The answer can be found in 5 watershed years: 1970, 1985, 1993, 1997 and 2006, and it starts with the taste of a new generation… The Boxed Sets of the Pepsi Era PepsiCo bought Wilson in 1970, and its stewardship of the brand ran through 1985.
Full Answer
How did the Blue Ridge Golf Club get its name?
In 1937, Wilson signed the soon-to-be-famous Sam Sneed as a member of the firm's advisory committee, and introduced the Blue Ridge Golf Clubs, named after the region in Virginia where Sneed was born.
Where are Wilson golf clubs made?
In Japan, golf balls and clubs accounted for the majority of sales, while in the United Kingdom tennis rackets and balls sold as briskly as golf balls and clubs. As the decade drew to a close, Wilson was also expanding its production facilities overseas, including new plants in Haiti, St. Vincent, Canada, and Scotland.
When did Wilson Staff start making golf clubs?
Early History The Wilson Staff golf department came into existence in 1914 after the emergence of Walter Hagen as a major sporting personality in the United States. American golfer Gene Sarazen became the first adviser to Wilson Staff, and the company began creating their clubs with his professional advice.
When were the Wilson Ogg Irons introduced?
In 1933, Wilson introduced the Wilson Ogg-mented irons. These new irons revolutionized clubs in the United States, moving the weight of the club away from the heel and to the ball-striking sweet spot of the head. Introduction of the Sand Wedge
Are 20 year old golf balls still good?
So keep your balls in a cool, dry place and they will last for awhile. The golf ball researchers at Titleist state, "Today's Titleist golf balls can be safely stored for five years or even more, as long as they are kept away from excessive heat. ... Normal indoor conditions should be fine for storage."
Are 4 year old golf balls still good?
There have been no definitive scientific studies on exactly how long they will be fine for however golf ball researchers at Titleist state that as long as you keep your golf balls away from excessive heat or cold they can safely be stored for five years and most likely up to a decade.
What is the rarest golf ball?
The gutta percha balls once belonged to golfing legend Old Tom Morris, who won the Open four times in the 1860s. It is believed the balls have been lying at the bottom of one of the county's deepest lakes for 120 years.
Are old unused golf balls still good?
You can usually get about 10 years out of an unused golf ball, again, provided that it is stored properly. The best temperature for golf ball storage is around 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
When should you throw away a golf ball?
Now, see if your ball is going to float. Drop it in, and walk away for a minute or two. If the cover is intact, then there should be absolutely no leakage to the internal area of your golf ball. If it starts to sink or you see any air bubbles coming up at all, it's a sign that the cover has a microfracture.
What was the liquid in old golf balls?
For decades, the wound rubber ball consisted of a liquid-filled or solid round core that was wound with a layer of rubber thread into a larger round inner core and then covered with a thin outer shell made of balatá sap. The balatá is a tree native to Central and South America and the Caribbean.
What is the number one golf ball on tour?
Titleist likes to remind us that that the Pro V1 is the No 1 ball used by professionals on worldwide golf tours, but that it's a great ball for non-superstars as well. The ball is manufactured to perfectly balance short game control without sacrificing good yardage from the tee.
Are old golf balls worth any money?
When recovered and cleaned up, these used balls sell for as little as six cents wholesale and up to $1 or more retail. It's a $200 million industry, and a golf ball diver can make $100,000 per year, according to Golf.com.
What are the most valuable used golf balls?
Here is a quick breakdown of the most expensive golf balls in the world:#1 Titleist Pro V1 – $48 per dozen. When you think of golf, you think of Titleist. ... #2 Nike One Tour – $50 per dozen. Nike is pretty much king of all sports, including golf. ... #3 Dixon Fire – $75 per dozen.
How many rounds should a golf ball last?
sevenWithout visible damage, a golf ball can last up to seven 18-hole rounds without any loss of performance. In fact, you are more likely to lose a golf ball on the course before it just wears out. But as soon as the ball feels rough, you should replace it.
Do golf balls lose distance with age?
A wound ball which is approximately 10 years old, stored at room temperatures and low humidity, will have lost about 0.5 to 1.0 % of its IV (Initial Velocity) which will affect its distance by a couple of yards.
How often should you change golf balls?
The most simple answer to the question of how often should you change your golf ball is that there are no set rules. Some Tour players change their ball after a certain number of holes, but the truth is, this is more based on superstition than the diminishing quality of the ball itself.
When did Wilson Staff start making golf clubs?
Open win, a need for a major golfing brand was inherent in the U.S. market. This need was filled by Wilson Staff and their golf clubs, and inspired by the assembly line techniques of Henry Ford. The company first began making golf clubs as the Thomas E. Wilson Sporting Co.
Who made Wilson clubs?
Sam Snead, Patty Berg and club makers Hall of Famer Bob Mendralla would join the Wilson Advisory Staff by 1947, and would direct the company in the production of clubs for years to come. The 1970's would see Wilson Staff introduce more revolutions into the golf club world, including the Dyna-Power, the Fluid Feel and the FG Series blades. By 1983, Wilson clubs were the number one club on the PGA Tour.
When did Wilson irons come out?
In 1933 , Wilson introduced the Wilson Ogg-mented irons. These new irons revolutionized clubs in the United States, moving the weight of the club away from the heel and to the ball-striking sweet spot of the head.
Who invented golf clubs?
