GBR Tuesday | Exclusive: PGA Show Winners Interview & A Deep Dive into Ely Callaway’s Legacy
Every Tuesday and Friday We Bring You the Ten-Minute Summary of What's Happening in the Golf Industry. Grab Your Favorite Beverage and Catch Up With Everything You Need to Know.
Good morning, GBR friends,
We hope you all had a good weekend and are ready for another busy week.
We’ve had a great start to our week at GBR Towers. Tom caught up with John Rowell and Alec Lorenzo, two of the three founders of Pinned Golf. Pinned Golf’s new product, The Caddie, scooped up top honors as Product Of The Year at the recent PGA Show in Orlando. Tom got the chance to pose some questions about The Caddie and its key features that golfers are bound to enjoy when the product is released in May.
Last week, we had the opportunity to send an exclusive editorial excerpt from The Unconquerable Game: My Life in Golf & Business, the upcoming book by Ely Callaway. Today, we go deeper into the figure of Ely Callaway himself, exploring how his relentless pursuit of innovation reshaped the game and the industry.
Our full agenda for today is:
Industry
Circuits
Equipment
People to Watch
Just to Paid Subscribers | Ely Callaway: The Relentless Innovator Who Transformed Golf Equipment
1. INDUSTRY
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: HOW PINNED GOLF CREATED THE CADDIE – PGA SHOW 2025 WINNER!
Just two weeks ago, almost no one had heard of The Caddie. The result of years of research and hard work by the Pinned Golf team was revealed in our January 21 newsletter. At the time, we pointed out that they were favorites to win the Product of the Year 2025 Award at the PGA Show in Orlando. And they did it!
Two weeks later, everyone is talking about them. At Golf Bizz Review, we had the privilege of conducting their first video interview since their big win in Orlando.
Pinned Golf was founded in 2018 by John Rowell, Alec Lorenzo, and Matt Buckley, three friends who saw an opportunity to create high-quality, stylish, and affordable golf technology. Now, they’ve created The Caddie, the first-ever portable GPS golf tablet, which is already making waves in the industry.
Here is a summary of their answers. 🎥 Watch the full interview below:
Q: What inspired you to start Pinned Golf?
John Rowell: My partner Alec and I met back in college, and we always said we wanted to start a business together, but we had no idea what we wanted to do. After college, we met our third co-founder, Matt, and started playing a lot of golf together. We needed a rangefinder, but at the time, we couldn't justify spending $400-500 on one! We quickly realized there was a gap in the market for a great quality, stylish, and affordable rangefinder, and we decided to make one ourselves. Since 2018, we've been making golf technology products that help people play better and have more fun on the course.
Q: Speaking of creating golf technology products, tell us a little more about why you created your newest product, The Caddie.
Alec Lorenzo: The Caddie is the first-ever portable GPS golf tablet. It actually just won Best New Product at the 2025 PGA Show! We surveyed golfers all over the world and asked what their favorite way to get distances on the course was. We were surprised to find out that most people preferred using the built-in GPS screens on high-end golf carts instead of a rangefinder. We started asking ourselves, Why can't you bring those screens from course to course? They're just stuck in the carts! So we spent years designing, developing, and testing ways to make that screen portable, and we finally created The Caddie.
Q: What's your favorite feature of The Caddie?
AL: My favorite is definitely the hole flyover feature. Before you play a hole, The Caddie will show you a 360-degree view of it. You can see the bunkers, the lay-up area, and what hazards are out there. It really changes the way you see and play a hole.
JR: I love that one too. But I also love that we designed features just to help players have more fun on the course. We added different ways to keep score for various games you can play with friends, which is my personal favorite.
Q: What trends in the golf industry are you most excited about?
JR: I'm most excited about the fact that the PGA Tour is considering allowing players to use rangefinders on the course. Obviously, as a rangefinder company, we think it's a no-brainer. It's going to help people play better and faster, and I'd love to see that when I watch my favorite players compete.
AL: I agree. There's so much technology becoming more relevant in golf, and I think it's only going to help the game grow and help players improve.
