115 replies to this topic

[FairwayFred]

[quote name='ladahl' timestamp='1359466767' post='6320993']
[quote name='502 to Right' timestamp='1359439279' post='6320151']
[quote name='FairwayFred' timestamp='1359426771' post='6318973']
We did not have a booth at the PGA show this year.  We were invited to do a high end luxury show at the Sundance Film Festival called "The House of Luxury" that did not end until very late Monday night and we decided it was not feasible to display at both shows.  The Sundance event was alot of fun.  We were setup in this huge mansion at the top of the Deer Valley ski resort mountain along with a bunch of other high end companies selling cars, private jet time, jewelery, art, cameras, wine, vodka, tequila and more.  There were a bunch of film release parties that were held in the private theater inside the house.  There were a few celebrities there like Marial Hemingway and Kevin Peace and I was told that Lennay Kekua was there though I never saw her myself.  James came over from London for the event to help us display the putters and we had a great time.  Pics below.  Sorry for the sideways and upside down pics they are posted from my phone.
[/quote]

Is this for real?  If so, I can guarantee I will never buy a Scratch club.  Talk about a waste of money.  Excess to the excess.

I guess the thread "No Scratch Putters for the Common People" had it right.



(although I must point out the irony of Scratch being part of "The House of Luxury" while they have wedges for sale on rockbottomgolf.com)
[/quote]

Yeah, kinda crazy.  Doesn't look like many avid golfers there to ask about "grind" and "custom finishes"
Yikes.
[/quote][quote name='ladahl' timestamp='1359466767' post='6320993']
[quote name='502 to Right' timestamp='1359439279' post='6320151']
[quote name='FairwayFred' timestamp='1359426771' post='6318973']
We did not have a booth at the PGA show this year.  We were invited to do a high end luxury show at the Sundance Film Festival called "The House of Luxury" that did not end until very late Monday night and we decided it was not feasible to display at both shows.  The Sundance event was alot of fun.  We were setup in this huge mansion at the top of the Deer Valley ski resort mountain along with a bunch of other high end companies selling cars, private jet time, jewelery, art, cameras, wine, vodka, tequila and more.  There were a bunch of film release parties that were held in the private theater inside the house.  There were a few celebrities there like Marial Hemingway and Kevin Peace and I was told that Lennay Kekua was there though I never saw her myself.  James came over from London for the event to help us display the putters and we had a great time.  Pics below.  Sorry for the sideways and upside down pics they are posted from my phone.
[/quote]

Is this for real?  If so, I can guarantee I will never buy a Scratch club.  Talk about a waste of money.  Excess to the excess.

I guess the thread "No Scratch Putters for the Common People" had it right.



(although I must point out the irony of Scratch being part of "The House of Luxury" while they have wedges for sale on rockbottomgolf.com)
[/quote]

Yeah, kinda crazy.  Doesn't look like many avid golfers there to ask about "grind" and "custom finishes"
Yikes.
[/quote]

There were actually ALOT of avid golfers there and the show was great for us.  We are trying to expand our customer base and get in front of more people who appreciate all the custom work that we can do.

[WVP]

If Scratch wants to go even more boutique then this seems like a solid step. Generally there's more value in being the best at what you do (in this case high end, very custom golf clubs) than an also-ran (big box off the shelf clubs).

I am not sure what their retail, off the shelf experience has been but I have heard mixed opinions. Perhaps Ari can share his plans for the future of Scratch, I'm sure he has a willing audience here.

[ladahl]

Yeah, I guess.. Maybe make some investor contacts too?

Great products, and people!

[FairwayFred]

WVP, on 29 January 2013 - 09:59 AM, said:

If Scratch wants to go even more boutique then this seems like a solid step. Generally there's more value in being the best at what you do (in this case high end, very custom golf clubs) than an also-ran (big box off the shelf clubs).

I am not sure what their retail, off the shelf experience has been but I have heard mixed opinions. Perhaps Ari can share his plans for the future of Scratch, I'm sure he has a willing audience here.

Our plan is to get back to the core of what makes Scratch Golf great a little more in 2013.  We have a new investor/partner who has joined the team and we have some very exciting plans for Scratch in 2013 and beyond.  We are going to concentrate more on the hand made custom clubs that Don White and Jeff McCoy make for us as well as the new James Ingles putters.  We believe that was always what made us who we are but in the last few years have gotten away from the excitement of those clubs and concentrated too much on the retail stuff.  We will still have a retail line of clubs, and that is being refreshed with some new stuff this Spring and have some other Spring plans that we are extremely excited about.  However we will be going back to the hand made custom clubs as our core business.  We also plan to finally do some real marketing in 2013 and beyond and have already hired someone new to totally revamp our website and webstore to improve those greatly.  I dont want to give too much away but keep your eyes on us in the coming months for new clubs, a new website and alot more new exciting stuff.

