You wear a swoosh on your shirt. The shoes you lace up boost a swoosh. There's even a swoosh on your hat.
Now Nike is betting that you'll want a swoosh on your golf clubs, as well.
It's no secret that Nike has been working on producing equipment for some time. We saw David Duval stick clubs adorned with that swoosh in his bag this year and claim his first major victory. But Nike Golf officials were tight-lipped about the details. Last week, they revealed specifics about a driver, forged irons and wedges that will debut at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando next month.
Nike Forged Titanium Driver. Two different drivers, a 275cc model and a 350cc model in lofts ranging from 8 to 11 degrees, are made from a proprietary blend of titanium and, according to the company, conform "by the smallest of margins" to USGA rules. The driver heads are forged, not cast, for better feel.
Nike Forged Irons. Heads made of soft 1030 carbon steel are forged under extreme pressure in a process Nike says increases feel and eliminates hot or soft spots on the face. The muscleback design incorporates a blend of U- and V-grooves on the face.
Nike Forged Wedges. Four wedges, also made of the 1030 carbon steel, will be available in 53, 56, 58 and 60 degrees. With a thin top line and little offset, the forged wedges will have a classic look and feel.
Notice anything? Right, all these clubs are aimed smack-dab at better players. Forged. Thin top line. Minimal offset. These clearly aren't game improvement clubs for your weekend duffer.
Club designer Tom Stites has come up with clubs that strike a chord with the pros and other top players, those golfers whom the rest of us look to for guidance. By entering the club market with products that appeal to guys like Duval and, Nike hopes, Tiger Woods, the company will be branding itself as a serious contender. After all, it worked for Nike with their golf balls -- once Woods started playing the Tour Accuracy, sales went from almost nothing to 5 percent of the very competitive ball market, within just a few months.
Nike has indicated it will be producing equipment for the average joe sometime in 2002. After all, it's the less-skilled but avid weekend players who will be positioned to hand Nike a chunk of the $2 billion club market over the next 12 months.
