223 replies to this topic

[kellygreen]

ron lefthanded holmes, on 17 October 2012 - 12:35 PM, said:

kellygreen, on 17 October 2012 - 12:20 PM, said:

Taylor Made stands little to gain by taking Donald away from Mizuno.

i would of thought it would of been a good move from TM to sign one of the best players in the world,he's known for been one of the best iron players so why not have him on board

Because he does nothing to increase the visibility of the brand among the customers (the general recreational golfing population) that TMAG is trying to bring---and hold to---its product.

Former World Number one or not, the typical casual golfer wouldn't be able to pick Luke Donald out of line-up.   Luke Donald is the kind of player that only a very serious player and someone who follows the Tour closely would recognize....or feel any interest in what equipment he plays.

Which is PRECISELY the kind of player that a Mizuno or a Titleist would be looking to bring to their brand.

If this were a rumor, that it was Titleist that was trying to win Donald away from Mizuno...I'd take it seriously.

But Taylor Made?  No.

Mizuno and TMAG are fishing at different depths and at opposite ends of the golf equipment market.

[BlkNGld]

IF he were to leave Miz and IF McIlroy were to leave Titleist, it seems that he and Titleist would be a good fit.

[kellygreen]

BlkNGld, on 17 October 2012 - 12:56 PM, said:

IF he were to leave Miz and IF McIlroy were to leave Titleist, it seems that he and Titleist would be a good fit.

Agreed.

[irlgolf56]

kellygreen, on 17 October 2012 - 12:50 PM, said:

ron lefthanded holmes, on 17 October 2012 - 12:35 PM, said:

kellygreen, on 17 October 2012 - 12:20 PM, said:

Taylor Made stands little to gain by taking Donald away from Mizuno.

i would of thought it would of been a good move from TM to sign one of the best players in the world,he's known for been one of the best iron players so why not have him on board

Because he does nothing to increase the visibility of the brand among the customers (the general recreational golfing population) that TMAG is trying to bring---and hold to---its product.

Former World Number one or not, the typical casual golfer wouldn't be able to pick Luke Donald out of line-up.   Luke Donald is the kind of player that only a very serious player and someone who follows the Tour closely would recognize....or feel any interest in what equipment he plays.

Which is PRECISELY the kind of player that a Mizuno or a Titleist would be looking to bring to their brand.

If this were a rumor, that it was Titleist that was trying to win Donald away from Mizuno...I'd take it seriously.

But Taylor Made?  No.

Mizuno and TMAG are fishing at different depths and at opposite ends of the golf equipment market.

What makes Donald any less recognisable than the likes of Justin Rose, D Johnson, Sergio Garcia etc. currently on the taylormade staff? I do worry for the "general golfing population" if they can't pick Luke Donald out of a line-up..

[kellygreen]

irlgolf56, on 17 October 2012 - 01:26 PM, said:

kellygreen, on 17 October 2012 - 12:50 PM, said:

ron lefthanded holmes, on 17 October 2012 - 12:35 PM, said:

kellygreen, on 17 October 2012 - 12:20 PM, said:

Taylor Made stands little to gain by taking Donald away from Mizuno.

i would of thought it would of been a good move from TM to sign one of the best players in the world,he's known for been one of the best iron players so why not have him on board

Because he does nothing to increase the visibility of the brand among the customers (the general recreational golfing population) that TMAG is trying to bring---and hold to---its product.

Former World Number one or not, the typical casual golfer wouldn't be able to pick Luke Donald out of line-up.   Luke Donald is the kind of player that only a very serious player and someone who follows the Tour closely would recognize....or feel any interest in what equipment he plays.

Which is PRECISELY the kind of player that a Mizuno or a Titleist would be looking to bring to their brand.

If this were a rumor, that it was Titleist that was trying to win Donald away from Mizuno...I'd take it seriously.

But Taylor Made?  No.

Mizuno and TMAG are fishing at different depths and at opposite ends of the golf equipment market.

What makes Donald any less recognisable than the likes of Justin Rose, D Johnson, Sergio Garcia etc. currently on the taylormade staff? I do worry for the "general golfing population" if they can't pick Luke Donald out of a line-up..