[KYMAR]

Best of luck to you and scratch Ari.

Looking forward to seeing your new stuff. I am in the "can't afford scratch customs" crowd, but don't in any way hold that fact against you and your vision for the future. As my dad used to tell me,  Don't let the Bastards get you down.

Edited by KYMAR, 29 January 2013 - 01:18 PM.

[ladahl]

Sounds like you have a clearer direction going forward Ari.  I know myslef and many others on WRX wish you the best!

I was so looking forward to the retail putter and the "Armory", but at least we kind of know that's not happening now..

Thanks Ari (and Patrick) for keepign WRX in the "loop" of "soon-to-be-comings"

[FairwayFred]

ladahl, on 29 January 2013 - 01:19 PM, said:

Sounds like you have a clearer direction going forward Ari.  I know myslef and many others on WRX wish you the best!

I was so looking forward to the retail putter and the "Armory", but at least we kind of know that's not happening now..

Thanks Ari (and Patrick) for keepign WRX in the "loop" of "soon-to-be-comings"

The Armory is still in the future plans we just decided to delay it and roll it out with all the other changes.  Retail putters could be a reality in the future but for now we plan to focus on the custom hand made putters.  The idea was to do something a little different with the putters rather than offering essentially something very similar to what everyone else is offering.

Appreciate all the kind words and support from everyone on WRX!

[WVP]

Sounds good to me. Thanks for the response.

[nochrome]

Ari- Truly wish you guys the best in future endeavors, hope that with the focus being upon returning to what you guys do best you are able to accomplish your goals. I must admit that myself and several others I have spoken with have been a bit disappointed in ability to deliver your quality products as promised and although your people and products are first rate, some of the delays in delivering services according to schedule has limited growth potential in my opinion. I feel that the narrowing of focus will alleviate some of those issues and I look forward to being able to continue to be an advocate of your company and the huge promise I see due to the quality of people you employ and product you produce.

[scratchswinger]

When is the Armory going to launch? I have been waiting to see what it is for the last year.

[Black Label Johnny]

I gotta get one of those baseball shirts! What's on the back?

[Dead Solid Perfect]

502 to Right, on 29 January 2013 - 01:01 AM, said:

FairwayFred, on 28 January 2013 - 09:32 PM, said:

We did not have a booth at the PGA show this year.  We were invited to do a high end luxury show at the Sundance Film Festival called "The House of Luxury" that did not end until very late Monday night and we decided it was not feasible to display at both shows.  The Sundance event was alot of fun.  We were setup in this huge mansion at the top of the Deer Valley ski resort mountain along with a bunch of other high end companies selling cars, private jet time, jewelery, art, cameras, wine, vodka, tequila and more.  There were a bunch of film release parties that were held in the private theater inside the house.  There were a few celebrities there like Marial Hemingway and Kevin Peace and I was told that Lennay Kekua was there though I never saw her myself.  James came over from London for the event to help us display the putters and we had a great time.  Pics below.  Sorry for the sideways and upside down pics they are posted from my phone.

Is this for real?  If so, I can guarantee I will never buy a Scratch club.  Talk about a waste of money.  Excess to the excess.

I guess the thread "No Scratch Putters for the Common People" had it right.



(although I must point out the irony of Scratch being part of "The House of Luxury" while they have wedges for sale on rockbottomgolf.com)

What?  I don't have problem with an opinion but how Scratch chooses to spend it marketing is on them. In all fairness I don't believe they are trying to be the mainstream wedge company.  I think they tried it and would rather be a nitche company.   Another point if your releasing a line of 1000 plus dollar putters I think that there is more value doing what they did them going to PGA show.  Most clubs aren't going to order a stockpile of their putters at that price point.  It would be far better to get them in the hands of the who's who crowd so you could generate buzz. I'm also guessing that you wouldn't have purchased one of the putters regardless of where they went.

[FairwayFred]

Here are a few more pics of some cool stuff James has made.

The first one is a kind of 2 ball style that he made custom for someone.  Pics are before and after black oxide on the back piece and there is both 24k gold and sterling silver along with the 2 balls that are hand engraved.





The second is the sole of a putter that had a picture of the customers Beagle hand engraved on the bottom.  First pic is the putter, the second is the actual pic sent to James of the Beagle.