📢 Watch the full interview and tell us what you think about The Caddie. Do you think it will change the way we play golf? ⛳📱
FOOTJOY CONTINUES DOMINANCE AS THE NUMBER 1 GOLF SHOE AND GLOVE BRAND IN 2024
FootJoy has solidified its position as the dominant force in golf footwear and gloves, closing out 2024 as the number 1 brand in both categories across sales value and units sold. According to Golf Datatech Retail Audits 2024, FootJoy led the On and Off Course combined market, capturing 39% of footwear sales value and 35% of units sold, with an average selling price of $131 (£106, €127). The FootJoy Premiere Series, the most-worn shoe on professional tours, was the best-selling model by sales value, followed by FootJoy Traditions. The Pro/SLX, launched in February, also made a strong impact, with tour players like Laurie Canter and Johannes Veerman securing DP World Tour wins in the spikeless model. In the On Course channel, FootJoy dominated with a 49.8% share in sales value and 47.2% in units sold, occupying four of the top-selling spots by sales value and six of the top-selling models by units sold.
FootJoy also retained its number 1 ranking in the glove market, commanding 49.5% of sales value across all retail channels, with its nearest competitor trailing at just 10.7%. The StaSof glove, the top choice on tour since 1983, continued to see year-over-year market share gains. The brand’s apparel division also saw a strong year, ranking number 1 in sales value for the On Course channel, while its men’s shirts led in sales value (17.7%) and units sold (19%). In the broader On and Off Course combined market, FootJoy also held the top spot for men’s shirts by sales value (15.1%), further strengthening its industry dominance as the preferred golf apparel brand. Further information on FootJoy’s performance can be found on Golf Business News.
ACUSHNET HOLDINGS SEES SHORT-TERM DECLINE BUT MAINTAINS STRONG FIVE-YEAR GROWTH
Despite a recent 11% drop in share price over the past month, Acushnet Holdings Corp. (NYSE:GOLF) continues to deliver strong long-term returns for investors, with a 109% increase in share value over the last five years. The parent company of Titleist and FootJoy has maintained consistent earnings per share (EPS) growth of 15% annually, aligning closely with its 16% annualized share price increase. The recent downturn has dampened short-term sentiment, but the broader trend suggests market confidence in Acushnet’s business fundamentals remains intact.
In addition to share price appreciation, Acushnet’s total shareholder return (TSR) over the five-year period stands at 126%, significantly outpacing the share price return alone, thanks to consistent dividend payments. While the company's 2.1% return over the past year has lagged behind the broader market performance, its long-term track record of an 18% annual TSR suggests that investor confidence remains steady. More info in Yahoo Finance.
SUZANN PETTERSEN LAUNCHES VOXA TO ELEVATE WOMEN’S SPORTS TALENT
Two-time Solheim Cup captain and major champion Suzann Pettersen has launched VOXA, a new sports talent management group dedicated to amplifying the impact and value of elite female athletes. Inspired by the Latin word for "voice," VOXA aims to ensure every athlete’s story is heard and celebrated, creating a lasting legacy beyond their competitive careers. The inaugural roster features five top-ranked golfers, including China’s Ruoning Yin, Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, Mexico’s Gaby Lopez, Singapore’s Shannon Tan, and Malaysia’s Ashley Lau. The agency will prioritize athlete empowerment over traditional representation, offering personalized career guidance, commercial opportunities, and advocacy for women in sports.
Pettersen emphasized that VOXA is about creating a support network that extends beyond competition. “This isn’t about management or representation, it’s about empowerment,” she said. “Every athlete deserves a trusted team that values their journey and lifts them up to achieve the impossible.” The initiative is backed by sports and entertainment agency 54, ensuring a strong commercial and operational foundation. World No. 3 Ruoning Yin expressed her excitement, stating that having Pettersen in her corner is “a dream come true.” More information on Pettersen’s new venture, Voxa, can be found in the following Sporting News article.
STUDY SHOWS GOLF INSTRUCTORS’ CERTIFICATIONS INFLUENCE PERCEIVED EXPERTISE AND CREDIBILITY
A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology has revealed that amateur golfers are significantly influenced by an instructor’s certification level, shaping their perceptions of expertise, credibility, and willingness to take lessons. The research, which involved 153 amateur golfers, tested whether psychological biases like placebo (positive expectations) and nocebo (negative expectations) affected students’ views of their instructors. Participants were divided into groups, each viewing the same 10-minute golf lesson but being told the instructor held a different certification level—Tournament Professional (Tour Pro), Semi-Professional (Semi-Pro), or Aspiring Professional (Amateur). The results showed that higher certification levels increased the perception of expertise and credibility. Tour Pros were rated as the most credible and effective instructors, followed by Semi-Pros and Amateurs.
