Rumor: Rickie Fowler switches to Cobra Golf

[mvmac]

After being a loyal Titleist player for many years, there are rumors going around that Rickie Fowler will be playing Cobra equipment in 2012.  Rickie has obviously been a huge supporter of Puma apparel.  Puma bought Cobra from Acushnet in early 2010.  Good chances are he'll still play a Titleist ball and Scotty putter.  Other notable Cobra staffers are Ian Poulter and Lexi Thompson.

[uttexas]

Wonder if his huhmm (clearing throat) shafts and club heads will now color coordinate with his outfits. He's in danger of approaching the Kournikova zone--more of a fashion model than professional athlete. Hope I'm wrong, I like his speed and style of play. He did just win that Asian Tour event, though.

[jmanbooyaa]

Is this official? I think I read this somewhere else today that the deal just broke. Either way when you reach the level of a pro does the manufacturer really matter? Lets take Cobra for example, Fowler played Titleist for ever couldn't Cobra just replicate the irons, wedges and drivers to that of the Titleist? I would assume there would be some patents but really how much can you really do differently to and iron? just wondering

[TourSpoon]

I think it's a win-win for Cobra and Fowler. He will do for Cobra what he did for Puma.  Good move.

[mvmac]

Originally Posted by jmanbooyaa

Is this official? I think I read this somewhere else today that the deal just broke. Either way when you reach the level of a pro does the manufacturer really matter? Lets take Cobra for example, Fowler played Titleist for ever couldn't Cobra just replicate the irons, wedges and drivers to that of the Titleist? I would assume there would be some patents but really how much can you really do differently to and iron? just wondering

It probably is but it's still a rumor until the press release comes out.  Which could be tomorrow, I'm sure the Titleist contract expires soon.

Can't see them replicating the driver, that'll be the biggest difference.  He'll probably play the same Vokey wedges, Poulter plays Vokey's and Thompson plays Callaway's.  But maybe not, Cobra is re-releasing the Trusty Rusty wedges and might make a strong push for Rickie to play them.  And I think your correct about the irons, I'm sure they can replicate the set, they make a decent set of blades already, not that much different than the Titleist MB's.

Originally Posted by TourSpoon

I think it's a win-win for Cobra and Fowler. He will do for Cobra what he did for Puma.  Good move.

Could happen, I think he's been a huge asset for Puma.  I love the Puma stuff (not the crazy multi colors) and from what I see it's big with junior golfers.

[raygrinberg]

Yawn.

What Rickie, or any other tour pro, plays has no influence on my equipment purchasing decisions.

I agree that puma has benefitted from his contract.  My kid thinks his stuff is sick.  I am obviously the wrong demographic.  50+

[acs9331868]

Does it say in a contract between players and manufacturers what clubs the professional has to play?  I only ask because you see so many using just the irons, but playing different woods and/or putter.  I.E. Luke Donald is sponsered by Mizuno but uses a TM driver.

[normdamarine]

Most players who sign endorsement deals have it written exactly how many clubs they have to use from that company. For many it is in the 8-10 range and this allows them to use whatever else they want to use as long as they are using the amount specified in their contract...

[mvmac]

Originally Posted by acs9331868

Does it say in a contract between players and manufacturers what clubs the professional has to play?  I only ask because you see so many using just the irons, but playing different woods and/or putter.  I.E. Luke Donald is sponsered by Mizuno but uses a TM driver.

Pretty common for Mizuno guys to use different woods and putters.  Ping you have to play the irons, driver and putter.  TMAG, it's allover the place, some players only use the driver.  Titleist is probably 10 clubs.

[TourSpoon]

Originally Posted by mvmac

Pretty common for Mizuno guys to use different woods and putters.  Ping you have to play the irons, driver and putter.  TMAG, it's allover the place, some players only use the driver.  Titleist is probably 10 clubs.

Star power also has a lot to do with it.  The bigger the star, the more in control you are over the terms.

[iacas]

Originally Posted by mvmac

Pretty common for Mizuno guys to use different woods and putters.  Ping you have to play the irons, driver and putter.  TMAG, it's allover the place, some players only use the driver.  Titleist is probably 10 clubs.

There are standard contracts, but many companies will change the standard depending on who you are. Some will build contracts that insist you use the ball, the driver, and the wedges. Others will say any 11 clubs. Tiger was allowed to play whatever he wanted so long as all of his apparel, the bag, etc. was Nike (then they obviously tried to get him to help design clubs he'd play that WERE Nike too). It all depends.

And outside of specific deals guys can still get "tee it up" money on a week by week basis for playing the driver, the ball, etc.

[I-league]

So where is the annoucement ? Rickie is about start his 2012 season and still no official word on what equipment he will be gaming. Cobra have just re-designed their website and there is no mention of Rickie Fowler in the tour staff section.

[saevel25]

Does it really matter, doesn't Titliest own Cobra anyways, or was Cobra sold to a different company.

[ghalfaire]

I didn't read all of the posts so maybe someone already addressed this, but Puma bought Cobra some time in the last couple of years.  So I don't think this is much of a change.

[mvmac]

Originally Posted by I-league

So where is the annoucement ?

Rickie is about start his 2012 season and still no official word on what equipment he will be gaming. Cobra have just re-designed their website and there is no mention of Rickie Fowler in the tour staff section.

I've been wondering the same thing, Titleist did take down his bag http://www.titleist.com/players/playersequipment.asp?playerid=1795

[jmanbooyaa]

I am a bit curious as to why no official announcement has been made yet.

[Shorty]

Originally Posted by jmanbooyaa

I am a bit curious as to why no official announcement has been made yet.

They are probably hoping to create a buzz by making it a visual thing when he first shows up using a repulsive orange Cobra bag at his first tournament of 2012.

I'm still waiting for someone to say that Fowler and Cobra are a "good fit".

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by Shorty

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmanbooyaa

I am a bit curious as to why no official announcement has been made yet.

They are probably hoping to create a buzz by making it a visual thing when he first shows up using a repulsive orange Cobra bag at his first tournament of 2012.

I'm still waiting for someone to say that Fowler and Cobra are a "good fit".

He should go with PowerBilt.