[Hstead]

Well, now that Ari has let the cat out of the bag, I think I can finally let it rip.  I have been holding this back since November per promise I made to Patrick.  In several of my posts I have detailed my fitting experience etc and stated I ordered "blades".  Well, when I had my fitting, the SB-1 was on it's way out and a new line as Ari mentioned is in the works.  Patrick let me see some mock ups and also let me order the first set.  So, once these bad boys are finished, I should have the first set of the new retail blades, which I do not believe even have a name yet.

I can't wait to get them.  The mock ups I saw were really cool.  Although I really liked the SB-1, after talking to Patrick and Don, these new blades should be even better.  I will post up some pictures once I get mine, but I have a feeling there will be pictures on here before that.  As Ari mentioned, they are still a month or two away it sounds.  The wait is killing me.

[FairwayFred]

Some more pics:

Attached Thumbnails

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

[502 to Right]

Dead Solid Perfect, on 30 January 2013 - 12:16 AM, said:

502 to Right, on 29 January 2013 - 01:01 AM, said:

FairwayFred, on 28 January 2013 - 09:32 PM, said:

We did not have a booth at the PGA show this year.  We were invited to do a high end luxury show at the Sundance Film Festival called "The House of Luxury" that did not end until very late Monday night and we decided it was not feasible to display at both shows.  The Sundance event was alot of fun.  We were setup in this huge mansion at the top of the Deer Valley ski resort mountain along with a bunch of other high end companies selling cars, private jet time, jewelery, art, cameras, wine, vodka, tequila and more.  There were a bunch of film release parties that were held in the private theater inside the house.  There were a few celebrities there like Marial Hemingway and Kevin Peace and I was told that Lennay Kekua was there though I never saw her myself.  James came over from London for the event to help us display the putters and we had a great time.  Pics below.  Sorry for the sideways and upside down pics they are posted from my phone.

Is this for real?  If so, I can guarantee I will never buy a Scratch club.  Talk about a waste of money.  Excess to the excess.

I guess the thread "No Scratch Putters for the Common People" had it right.



(although I must point out the irony of Scratch being part of "The House of Luxury" while they have wedges for sale on rockbottomgolf.com)

What?  I don't have problem with an opinion but how Scratch chooses to spend it marketing is on them. In all fairness I don't believe they are trying to be the mainstream wedge company.  I think they tried it and would rather be a nitche company.   Another point if your releasing a line of 1000 plus dollar putters I think that there is more value doing what they did them going to PGA show.  Most clubs aren't going to order a stockpile of their putters at that price point.  It would be far better to get them in the hands of the who's who crowd so you could generate buzz. I'm also guessing that you wouldn't have purchased one of the putters regardless of where they went.

If you saw the write up for the "House of Luxury" you'd probably want to puke.  $300,000 Rolls Royces and lodging for $16,500 per night (one week stay required!!).  If that's the market Scratch wants to chase after I say good luck to them.  They clearly no longer desire to be a mainstream golf company.

http://www.latimes.c...0,4041058.story

[tommy89]

Love them. Such a nice style. Would love to see what they look like in person.

[Dead Solid Perfect]

502 to Right, on 30 January 2013 - 01:47 AM, said:

Dead Solid Perfect, on 30 January 2013 - 12:16 AM, said:

502 to Right, on 29 January 2013 - 01:01 AM, said:

FairwayFred, on 28 January 2013 - 09:32 PM, said:

We did not have a booth at the PGA show this year.  We were invited to do a high end luxury show at the Sundance Film Festival called "The House of Luxury" that did not end until very late Monday night and we decided it was not feasible to display at both shows.  The Sundance event was alot of fun.  We were setup in this huge mansion at the top of the Deer Valley ski resort mountain along with a bunch of other high end companies selling cars, private jet time, jewelery, art, cameras, wine, vodka, tequila and more.  There were a bunch of film release parties that were held in the private theater inside the house.  There were a few celebrities there like Marial Hemingway and Kevin Peace and I was told that Lennay Kekua was there though I never saw her myself.  James came over from London for the event to help us display the putters and we had a great time.  Pics below.  Sorry for the sideways and upside down pics they are posted from my phone.

Is this for real?  If so, I can guarantee I will never buy a Scratch club.  Talk about a waste of money.  Excess to the excess.

I guess the thread "No Scratch Putters for the Common People" had it right.



(although I must point out the irony of Scratch being part of "The House of Luxury" while they have wedges for sale on rockbottomgolf.com)

What?  I don't have problem with an opinion but how Scratch chooses to spend it marketing is on them. In all fairness I don't believe they are trying to be the mainstream wedge company.  I think they tried it and would rather be a nitche company.   Another point if your releasing a line of 1000 plus dollar putters I think that there is more value doing what they did them going to PGA show.  Most clubs aren't going to order a stockpile of their putters at that price point.  It would be far better to get them in the hands of the who's who crowd so you could generate buzz. I'm also guessing that you wouldn't have purchased one of the putters regardless of where they went.