In a word.

All these players have star power.  Either here in the US...or over in Europe.

Luke Donald does not.  Especially here in the US....and I'm betting not much in Europe, outside of the UK.

...and do you really think that the guy who plays golf 3 times a season...and tunes in to watch professional golf only during the Majors is going to know (or care) who Luke Donald is?

Doubt it.

[Gaijin_Golfer]

irlgolf56, on 17 October 2012 - 01:26 PM, said:

kellygreen, on 17 October 2012 - 12:50 PM, said:

ron lefthanded holmes, on 17 October 2012 - 12:35 PM, said:

kellygreen, on 17 October 2012 - 12:20 PM, said:

Taylor Made stands little to gain by taking Donald away from Mizuno.

i would of thought it would of been a good move from TM to sign one of the best players in the world,he's known for been one of the best iron players so why not have him on board

Because he does nothing to increase the visibility of the brand among the customers (the general recreational golfing population) that TMAG is trying to bring---and hold to---its product.

Former World Number one or not, the typical casual golfer wouldn't be able to pick Luke Donald out of line-up.   Luke Donald is the kind of player that only a very serious player and someone who follows the Tour closely would recognize....or feel any interest in what equipment he plays.

Which is PRECISELY the kind of player that a Mizuno or a Titleist would be looking to bring to their brand.

If this were a rumor, that it was Titleist that was trying to win Donald away from Mizuno...I'd take it seriously.

But Taylor Made?  No.

Mizuno and TMAG are fishing at different depths and at opposite ends of the golf equipment market.

What makes Donald any less recognisable than the likes of Justin Rose, D Johnson, Sergio Garcia etc. currently on the taylormade staff? I do worry for the "general golfing population" if they can't pick Luke Donald out of a line-up..

This.  Theres plenty of TM staffers who are pretty boring.  Even more so than Donald.

[hogans71]

[quote name='kellygreen' timestamp='1350498650' post='5807473']
[quote name='irlgolf56' timestamp='1350498383' post='5807433']
[quote name='kellygreen' timestamp='1350496241' post='5807251']
[quote name='ron lefthanded holmes' timestamp='1350495355' post='5807139']
[quote name='kellygreen' timestamp='1350494404' post='5807043']
Taylor Made stands little to gain by taking Donald away from Mizuno.
[/quote]

i would of thought it would of been a good move from TM to sign one of the best players in the world,he's known for been one of the best iron players so why not have him on board
[/quote]

Because he does nothing to increase the visibility of the brand among the customers (the general recreational golfing population) that TMAG is trying to bring---and hold to---its product.

Former World Number one or not, the typical casual golfer wouldn't be able to pick Luke Donald out of line-up.   Luke Donald is the kind of player that only a very serious player and someone who follows the Tour closely would recognize....or feel any interest in what equipment he plays.

Which is PRECISELY the kind of player that a Mizuno or a Titleist would be looking to bring to their brand.

If this were a rumor, that it was Titleist that was trying to win Donald away from Mizuno...I'd take it seriously.

But Taylor Made?  No.

Mizuno and TMAG are fishing at different depths and at opposite ends of the golf equipment market.
[/quote]

What makes Donald any less recognisable than the likes of Justin Rose, D Johnson, Sergio Garcia etc. currently on the taylormade staff? I do worry for the "general golfing population" if they can't pick Luke Donald out of a line-up..
[/quote]

In a word.

All these players have star power.  Either here in the US...or over in Europe.

Luke Donald does not.  Especially here in the US....and I'm betting not much in Europe, outside of the UK.

...and do you really think that the guy who plays golf 3 times a season...and tunes in to watch professional golf only during the Majors is going to know (or care) who Luke Donald is?

Doubt it.
[/quote]

I find it laughable that you feel any of those on TM's payroll have such an abundance of "star power" over LD...

Thank goodness you can not only speak on LD's popularity here in the states but the entire European continent...

