Cam Davis claimed his second PGA Tour title with his victory at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. Davis began his round with a bogey and responded with three birdies over the next six holes. A strong performance around the greens set him apart from the rest of the field, despite another bogey on 14, and a birdie on 17 moved him to 18 under par and into the shared lead, saving a par on 18 after missing the green with his second shot. His bag contains only Titleist clubs.
Xander Schauffele WITB for the PGA Championship 2024. (Image: Getty)
Xander Schauffele starts the third major of the season with the first major title in his pocket. For the US Open 2024 the American relies on the same equipment as at the PGA Championship 2024. With the newest clubs from Callaway and his trusted Odyssey putter in his golf bag.
Nacho Elvira at the Soudal Open on the DP World Tour. (Photo: Getty)
Nacho Elvira wins on the DP World Tour for the second time in his career. After his victory at the Cazoo Open in 2021, the Spaniard secured victory at the Soudal Open 2024 in Belgium on a thrilling final day. After three dominant days, Nacho Elvira had his problems, especially after a rain interruption on the final day, allowing his two pursuers Niklas Norgaard Moller and Romain Langasque to close the gap. In the end, however, a round of 71 was enough for the triumph in Antwerp. For his victory, Elvira opted for a bag similar to the one Xander Schauffele used at the PGA Championship the previous week and therefore put his trust in the equipment supplier Callaway.
Nacho Elvira has the latest Paradym AI Smoke Driver in the Triple Diamond Max edition in his bag. This has a neutral to fade-oriented clubface, which is particularly aimed at low handicappers and tour pros. The club offers good handling from the tee, which should ensure a high ball launch and low spin. Among the fairway woods, Elvira also uses the same Triple Diamond model for golfers with a higher swing speed who are looking for precise ball control and a penetrating, low-spin ball flight. A Callaway X Forged Utility Wood bridges the gap to the Callaway Apex TCB irons. The Spaniard relies on the latest model from this year. When it comes to wedges, the newly crowned Tour winner puts the Callaway JAWS MD5 (50° and 54°) and the Callaway JAWS Raw (58°) in his bag. For the putter, Elvira opts for the White Hot OG Rossie from Callaway’s Odyssey brand, which specializes in the manufacture of putters. The Callaway Chrome Tour golf ball completes the Spaniard’s bag.
Xander Schauffele's Bag at the PGA Championship 2024. (Photo: Getty)
It was a thrilling competition, but in the end Xander Schauffele won the 2024 PGA Championship under his own steam and with it his first major victory. With seven PGA Tour victories and six top five finishes in major tournaments, he was considered one of the best golfers without a major title – until now.
Even though it’s been two years since his last victory, it was his mental assertiveness that carried Xander Schauffele all the way to his major win. Especially with Bryson DeChambeau and Viktor Hovland breathing down his neck, the 30-year-old was aware that he had to play his game patiently. Even though he did not reach his target of 22 under par, 21 under par was enough for him to win and set the all-time record for the lowest major score. He relied mainly on Callaway for this performance.
WITB Xander Schauffele – The Equipment for the PGA Championship 2024
In his bag he has the latest Paradym AI Smoke Driver in the Triple Diamond edition. This has a neutral to fade-orientated clubface, which is aimed particularly at low handicappers and tour pros. It offers good handling from the tee, which should ensure a high ball launch and low spin. Schauffele also uses the same Triple Diamond model among the fairway woods for golfers with a higher swing speed who are looking for precise ball control and a penetrating, low-spin ball flight. A Callaway Apex Utility Wood bridges the gap to the Callaway Apex TCB irons. In doing so, he seems to favour the 21′ version of the UW over the newer 2023 version. In addition to a Callaway JAWS Raw (52°), Schauffele complements his bag with Vokey SM 10 wedges (56°, 60°) from Titleist. His Odyssey Las Vegas putter is a prototype.
Jon Rahms WITB for the Masters Tournament 2024. (Image: Getty)
Last years Masters Tournament Champion Jon Rahm returns to Augusta National. In his golfbag is an array of old and new club from his longterm partner Callaway. With the new Ai Smoke series and the new Chrome Tour golf ball Rahm trusts the 2024 innovations coming from Callaway in Augusta National.
Akshay Bhatias winning WITB with Callaway and Odyssey at the Valero Texas Open 2024 (Image: Getty)
The 22 year old Akshay Bhatia secured his top spot on the leaderboard early on. But in a stunning final round Denny McCarthy closed Bhatias lead and forced a playoff. But Bhatia stayed cool and secured his second PGA Tour win at the Valero Texas Open 2024. In his Bag is a mix of Callaway Classics and new models of the 2023/24 season.