The study’s findings underscore the power of professional credentials in influencing student engagement, as participants showed greater willingness to take lessons from higher-certified instructors. However, the researchers emphasized that while certifications enhance perceived credibility, actual teaching effectiveness depends on knowledge, communication skills, and experience. Organizations like the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America (PGTAA) are widely recognized for their comprehensive instructor training programs, producing highly skilled professionals, including former PGA and LPGA Tour members. The research highlights that while certifications play a crucial role in student trust and participation, true teaching success requires a balance of credentials, expertise, and instructional ability. The full Frontiers in Psychology report can be found here.
DUSTIN JOHNSON PARTS WAYS WITH TAYLORMADE AFTER 18 YEARS
Dustin Johnson's long-standing partnership with TaylorMade has officially ended, marking the conclusion of an 18-year equipment deal that began when he turned professional in 2007. Johnson, a two-time major winner with 24 PGA TOUR victories, has been one of the brand’s most recognizable players, helping TaylorMade solidify its reputation among elite golfers. His achievements include 135 weeks as World No.1, making him the third-longest-reigning top-ranked player behind Greg Norman (331 weeks) and Tiger Woods (683 weeks). A TaylorMade spokesperson confirmed that Johnson’s contract expired at the end of 2024, ending their long association.
The news follows Johnson’s departure from Adidas Golf last season, and it appears the LIV Golf 4Aces GC captain is embracing full free agency. Johnson’s switch became evident when he teed up at LIV Golf Riyadh last week without a TaylorMade cap for the first time in his professional career, instead sporting his team’s logo. More information on Johnson’s split with TaylorMade in this Golf Magic article.
TIGER WOODS-BACKED POPSTROKE BEGINS CONSTRUCTION IN NASHVILLE
PopStroke, the mini-golf and entertainment venue co-owned by Tiger Woods, has officially broken ground at Century Farms in Antioch, marking its first location in Tennessee. The Nashville venue will open in early 2026 and will span nearly 90,000 square feet across five acres, featuring three 18-hole mini-golf courses, multiple bars, a sports bar area, and a two-story restaurant. Co-owned by Greg Bartoli and TaylorMade Golf Company, PopStroke aims to redefine mini-golf with a first-of-its-kind indoor-outdoor entertainment experience. The facility will also include a fully enclosed children’s playground and interactive games such as ping pong, foosball, and cornhole, making it a year-round destination for families and golf enthusiasts.
PopStroke Nashville joins a growing trend of interactive entertainment venues in the city following the 2023 launch of Puttshack in the Gulch and the upcoming Padel Haus expansion. Initially announced in 2023 as part of PopStroke’s 13-location expansion plan, the project reflects the brand’s rapid growth since its 2019 debut in Florida. More information is available at PopStroke.
2. CIRCUITS
R&A CONFIRMS 2025 OPEN QUALIFYING SERIES WITH 15 EVENTS ACROSS 11 COUNTRIES
The R&A has announced the full schedule for the 2025 Open Qualifying Series, with 15 events across 11 countries offering golfers the chance to secure a place in The 153rd Open at Royal Troon from July 17-20, 2025. Among the key qualifying events is the Investec South African Open Championship, co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and Sunshine Tour, which will award three Open spots when it takes place from February 27 to March 2 at Durban Country Club. The 104th New Zealand Open, making its debut on the schedule, will offer a starting berth to the leading non-exempt golfer, following in the footsteps of three players who already qualified via the ISPS HANDA Australian Open in December.
Open Championship spots will be available at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the Memorial Tournament, and the RBC Canadian Open on the PGA Tour. At the same time, the Italian Open on the DP World Tour’s European Swing will provide two qualification spots. The Genesis Scottish Open, co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour, will offer three more places. In Asia, the International Series Macau, the Mizuno Open, and the KOLON Korea Open will all present opportunities for players to qualify for Royal Troon. Additionally, Regional and Final Qualifying events will take place across Great Britain and Ireland in June and July. The full qualifying criteria are available on The Open’s website.