[kellygreen]

Gaijin_Golfer, on 17 October 2012 - 01:46 PM, said:

This.  Theres plenty of TM staffers who are pretty boring.  Even more so than Donald.

Boring....to YOU.

Not boring to the customers that TM is trying to attract to their brand.

Which is my point.  Endorsements aren't about simply having the best players to represent your brand.  It is about the players who will appeal to those customers---and to whom those customers will want to identify with----you wish to buy your product.

Taylor Made's brand strategy is RADICALLY different from that of Mizuno.   The very thing that makes Luke Donald a very valuable "brand ambassador" to Mizuno (and its strategy) makes him a kind of "meh" addition to Taylor Mades.

He's not going to be a highly recognizable face to the younger, casual golfer in the US like a Dustin Johson...or the that same golfer in Europe like a Justin Rose or a Sergio Garcia.

[kellygreen]

hogans71, on 17 October 2012 - 01:52 PM, said:

I find it laughable that you feel any of those on TM's payroll have such an abundance of "star power" over LD...

Thank goodness you can not only speak on LD's popularity here in the states but the entire European continent...

I'm sorry that you find it "laughable".

But Taylor Made---and more importantly Taylor Made's MONEY----doesn't seem to agree.

This isn't about golf...this is about BRANDING....and Luke Donald doesn't fit the TM brand or the type of customer that TM is trying to attract.

[Jamboy72]

Maybe I missed something, but has there been a press release or anything??? Or did someone just toss an idea out there...like Rory's been offered partial ownership of Titleist if he stays...???

[hogans71]

kellygreen, on 17 October 2012 - 01:58 PM, said:

hogans71, on 17 October 2012 - 01:52 PM, said:

I find it laughable that you feel any of those on TM's payroll have such an abundance of "star power" over LD...

Thank goodness you can not only speak on LD's popularity here in the states but the entire European continent...

I'm sorry that you find it "laughable".

But Taylor Made---and more importantly Taylor Made's MONEY----doesn't seem to agree.

This isn't about golf...this is about BRANDING....and Luke Donald doesn't fit the TM brand or the type of customer that TM is trying to attract.

You, of course, missed the point...

I don't disagree that LD does not necessarily fit the TM "image" but to suggest ANY of those three you mentioned somehow encompass "star power" any more then LD does is, indeed, laughable...

No need to apologize...

[Ajit]

[quote name='kellygreen' timestamp='1350498650' post='5807473']
[quote name='irlgolf56' timestamp='1350498383' post='5807433']
[quote name='kellygreen' timestamp='1350496241' post='5807251']
[quote name='ron lefthanded holmes' timestamp='1350495355' post='5807139']
[quote name='kellygreen' timestamp='1350494404' post='5807043']
Taylor Made stands little to gain by taking Donald away from Mizuno.
[/quote]

i would of thought it would of been a good move from TM to sign one of the best players in the world,he's known for been one of the best iron players so why not have him on board
[/quote]

Because he does nothing to increase the visibility of the brand among the customers (the general recreational golfing population) that TMAG is trying to bring---and hold to---its product.

Former World Number one or not, the typical casual golfer wouldn't be able to pick Luke Donald out of line-up.   Luke Donald is the kind of player that only a very serious player and someone who follows the Tour closely would recognize....or feel any interest in what equipment he plays.

Which is PRECISELY the kind of player that a Mizuno or a Titleist would be looking to bring to their brand.

If this were a rumor, that it was Titleist that was trying to win Donald away from Mizuno...I'd take it seriously.

But Taylor Made?  No.

Mizuno and TMAG are fishing at different depths and at opposite ends of the golf equipment market.
[/quote]

What makes Donald any less recognisable than the likes of Justin Rose, D Johnson, Sergio Garcia etc. currently on the taylormade staff? I do worry for the "general golfing population" if they can't pick Luke Donald out of a line-up..
[/quote]

In a word.

All these players have star power.  Either here in the US...or over in Europe.

Luke Donald does not.  Especially here in the US....and I'm betting not much in Europe, outside of the UK.

...and do you really think that the guy who plays golf 3 times a season...and tunes in to watch professional golf only during the Majors is going to know (or care) who Luke Donald is?