Callaway is said to be up for sale. The truth behind the rumors and what the PIF has to do with it. (Source: Getty)
A report in the South Korean newspaper Chosun Daily suggests that one of the leading manufacturers of golf equipment could be up for sale. According to the report, the major shareholders of Topgolf Callaway have instructed a key manager to look into the possibility of spinning off the golf equipment and hardware business to focus solely on the state-of-the-art Topgolf driving ranges. The report states that Callaway would be valued at nearly $3 billion and that a South Korean “strategic investor is reportedly interested in acquiring the company.” To put the reported value in perspective: Korea-based Centroid Investment Partners acquired TaylorMade Golf in 2021 from New York-based KPS Capital Partners for $1.7 billion – a figure that remains the largest acquisition in the history of the golf equipment industry. After the report was published on Wednesday, Topgolf Callaway’s share price rose by more than ten percent.
Callaway denies rumors
When asked by Golf.com, a Callaway representative issued the following statement: “While it is our long-standing practice not to respond to market rumors and speculation, in light of the unusual market activity today and a recent media report in Korea about discussions of a possible sale of the company or its golf equipment business, we confirm that we are not aware of any such discussions. We do not intend to comment further on this matter and we assume no obligation to make any further announcements or disclosures should circumstances change.”
Topgolf Callaway CEO Chip Brewer emphasized that Callaway equipment would remain a big part of the message at Topgolf, particularly the Chrome Tour golf ball. “The business has performed exceptionally well from a brand perspective in 2023,” he said. “Our U.S. dollar market share positioned us as the No. 1 club brand and the No. 2 golf ball brand. In clubs alone, we were No. 1 in total clubs, drivers, fairway woods, hybrids and irons.”
PIF reportedly interested in Callaway
Shortly after the rumor that Callaway was up for sale emerged, wild speculation arose on social networks. Even multiple major winner and LIV golfer Phil Mickelson commented on one of them. Golf journalist Bob Ball published the idea on X (formerly Twitter) that the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund PIF could be interested in a takeover of the manufacturer and explained why he thought this was likely: “The acquisition of Callaway Golf by PIF would create an alliance between LIV Golf, Top Golf and Callaway,” Ball explained. “This would be a direct counter-offensive against the alliance of Tiger Woods, the PGA Tour, TGL, Popstroke and TaylorMade.” The integration of LIV Golf into Top Golf would lead to a wider audience, he explained: “With LIV Golf integrated into every Top Golf, local amateur teams could compete in fun local competitions – league play days with lots of food and free drinks. This would attract a lot of new and younger fans to LIV Golf.”
Finance insiders have known for a while that Callaway Golf is for sale. I think there’s a good chance that PIF might buy it for a couple big reasons.
First, it creates an alliance of LIV Golf, Top Golf, and Callaway. That is a direct counter offense to Tiger’s alliance; the… pic.twitter.com/HsD4FsjmYw
— Bob “Golf” Ball (@BobBallPdx) March 21, 2024
Ball also pointed out that a purchase of Callaway Golf by PIF would thwart the plans of TGL and the PGA Tour to utilize Top Golf to compete with the team concept introduced by LIV. Lastly, Ball emphasized that the purchase would likely be cheaper than investing in the PGA Tour and that Callaway is a solid revenue source. Additionally LIV stars Jon Rahm and Phil Mickelson are strongly associated with Callaway. The latter has already shown enthusiasm for Ball’s idea on X. Even after Callaway dismissed the rumors as false, Ball remained steadfast in his belief that the acquisition of the equipment giant would be a good deal for PIF and LIV Golf.
I haven’t heard anything about this but what a great idea and I pray this happens ?
Minjee Lee joines Callaway as staff professional in 2024. (Photo: Callaway)
Today Callaway Golf, one of the industry’s leaders in equipment design, performance, and innovation, announced a new multi-year staff pro agreement with global women’s golf superstar, Minjee Lee. With this announcement, Lee will carry 14 Callaway clubs in the bag, including an Odyssey Putter, plus a Callaway golf ball, bag, and glove.
Minjee Lee joins Callaway Golf for 2024
The 27-year-old Australian native has been a dominant player throughout her golf career. Lee was the #1 ranked Women’s Amateur prior to turning professional in 2014, and since then she has won 10 LPGA Tour events, including major victories at the 2021 Amundi Evian Championship and the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open. She recently won two LPGA events in 2023 at the Kroger Queen City Championship and the BMW Ladies Championship. Her brother Min Woo Lee is also a Callaway PGA TOUR Professional.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Callaway Staff, and I’m excited to see how their equipment will help my performance going forward,” Lee said. “They’re the most played club brand on the LPGA, so I’ve seen how good the product is, and how much it’s helped my brother take his game to the next level. Now that I’ve had a chance to try their new driver and the Chrome Tour Ball, I feel confident in my setup, and I know that this is the right decision for me.”
