Callaway called TaylorMade balls ‘mud balls’ in an ad, prompting TaylorMade to seek injunction and damages.
The five-time major winner Rory McIlroy and world number one Scottie Scheffler are among the best-known golfers who use TaylorMade balls. Callaway referred to TaylorMade balls as ‘mud balls’ in a commercial, a move that has escalated into a lawsuit by TaylorMade. ‘Mud balls’ refer to golf balls covered in mud after shots from wet, soft ground or rough, which affects aerodynamics and leads to unpredictable flight paths and curves.
TaylorMade Sues Callaway Over ‘Mud Ball’ Claim
TaylorMade has filed a lawsuit against its competitor Callaway over allegedly false claims made in a commercial about the composition of TaylorMade golf balls. Callaway claimed that TaylorMade balls were inferior to their own, suggesting their construction negatively impacts flight similarly to ‘mud balls’. The lawsuit accuses Callaway and its agents of conducting misleading UV light demonstrations that disparage TaylorMade balls, falsely claiming uneven coating and poor quality control leading to poor performance. The lawsuit was filed Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, San Diego Division.
Allegation of Misleading UV Demonstration
The lawsuit references a Callaway commercial where a salesperson advises a potential customer to test balls with UV light to assess coating and performance effects. The TaylorMade TP5 ball is UV-lit, revealing a darker spot that impresses an assistant. The Callaway salesperson implies this indicates a subpar ball, stating it looks like a large clump of mud over the TaylorMade logo. TaylorMade states ‘mud ball’ is one of the most derogatory terms for a golf ball and alleges Callaway is continuing this misinformation campaign without providing further specific examples.
Comparative Advertising in the U.S.
Comparative advertising is common and permitted in the United States but requires claims to be truthful, verifiable, and not misleading. Direct competitor references and specific feature comparisons are standard marketing tactics. Compared to countries like Germany or those in the EU, U.S. ads tend to be more aggressive and direct, including naming competitors. However, defamatory or false claims remain prohibited under U.S. law.