R&A’S QUALIFYING CRITERIA PROVIDE LIV GOLF PATHWAY FOR THE 153RD OPEN AT ROYAL PORTRUSH
The R&A’s newly announced qualifying criteria spell further good news for LIV Golfers looking to play in the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush. Under the new qualification criteria, the leading LIV Golf player not already exempt in the top five of the 2025 LIV Golf Individual Standings after LIV Golf Dallas on June 29 will earn a place in The Open. The move follows similar steps taken by the USGA last week when it announced an exemption for the top LIV player not otherwise qualified in the top three standings for the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont.
In addition, The International Series Macau, part of the Asian Tour’s elite 10-event series that offers a pathway to LIV Golf, was named as one of the 15 Open Qualifying Series events. Currently, 12 LIV players have already secured spots for Royal Portrush, including Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Phil Mickelson, Cameron Smith, and Brooks Koepka. LIV Golf announcement.
TIGER WOODS WITHDRAWS FROM THE GENESIS INVITATIONAL FOLLOWING MOTHER’S PASSING
Tiger Woods announced Monday that he will not compete in The Genesis Invitational, where he serves as tournament host, citing that he is not ready following the recent passing of his mother, Kultida Woods, at the age of 80. Woods, who last played on the PGA TOUR at The Open Championship at Royal Troon, has made two appearances this year for Jupiter Links Golf Club in the TGL golf league. In a statement, Woods shared that he had planned to tee it up at Riviera but is still processing his loss. "I did my best to prepare, knowing it’s what my Mom would have wanted, but I’m still processing her loss," Woods said. He expressed gratitude for his support, adding that he hopes to attend the tournament at Torrey Pines later in the week.
Jake Knapp will replace Woods in the field. The Genesis Invitational, which remains one of the few TOUR stops Woods has never won, will proceed without the 15-time major champion as he grieves privately while expressing appreciation for the outpouring of support from the golf community. PGA Tour announcement.
THE JOHN SHIPPEN NATIONAL INVITATIONAL ANNOUNCES 2025 SCHEDULE TO ADVANCE BLACK REPRESENTATION IN GOLF
Intersport has unveiled the 2025 schedule for The John Shippen National Invitational, a series of competitions designed to provide playing opportunities on the LPGA and PGA Tour for the nation's top Black golfers. The event, named after John Shippen Jr., the first American-born and Black golf professional, has created 21 PGA Tour and LPGA playing opportunities since its inception in 2021 while contributing $340,000 to local charities, scholarships, and fellowships. The women’s event will take place June 3-4 at Blythefield Country Club in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with the winner earning exemptions into the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give and the Dow Championship. The men’s competition will be held June 21-22 at Detroit Golf Club, with the winner receiving a sponsor exemption into the PGA Tour’s Rocket Classic.
The John Shippen has already seen significant success stories, with past champions making strides on professional tours. Chase Johnson, the 2023 Men’s Invitational champion, became the first Shippen winner to make a PGA Tour cut, competing in three Tour events that season. Georgia Oboh, the 2024 Women’s Invitational champion, tied for eighth at the Dow Championship, marking the best LPGA or PGA Tour finish for a Shippen winner. Meanwhile, Tim O’Neal, the 2021 Men’s Invitational champion, secured his first PGA Tour Champions victory at the Dominion Energy Classic. More information on the 2025 schedule is available on the John Shippen website.
PRO GOLF WEEKLY AND NEW ENGLAND DOT GOLF TO DELIVER COMPREHENSIVE CHUBB CLASSIC COVERAGE
Pro Golf Weekly and New England dot Golf have announced full-scale coverage of the 38th edition of the Chubb Classic, taking place February 14-16 at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. The publications will provide in-depth analysis and reporting on the Champions Tour event, which boasts a 78-player field competing for a $1.8 million purse. The Chubb Classic will feature defending champion Steven Ames, along with World Golf Hall of Famers Bernhard Langer and Ernie Els. Coverage kicks off on February 12 with Pro Golf Weekly’s signature Primer, including player stats, field analysis, featured holes, and betting odds, followed by extensive on-site reporting throughout the tournament.