If you saw the write up for the "House of Luxury" you'd probably want to puke.  $300,000 Rolls Royces and lodging for $16,500 per night (one week stay required!!).  If that's the market Scratch wants to chase after I say good luck to them.  They clearly no longer desire to be a mainstream golf company.

http://www.latimes.c...0,4041058.story

Look Ferrari doesn't make cars for everyone they fill a nitche so if Scratch wants to fill that need good for them.  I don't understand the hostility towards them.  I'm blue collar I can't spend that much for a putter but if you can go ahead. That's all I'm saying.  I order custom wedges from them that I saved for.  I like the service they give you and the time they put into getting an order right.

PS I think they putters look amazing and would look great in my golf room.  At 40 is it cool to put up a picture of them like the car pictures I put on the wall of my room when I was a teen?

Edited by Dead Solid Perfect, 30 January 2013 - 06:10 AM.

[Black Label Johnny]

Scratch blew a load all over my nitche... I like things that are rare, things you don't see everyday. And I will never play another set of irons... Ever! I only plan to add to my Don White gems.

Like I said earlier... Who wants a Del Mar Buttonback? Gotta get one of these!

[Carson33]

There is a Motel 6 and a Ritz-Carlton in the same town.  Both exist, Both serve a clientele.

My hats off to Scratch for being a Blue Ocean and creating their own identity.

Lastly, good catch with James.  I have been admiring his work for several years.  Those pics above dropped my jaw.

[Pure745]

Whoa!! Just saw 2 that I LOVE!

[jim85250]

Hey James, this is JP in AZ. I can attest I have ordered two custom 28g putters from James and he is so great to work with. He is very customer and quality focused. He even included a couple upgrades like 14k gold alignment aids when he could not  find the matching copper inlay we were looking for and only charged $60 for the gold inlay.... The putters not only look great but perform better. When I get some spare time I will post some pics... James goes above and beyond and I cannot wait to purchase my first scratch/JI putter!!!
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


Here are some photos of the last putter James designed for me (my 2nd putter from James)features 14k gold inlay and a copper insert the first putter he did, similar style head but with a flow neck, has a pure silver insert and silver alignment aid...
They are just awesome pieces of work and excellent to game...

Edited by jim85250, 03 February 2013 - 02:07 PM.

[smgoldstein]

"We did not have a booth at the PGA show this year.  We were invited to do a high end luxury show at the Sundance Film Festival called "The House of Luxury" that did not end until very late Monday night and we decided it was not feasible to display at both shows.  The Sundance event was alot of fun.  We were setup in this huge mansion at the top of the Deer Valley ski resort mountain along with a bunch of other high end companies selling cars, private jet time, jewelery, art, cameras, wine, vodka, tequila and more.  There were a bunch of film release parties that were held in the private theater inside the house.  There were a few celebrities there like Marial Hemingway and Kevin Peace and I was told that Lennay Kekua was there though I never saw her myself.  James came over from London for the event to help us display the putters and we had a great time.  Pics below.  Sorry for the sideways and upside down pics they are posted from my phone"

I can't believe that a golf equipment company would spend their resources for the Sundance Film Festival over the PGA Merchandise Show.  Don't get it.

[cardia10]

smgoldstein, on 06 February 2013 - 11:23 AM, said:

"We did not have a booth at the PGA show this year.  We were invited to do a high end luxury show at the Sundance Film Festival called "The House of Luxury" that did not end until very late Monday night and we decided it was not feasible to display at both shows.  The Sundance event was alot of fun.  We were setup in this huge mansion at the top of the Deer Valley ski resort mountain along with a bunch of other high end companies selling cars, private jet time, jewelery, art, cameras, wine, vodka, tequila and more.  There were a bunch of film release parties that were held in the private theater inside the house.  There were a few celebrities there like Marial Hemingway and Kevin Peace and I was told that Lennay Kekua was there though I never saw her myself.  James came over from London for the event to help us display the putters and we had a great time.  Pics below.  Sorry for the sideways and upside down pics they are posted from my phone"

I can't believe that a golf equipment company would spend their resources for the Sundance Film Festival over the PGA Merchandise Show.  Don't get it.

Doesn't seem like there is a lot to get. They look to be stepping back from mass selling and focusing on custom markets. When you manufacture for the masses, you make less margin and people complain about everything. It devalues your brand. Like someone said earlier, they don't make a $10,000 Porsche for a reason.

[tyarema]

Really love the artwork on these.

[tommy89]

Seen the pics on facebook too. Really love these. Great style!