The buyout firm Thomas H. Lee Partners and insurance mogul William Foley II submitted a $1.2 billion cash buyout proposal to Callaway’s board May 20th. According to the Los Angeles Times Callaway’s top executive team were all unanimous in their approval of the bid but there appears to dissenting views from some on the board. One faction of the board is proposing the replacement of William Baker, Callaway’s chairman and chief executive with another board member, Anthony Thornley. Baker is reportedly in favor of the bid.
CNN reports that Callaway stock is up 13 percent today upon news of the potential buyout.
UPDATE: My recently informed opinion is that going private by accepting this deal, or one just like it, would be a big step in the right direction for Callaway. The only thing holding them back at this point are board members unwilling to break from the status quo for the good of the company.
Two quick tidbits today. First, thanks to 
For once in my life, I’ve remembered Father’s Day (Sunday, June 19) far enough in advance that I can get my dad something nice. Normally, my dad get’s a phone call on that day, nothing more because I never actually remember it being Father’s Day. The same thing happens to my mom, so it’s not like I’m picking favorites or anything. Since my dad is a huge golfer, I decided that I’d find something golf related for him. Surely, he’ll enjoy that, he’s the one that taught me the game.
I once heard that golf was a 4-letter acronym. It stood for Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden. Being a golfer myself and having worked in the industry since I was 15 I can tell you this isn’t true. However, many women who have never played before might fall prey to the idea that golf is a man’s world. Thankfully, people like Annika Sorenstam and Michelle Wie are helping to turn this stereotype around. There are not alone in their quest to prove that golf is a gender-neutral sport. Women’s Golf Week, a 
It seems only fitting that Jack Nicklaus to end his competitive golfing career at the famed St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf. The Golden Bear let the media know today that he was planning on bowing out after the British Open in July. The last time he played The Open Championship was in 2000 when it was also held at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St. Andrews. He had hinted that he was winding down earlier this year at 
This is a Public Service Announcement to prevent injuries while riding in a golf cart. This really happened on a golf course.
While many golf manufacturers are stuck in decline, The Acushnet Company – parent to Titleist, FootJoy, Cobra, and Pinnacle – is going strong. The company started this year with net sales of $342.6 million, an increase of $3.7 milllion from a year ago. The golf divsion reported operating income of $56.7 million, a jump of $6.7 million from last year. The numbers indicate that Acushnet is doing quite well in the slightly downturned golf economy, not only boosting its bottom line but improving its efficiency.