Doubt it.
[/quote]

Please tell me on what planet Justin Rose has more star power than Luke Donald. How about Jason Day? Or Peter Hanson or Martin Laird. Or pretty much any of the other 67 players that TM sponsors with the exception of Sergio and possibly Dustin Johnson.

You don't think there's any possibilty that someone at TM this summer thought "hmmm we sponsor a shed load of players and none of them are anywhere near being the world's best (Justin Rose's recent performances not withstanding). Maybe we should try and get someone else in?"

[kellygreen]

hogans71, on 17 October 2012 - 02:05 PM, said:

You, of course, missed the point...

I don't disagree that LD does not necessarily fit the TM "image" but to suggest ANY of those three you mentioned somehow encompass "star power" any more then LD does is, indeed, laughable...

No need to apologize...

I didn't miss your point...you missed mine.

The issue---for branding---isn't GENERAL star power...but star power to the segment of the marke that the company is trying to appeal to.

To this soon-to-be 45 year-old,  Rickie Fowler has all the "star power" of a disposable lighter.  But to schoolkid golf fans....WHOLE other story.

Plus the fact that the European market (and who are considered stars) is very different than in the US.   Pick up a British golf magazine and you'll see ten references and articles to people like Lee Westwood, Justin Rose, Sergio Garcia and Luke Donald...for every one mention of guys like DJ.

[Birdman of Alcatraz]

goplutus, on 16 October 2012 - 06:47 PM, said:

He's played Mizuno since, essentially, birth. This would be an extremely odd move, especially as it doesn't coincide with him being #1 in the world.  He sells irons, and that's what Mizuno does best. Would be an odd fit for most other OEMs given the focus on distance with the driver.

No he didn't. He flirted with Ping as a kid for a while. Also played Hogans for a while as a Pro. I hope he stays Mizuno.

[Vindog]

kellygreen, on 17 October 2012 - 01:55 PM, said:

Taylor Made's brand strategy is RADICALLY different from that of Mizuno.   The very thing that makes Luke Donald a very valuable "brand ambassador" to Mizuno (and its strategy) makes him a kind of "meh" addition to Taylor Mades.

I'm going to have to agree with this, even though that wouldn't stop TM from trying to get him, of course.

[kellygreen]

Vindog, on 17 October 2012 - 02:22 PM, said:

kellygreen, on 17 October 2012 - 01:55 PM, said:

Taylor Made's brand strategy is RADICALLY different from that of Mizuno.   The very thing that makes Luke Donald a very valuable "brand ambassador" to Mizuno (and its strategy) makes him a kind of "meh" addition to Taylor Mades.

I'm going to have to agree with this, even though that wouldn't stop TM from trying to get him, of course.

Sure...sometimes companies do things simply because they can.   I'm not ruling that out, but it would still be a move that makes little sense to me.

TM and Mizuno are at opposite ends of the golfing universe from one another.

[goplutus]

Birdman of Alcatraz, on 17 October 2012 - 02:21 PM, said:

goplutus, on 16 October 2012 - 06:47 PM, said:

He's played Mizuno since, essentially, birth. This would be an extremely odd move, especially as it doesn't coincide with him being #1 in the world.  He sells irons, and that's what Mizuno does best. Would be an odd fit for most other OEMs given the focus on distance with the driver.

No he didn't. He flirted with Ping as a kid for a while. Also played Hogans for a while as a Pro. I hope he stays Mizuno.

Doesn't mean he's never played another brand...played mizuno as an am, got money from someone else his first 3 years as pro, and been w/ mizuno since 2004

[Ajit]

kellygreen, on 17 October 2012 - 02:21 PM, said:

hogans71, on 17 October 2012 - 02:05 PM, said:

You, of course, missed the point...

I don't disagree that LD does not necessarily fit the TM "image" but to suggest ANY of those three you mentioned somehow encompass "star power" any more then LD does is, indeed, laughable...

No need to apologize...

I didn't miss your point...you missed mine.

The issue---for branding---isn't GENERAL star power...but star power to the segment of the marke that the company is trying to appeal to.