“Minjee is such a special talent, and we want to help her reach her goals, win more events, and compete on the biggest stages,” said Tim Reed, SVP of Pro Tour at Callaway Golf. “Our fitters have had a great experience so far working with her, listening to her feedback, and getting everything dialed for her game. We can’t wait to see what she achieves with our equipment in play.”
The german company Puttview at the PGA Show 2024. (Source: PGA Show)
With around 200 exhibitors from 25 countries, in addition to the United States, and well over one thousand attendees from more than 80 countries, the PGA Show is proving every year its growing global reach and international impact.
The PGA Show: An industry highlight
“Since 2007, Trackman has consistently participated in the PGA show, with only one absence during Covid. Over the years, our presence has gradually grown, reaching its peak this year,” said Bernd Larsen Linde, Vice President of Marketing for Trackman, a renowned Danish manufacturer of simulators and range solutions.
“Since our very beginning, Trackman has collaborated with top coaches, fitters, and global brands. We always look forward to the PGA Show as an opportunity to reconnect with the many PGA professionals who have been our valued partners over the years and get to meet exciting and new business partners,” added Larsen Linde.
Trackman at the PGA Show 2024 (Source: PGA Show)
Like Trackman, German technology firm Puttview, specialized on interactive putting greens, has grown its presence at the PGA Show since their debut in 2018. “It is one of the most important events of the year in terms of the golf industry. It is an easy way to reach out to businesses, clients, golf clubs, with everybody there and together in one place,” said Ann-Kathrin Nahl, Marketing and Communication Manager for Puttview.
Puttview at the PGA Show 2024 (Source: PGA Show)
Exhibitors from all over the world
International exhibitors, like Trackman or Puttview, will make up about 12% of the Show Floor in 2024. They share the floor with education and meeting spaces, and exhibitors from the United States, some of which expand their operations beyond North America.
“For years, the presence of Latin Americans at the Show has been very important. It promotes new relations and clients, interactions with people that meet you in person for the first time. And you get great feedback about the status of golf in the region,” said Juan Pina, Regional Manager for Latin America at Callaway Golf.
While many of the exhibitors come from China, Canada, Korea; most of the regular international visitors to the PGA Show come from the Americas and Europe. However, all the continents and almost half of the world are represented through the combination of exhibitors and attendees.
“The PGA of America is actively sourcing more opportunities to partner with like-minded organizations, golf facilities and mission-driven individuals across Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa,” said Sean D. Thornberry, Director of Global Development at the PGA of America.
The PGA Show, organized by Reed Exhibitions (RX) in partnership with the PGA of America, showcases that global interconnection in the golf industry and the international outreach of both organizations.
“To date, we have executed brand partnerships with golf facilities in 8 countries, merchandising relationships in China and South Korea, formalized an International Section with over 300 PGA of America Golf Professionals, introduced 1000s of golfers to player engagement programs and opened up education pathways to PGA Membership for non-US citizens and non-residents of the United States,” added Thornberry.
Tom McKibbin signs with Callaway. (Photo: Callaway)
Callaway today announced the signing of exciting young Northern Irishman Tom McKibbin as a new Staff Professional.
A winner on the DP World Tour after just 26 starts, the 21-year-old Northern Irish golf prodigy claimed his breakthrough victory at last year’s Porsche European Open in Germany, and will play a full complement of Callaway and Odyssey equipment, including the new Chrome Tour Golf Ball.
Tom made an incredible start to his golfing career at a very young age. He captured the Junior Honda Classic title in his age group when he was just 12-years-old, and among his many other amateur accolades, at just 16-years-old, was one of the youngest ever players to represent Ireland at the 2019 Home Internationals.
In 2019, his US success continued when he won the prestigious Junior Invitational at Sage Valley Golf Club in South Carolina.
Prior to turning professional in 2021, Tom represented Ireland at the 2018 and 2019 European Boys’ Team Championship and played for Great Britain & Ireland in the Jacques Léglise Trophy the same years.
He will compete in his first DP World Tour tournament as a #TeamCallaway staffer at the Dubai Invitational, which begins this week.
Commenting on this important new signing, Peter Harrison, Director of Tour Relations, Callaway Golf EMEA, said: “Tom is an exciting prospect in the world of professional golf – already a proven winner – and we are proud to have yet another young star of the future join our Callaway and Odyssey families, representing us on the biggest stage.”
Tom added: “I’ve been testing new Callaway and Odyssey products with the Tour team over the winter and I can’t wait to put my new equipment into competitive play. I’ve been a long-time fan of Callaway equipment and I’m confident I can take a big step forwards in my career using their clubs and golf ball.”
