TaylorMade Ranks No. 1 in Hybrid Use on the PGA Tour and No. 1 in Hybrid Sales in the U.S.
CARLSBAD, Calif. (June 12, 2006) – In 2003 Taylor Made Golf Company started a revolution with the introduction of the Rescue® Mid, the club that now defines the hybrid category. Built to be an easy-to-hit alternative to long irons, it became an instant hit not only among recreational golfers, but also among the finest professional golfers in the world. TaylorMade has ranked No. 1 in hybrid use on the PGA Tour* and No. 1 in hybrid sales in the U.S. in 2003, 2004, 2005 and so far in 2006.**
The PGA Tour is the strongest and most prestigious professional golf tour in the world. Among professional golfers who compete at that elite level, the No. 1 brand of hybrid is TaylorMade, and has been since hybrids began appearing on the PGA Tour in significant numbers. Through May 15 of this year the total number of TaylorMade hybrids put into play on the PGA Tour more than doubles the amount of the next competitor, 341 compared to 146.* TaylorMade also ranked No. 1 in hybrid use on the PGA Tour in 2005 with 813 in play compared to the next competitor’s 469, and No. 1 in 2004 with 769 compared to the next competitor’s 357.***
TaylorMade hybrids are equally coveted and respected by average golfers. During the past three years, one in three hybrid clubs purchased in the U.S. market was a TaylorMade product, three times as many as the nearest competitor, according to Golf Datatech’s Annual Retail Market Share Reports, 2003 through 2005. Likewise, Golf Datatech’s Golf Product Attitude and Usage (GPAU) Club Report research reports that more consumers named TaylorMade as "the leader in hybrid technology" for the third consecutive six-month period (Spring 2006, Winter 2005 and Spring 2005).
"These facts clearly illustrate TaylorMade’s dominance in this emerging category, and in light of them it’s not surprising that TaylorMade hybrids are clearly perceived as the hottest on the market," says Andrew Lasher, TaylorMade’s global manager of marketing intelligence. "Proprietary market research conducted in March 2006 by the National Golf Foundation measured consumer buzz score for TaylorMade hybrids at close to twice that of the closest competitor. That same research indicated that both of TaylorMade’s hybrid products, the Rescue Mid and Rescue dual, are among the most highly considered hybrids on the market."
"Interest in hybrids has increased tremendously since the TaylorMade Rescue Mid jump-started the category in 2003," said Sean Toulon, Executive Vice President, Product and Brand Creation. "It speaks volumes that TaylorMade’s leadership position in hybrids has grown. Our current hybrid, the Rescue dual with Movable Weight Technologyâ?¢, is the standard by which all other hybrids are measured in terms of performance, ease of playability, feel and sound. When all tours and all types of players are considered, it’s clear that TaylorMade dominates the category in almost every way."
* Darrell Survey hybrid counts; 2006 based on PGA Tour events up to and including the FedEx St. Jude Classic.
** Based on market research conducted by Golf Datatech
*** Darrell Survey hybrid counts
About Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. dba TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company
TaylorMade Golf Company has led the golf industry’s technological revolution since the company was founded in 1979. TaylorMade metalwoods, irons and putters have been used to win hundreds of professional golf tournaments around the world. adidas Golf footwear and apparel is the choice of hundreds of professional golfers around the world. Consumers can learn more about TaylorMade-adidas Golf and its brands at (800) 888-CLUB or www.tmag.com, www.taylormadegolf.com, www.adidasgolf.com, www.maxfli.com or www.rossaputters.com.
Contact:
TaylorMade-adidas Golf
John Steinbach
Tel: 760.918.6330
eMail: john.steinbach@tmag.com