This need was filled by Wilson Staff and their golf clubs, and inspired by the assembly line techniques of Henry Ford. The company first began making golf clubs as the Thomas E. Wilson Sporting Co.
Who invented the sand wedge?
Introduction of the Sand Wedge. Also in 1933, Gene Sarazen began experimenting for Wilson with a club that would move through sand bunkers smoothly. He welded a piece of metal to the sole of the club, giving it a weighted bottom that would bounce off the sand or ground.
When did the Staff Tour Blade come out?
1980's and 1990's. The company would remain the number one club throughout the 1980's, introducing the Staff Tour Blade in 1985 . This club would be introduced alongside the Staff persimmon woods, which featured aluminum face inserts, and would go on to be the top woods in the sport.
Where are Wilson golf balls made?
The company's plant in Humbolt, Tennessee, was manufacturing more than 45,000 golf balls on a daily basis, and had grown to become the third largest golf ball plant in the world. Due to its position in the marketplace, and its growing presence overseas, Wilson Sporting Goods was purchased by WSGC Holdings, Inc. in 1985.
Who owns Wilson Sporting Goods?
In September 1985, Wilson Sporting Goods was acquired by Westray Capital Corporation through one of its affiliates, WSGC Holdings, Inc. As a result of the purchase, Wilson became a wholly owned subsidiary of WSGC Holdings. In March 1989, WSGC Holdings merged with Bogey Acquisitions Company.
Why was Hetzinger purchased?
Hetzinger was purchased for the purpose of producing high-quality athletic uniforms, while the caddie bag company's extensive line of luggage products was reduced to the manufacture of golf bags alone. Basketballs and footballs were also added to the company's rapidly growing list of items for sale.
What did Wilson do during the war?
Wilson continued its focus on the development of innovative products during the war years, including the introduction of the Wilson Duke football, featuring the best leather, ends that were hand-sewn, lock-stitch seams, and triple lining. Soon after its entry on the market, the Wilson Duke football was adopted by the National Football League as the official ball. Yet the war effort seriously affected Wilson's manufacture of athletic equipment and uniforms, since almost all of the company's production facilities were retooled to make war material such as duffel bags, tents, and helmets to be used by American soldiers fighting overseas. As a result, management at Wilson decided to concentrate on fostering an increased participation of the nation's youth in sports, and through a rather sophisticated marketing campaign the company continued its high profile in the sporting goods industry.
How did the war effort affect Wilson's manufacture of athletic equipment and uniforms?
Yet the war effort seriously affected Wilson's manufacture of athletic equipment and uniforms, since almost all of the company's production facilities were retooled to make war material such as duffel bags, tents, and helmets to be used by American soldiers fighting overseas.
What year did Wilson introduce the Ray Schalk catcher's mitt?
The decade of the 1920s was one of the most successful and most innovative periods for the company. In 1922 , Wilson introduced the Ray Schalk catcher's mitt, which from that time onward set the standard for design, comfort, and padding within the baseball industry.
When did PepsiCo acquire Wilson?
In 1970 , the company was acquired by PepsiCo, Inc., who wanted to take advantage of Wilson's high profile and leadership role in the industry in order to enhance its own image. In return, PepsiCo provided Wilson with the financial base that was needed for the company to expand into the international market.
How much did Wilson Golf lose in 2006?
2006 may have been rock bottom for Wilson Golf. From ’97 to ’06 sales nosedived nearly 55%, to roughly $153 million and the losses kept mounting, to the tune of around $15 million per year.
When was Wilson on the top of the mountain?
But as I learned during my visit with Wilson management, bad business decisions didn’t end with new ownership. “If you think back, in 1993 Wilson was on top of the mountain in irons,” said Clarke. “We had multiple tour players but we were losing market share even though we made great stuff.
Does Wilson make premium golf clubs?
At that time, golf industry analyst Casey Alexander wrote, “The public perception is that Wilson no longer makes premium golf clubs .
Why was Walter Hagen sold off?
Eventually, the brand lost its luster, and the Walter Hagen name was sold off to be used to sell entry-level products through big-box retail chains. But the history still lingers, and if you can find a set of Haig Ultras in good shape, you’ll know you’re are holding what was at the time a very premium product.
What wood did Fred Couples use?
They were most well known for a couple of clubs first being the Forged Tour Grind Irons, and secondly, the ladies 3-wood used by Fred Couples, which coincidentally came from Tom Watson’s wife’s set.
Who is the founder of Taylormade?
Founders Club was started by Gary Adams, the same man known for both inventing the original metal wood and as one of the founders of TaylorMade. Founders Club had a pretty stacked tour staff in the early ’90s, which included Lanny Wadkins and Lee Janzen among others and was well known for “The Judge” driver and forged CB irons. Their list of former club builders and engineers is strong, and include the likes of Jeff Sheets and famous wedge designer Bob Vokey.
How many US Open wins did Lynx have?
What’s crazy about Lynx, is it’s hard to pinpoint what went wrong for the up and coming brand. They had 2 U.S. Open wins thanks to Ernie Els in the ’90s along with having Fred Couples on staff—one of the game’s most popular figures.
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Thanks, I guessed that may be the case. From what i could find they had 3 lines of Snead clubs, the signature, the blue ridge and another line thats name escapes me. Does anyone know if the Signature was the top of the range (of the 3)? Thanks again.
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If you got a matched Sand Wedge with your set, that's pretty rare......
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