doing a great job because the XTD Forged irons are still considered to be one of the best they ever produced. In fact, we should probably give more credit to Adams for introducing the world to a better player’s floating face iron.

What does it really mean for Adams?

Is this someone in TaylorMade’s marketing department having a bit of fun? Remember TaylorMade back when it was still TaylorMade/Adidas bought Adams and all of its IP in the spring of 2012 for around $70 million. I recounted why that may have occurred here: Remembering the greatest club launches of 2011, which went into a deep history on slotted wood technology and the end of Adams.

From what I have experienced, Adams still has a deep cult following with better players thanks to the hybrids they produced as well as their forged irons, which flew well under the radar for a long time but were among the best in the business. Even their final line of XTD woods pushed the boundary of technology and offered amazing performance.

In the end, this could be just a few people having some fun with an old social media account to judge interest and get some feedback—which I should note is clearly working, because I sat down to write this. The other more plausible explanation is TaylorMade is actually looking to bring Adams back as a more price-conscious option, which makes some sense since considering the recent influx of new golfers in 2020 and the massive popularity of package sets—something Adams was well known for.

Whatever is happening we will continue to ask questions until we get to the bottom of this Adams mystery.

Your Reaction?
  • 250
  • LEGIT11
  • WOW16
  • LOL1
  • IDHT5
  • FLOP2
  • OB1
  • SHANK5

Ryan Barath is a club-fitter & master club builder with more than 17 years of experience working with golfers of all skill levels, including PGA Tour players. He is the former Build Shop Manager & Social Media Coordinator for Modern Golf. He now works independently from his home shop and is a member of advisory panels to a select number of golf equipment manufacturers. You can find Ryan on Twitter and Instagram where he's always willing to chat golf, and share his passion for club building, course architecture and wedge grinding.

19th Hole

Phil Mickelson reveals he won’t be pursuing broadcasting career when he retires from golf

Published

on

On Tuesday, Chris McKee, a Toronto writer and radio host, wondered aloud on his X account if Phil Mickelson will be a commentator after his playing days are over.

“The second Phil Mickelson retires he’ll instantly become the most sought after TV analyst in golf. Would any PGA Tour broadcaster (CBS, ESPN, NBC or Sky) bring him in or would he have to stick to LIV broadcasts? #LIVGolf”

Mickelson saw the post and responded, saying he’s not interested in moving from the course to the broadcast booth.

“Thank you for the kind words. However, just cuz someone CAN do something doesn’t mean they SHOULD do it. Instead of commentating, I’m going to shoot some Pros vs Schmos 9 hole matches. I’ll share insights throughout as well as talk a little smack. It won’t be the highest quality video but it’ll be fun for me to do and fun to watch I think too.”

While I believe many fans would like to see Phil in the booth, his idea of “Pro’s vs Schmo’s” could certainly be intriguing.

More from the 19th Hole

Your Reaction?
  • 6
  • LEGIT1
  • WOW0
  • LOL2
  • IDHT0
  • FLOP0
  • OB0
  • SHANK13

Continue Reading

19th Hole

PGA Tour pro sounds off on ‘unfair’ PGA Championship invites

Published

on

This week, the PGA of America made some surprising announcements regarding the field of next week’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.

The event now will feature 16 LIV players with Talor Gooch, Dean Burmester, David Puig, Adrian Meronk and Patrick Reed receiving special exemptions.

PGA Tour player, Dylan Wu, took issue with how the exemptions were used and went to X to share his thoughts.

“Why is there never “real” qualifications for the PGA Championship? You have a points list and World ranking invite. Usually just outside top 100 in OWGR gets in. Chan Kim ranked 104th in OWGR doesn’t get in. SH Kim at 107th isn’t in.”

“Jesper Svennson ranked 108th gets in. Tim Widing 120th gets in. Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald gets a spot. A bunch of guys get leapfrogged even though they’re ranked higher than others. Seems like they just invite whoever they want. Unfair to the guys on the edge like Chan and SH”

“Just seems like the world of professional golf is in a weird spot and I love that the tournament invited a handful of great LIV players but figure out a correct system for a major championship where guys know they’ll be in or not. ????”

Fans who replied to Wu seemed to agree that a more definitive ranking system for the PGA Championship should be established.

More from the 19th Hole

Your Reaction?
  • 16
  • LEGIT22
  • WOW1
  • LOL4
  • IDHT0
  • FLOP1
  • OB1
  • SHANK11

Continue Reading

19th Hole

Report: LIV star turns down PGA Championship invite due to ‘personal commitments’

Published

on

On Tuesday, the full field for the PGA Championship at Valhalla was released. In some surprising news, a handful of LIV players were granted exemptions including Dean Burmester, Patrick Reed, Lucas Herbert and Adrian Meronk.

The most surprising omission was Louis Oosthuizen. The South African has been one of the most consistent players on LIV this season, and also won two DP World Tour events in the fall.

According to the AP’s Doug Ferguson, Oosthuizen was actually given an invitation, but declined due to “personal commitments”.

In total, there will be 16 LIV golfers teeing it up next week at Valhalla.

More from the 19th Hole

Your Reaction?
  • 16
  • LEGIT3
  • WOW4
  • LOL3
  • IDHT3
  • FLOP6
  • OB2
  • SHANK17

Continue Reading

WITB

Facebook

Trending