To this soon-to-be 45 year-old,  Rickie Fowler has all the "star power" of a disposable lighter.  But to schoolkid golf fans....WHOLE other story.

Plus the fact that the European market (and who are considered stars) is very different than in the US.   Pick up a British golf magazine and you'll see ten references and articles to people like Lee Westwood, Justin Rose, Sergio Garcia and Luke Donald...for every one mention of guys like DJ.

What and you honestly believe there is anyone bigger in European golf right now than Luke Donald who isn't called Rory Mcilroy?

[danielpgafrancis]

Vindog, on 16 October 2012 - 07:40 PM, said:

It's the supporting evidence in the OP that really has me glued to this thread.

Illest, on 16 October 2012 - 07:45 PM, said:

I don't see how it would make sense for Mizuno to just let him walk. I also agree with Vindog on this one...its definitely the Bigfoot like proof that the OP used that's keepin my eyes glued to this thread

HAWKEYE77, on 16 October 2012 - 08:09 PM, said:

danielpgafrancis, on 16 October 2012 - 06:16 PM, said:

I've heard that Luke Donald's contract with Mizuno is up at the end of the year and that it won't be renewed for 2013.

Has anyone else heard the same or does anyone know different?

Heard it from where, EXACTLY?

Ok kids, no need for the sarcasm! I was asking the question, NOT stating a fact.
My Nike rep told me that Luke was leaving Mizuno, because they simply cannot afford him (I don't know where he heard it and I don't know about any other costly staffers).
So, my QUESTION is: does anybody know if Luke Donald is leaving Mizuno next year?

[Vindog]

danielpgafrancis, on 17 October 2012 - 02:44 PM, said:

Ok kids, no need for the sarcasm! I was asking the question, NOT stating a fact.
My Nike rep told me that Luke was leaving Mizuno, because they simply cannot afford him (I don't know where he heard it and I don't know about any other costly staffers).
So, my QUESTION is: does anybody know if Luke Donald is leaving Mizuno next year?

So what you're saying is...he's going to Nike.

Rory and Luke are colluding.  I wonder how Tiger feels about this interloper?

Edited by Vindog, 17 October 2012 - 02:51 PM.

[hogans71]

kellygreen, on 17 October 2012 - 02:21 PM, said:

hogans71, on 17 October 2012 - 02:05 PM, said:

You, of course, missed the point...

I don't disagree that LD does not necessarily fit the TM "image" but to suggest ANY of those three you mentioned somehow encompass "star power" any more then LD does is, indeed, laughable...

No need to apologize...

I didn't miss your point...you missed mine.

The issue---for branding---isn't GENERAL star power...but star power to the segment of the marke that the company is trying to appeal to.

To this soon-to-be 45 year-old,  Rickie Fowler has all the "star power" of a disposable lighter.  But to schoolkid golf fans....WHOLE other story.

Plus the fact that the European market (and who are considered stars) is very different than in the US.   Pick up a British golf magazine and you'll see ten references and articles to people like Lee Westwood, Justin Rose, Sergio Garcia and Luke Donald...for every one mention of guys like DJ.

And what segment of the market does Charlie Wi appeal to? Mike Weir? Troy Matteson? Verplank? Sean O 'Hair? Or any of the dozens of others they have on their roster?

The fact remains that while hardcore golf fans may feel as if he doesn't fit the TM "mold", he is just as if not more recognizable than any current player under contract with them. And without a doubt, would be considered a bonus IF he was to make the move- seeing as the FIRST GUY listed on their player portion of the website is  Justin Leonard...

And thanks for making my European argument for me...

Edited by hogans71, 17 October 2012 - 02:53 PM.

[danielpgafrancis]

Vindog, on 17 October 2012 - 02:49 PM, said:

danielpgafrancis, on 17 October 2012 - 02:44 PM, said:

Ok kids, no need for the sarcasm! I was asking the question, NOT stating a fact.
My Nike rep told me that Luke was leaving Mizuno, because they simply cannot afford him (I don't know where he heard it and I don't know about any other costly staffers).
So, my QUESTION is: does anybody know if Luke Donald is leaving Mizuno next year?

So what you're saying is...he's going to Nike.

Rory and Luke are colluding.  I wonder how Tiger feels about this interloper?

No. My post didn't state anything of the sort. It appears you've assumed this because my Nike rep gave me this information.
My Nike rep made no suggestion that Luke was going to Nike.

[irlgolf56]

Luke Donald wouldn't be a big sports star in the US, that's probably accurate. I can also kind of understand the argument that he isn't the type of player Taylormade want.

But none of the Talyormade staff would be any "bigger" than Luke right now. If people can't pick Donald out of a line-up, I would be very surprised if they could pick out any of the Taylormade staff.

I'd even go so far as to say that LD is a bigger name than anyone Taylormade have at the moment.

Edited by irlgolf56, 17 October 2012 - 03:32 PM.

[danielpgafrancis]

Just to clarify, before anybody else snaps about the OP (me) 'trolling' or starting a rumour with no evidence and "Stop this thread now!" etc etc

I posted the title "Luke Donald leaving Mizuno??", as I thought it would be noticed and a discussion could take place whereby my question could be answered by someone who may have some insider knowledge on the subject.

Sorry to those of you who saw the question marks at the end of my post's title and still (stupidly!) thought I was stating a fact, then decided to have a swipe at me.

[Vindog]

irlgolf56, on 17 October 2012 - 03:31 PM, said:

Luke Donald wouldn't be a big sports star in the US, that's probably accurate. I can also kind of understand the argument that he isn't the type of player Taylormade want.

But none of the Talyormade staff would be any "bigger" than Luke right now. If people can't pick Donald out of a line-up, I would be very surprised if they could pick out any of the Taylormade staff.

I'd even go so far as to say that LD is a bigger name than anyone Taylormade have at the moment.

I agree for the most part.  There's no question TM would love to have him, and like I said earlier, even with 0 majors he'd be arguably the best player on their staff.


I'm just not sure you could throw him on a Dick's/TaylorMade commercial like you can with some of the others.  You never know, though.  He could be a natural in front of the camera, leading to afuture career in commentary.  Then 25 years from now, people can complain about his commentary and ask "how many Major s did he win.

I say Sergio is the biggest "name" that they have right now..  Not the best player, but the biggest name

Edited by Vindog, 17 October 2012 - 03:45 PM.

[Vindog]

danielpgafrancis, on 17 October 2012 - 03:39 PM, said:

Just to clarify, before anybody else snaps about the OP (me) 'trolling' or starting a rumour with no evidence and "Stop this thread now!" etc etc

I posted the title "Luke Donald leaving Mizuno??", as I thought it would be noticed and a discussion could take place whereby my question could be answered by someone who may have some insider knowledge on the subject.

Sorry to those of you who saw the question marks at the end of my post's title and still (stupidly!) thought I was stating a fact, then decided to have a swipe at me.

Honestly, don't take it personally.  If it weren't for the sarcasm in this thread it would be dead in the water.  Also...these types of threads come up often late in the year, so bear with us if we have some fun.

Nobody is holding it against you

Edited by Vindog, 17 October 2012 - 03:42 PM.

[bunter101]

I see a top 5 carousel...

Rors to Nike.
Luuuuke to Titleist.
Tiger to TMAG.

Honestly, I don't see Luke at TM. Being the face of Adams though is a different story....

[danielpgafrancis]

aceyducey, on 16 October 2012 - 07:52 PM, said:

LEE WESTWOOD LEAVING PLAYING RIGHT HANDED!!!



It's fun to make up rumors!


I opened the thread hoping for a little more evidence...

If youre suggesting I 'made up' a rumour, I disagree.
I simply stated that I'd heard this information (or 'rumour') and ASKED if anyone had heard about it or knew different.
Sorry to disappoint you, on the evidence front, but I was asking about it, not stating it as fact.
I was hoping for the thread to develop to the point where we all had a definitive answer.

[Snufles]

I can not see him changing to another putter.

[imakaveli]

How about Puma and wearing flat brim visors?