Veteran golf writers Tom Gorman and Bill Sangster will lead coverage from Tiburon, with executive editor Paul Daly managing a remote team of content producers. From pre-tournament insights to final-round analysis, both digital platforms aim to provide readers with expert commentary and real-time updates on one of the Champions Tour's most historic stops. More information is available in Bill Sangster’s article in New England Dot Golf.
3. EQUIPMENT
TAYLORMADE UNVEILS UPDATED TOUR RESPONSE BALL WITH ENHANCED STRIPE TECHNOLOGY
TaylorMade has officially launched its latest Tour Response golf ball, a premium urethane-covered option that blends soft feel with improved alignment technology. The new Tour Response incorporates Speed Wrapped Core technology from the TP5 lineup, designed to enhance feel without compromising speed. Maintaining its 70 compression rating, the ball also features SpeedMantle technology to promote increased spin and distance while utilizing TaylorMade’s Tour Flight Dimple pattern for a higher trajectory. While not as spin-heavy as the TP5 or TP5x, the Tour Response is an affordable urethane option for golfers prioritising control and visibility.
A significant update comes in the Stripe series, which now offers a 22mm Hi-Vis 360° ClearPath Alignment feature, available in Neon Orange, Neon Pink, Neon Yellow, Neon Blue, and Navy. TaylorMade collaborated with ink and print technology specialists to enhance the vibrancy and durability of its alignment aid, ensuring clearer visuals at address. Multipacks will also be available for golfers seeking variety. The Tour Response golf ball will be priced at $42.99 (£34.99, €41.99) for standard colors and $45.99 (£36.99, €43.99) and will be available online starting Feb. 7, with a full retail rollout on Feb. 13. More information at TaylorMade Golf.
PING UNVEILS G440 IRONS, BLENDING COMPACT DESIGN WITH POWERFUL PERFORMANCE
Ping has introduced its latest G440 game-improvement irons, delivering enhanced performance in a more compact profile, a rare feat in the game-improvement category. Compared to the G430 irons, the G440s generate higher ball speeds, increased launch angles, and longer carry distances while maintaining identical lofts. Additionally, Ping reports a 20% reduction in shot dispersion, providing golfers with improved accuracy. The key to these enhancements lies in a redesigned, thinner 17-4 steel face, which boosts ball speed alongside a lowered center of gravity (CG) for better launch and distance. The new PurFlex badge in the cavity supports the thinner face without restricting flex, improving feel and performance.
Ping has also adjusted the wedge configuration, replacing the five-wedge setup of the G430 irons with a four-wedge design (42°, 47°, 52°, and 56°), aiming for consistent 10-yard gaps between clubs. The 56-degree wedge is modelled after the iconic Ping Eye 2 shape, designed to improve bunker play. The G440 irons debut Ping’s new AWT 3.0 steel shafts, developed in collaboration with Nippon, which feature ascending weight technology—lighter shafts in longer irons for faster swing speeds and heavier shafts in shorter irons for better control. Available in multiple shaft and loft options, the G440 irons are set to hit the market at $170 (£135, €165) per club for steel shafts and $185 (£150, €180) per club for graphite shafts. More information at Ping Golf.
4. PEOPLE TO WATCH
Sergio Garcia has been appointed to design a new championship golf course at the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club in Bahrain. The new 18-hole layout will be built on the club’s existing site at Al Raffa, situated just a few miles from Royal Golf Club. Garcia will lead the design master plan and serve as a brand ambassador for the project, which is being developed in partnership with real estate company Bareeq Al Reta. Golf Business News.
Jim Beatty Golf Ventures has announced the addition of Frederick Douglass Franklin as a Consultant and Legal Advisor for The African American Golf Expo and Forum. Franklin, a distinguished attorney and longtime advocate for golf, brings decades of legal expertise and a deep-rooted passion for the game to the organization. Franklin spent 22 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Omaha, Nebraska, following a successful tenure in private practice. Full press release available on The Golf Wire.
Oakley has officially signed Min Woo Lee as the newest member of Team Oakley. The partnership was unveiled following Lee’s participation at the WM Phoenix Open. Lee debuted his Oakley partnership wearing the Sphaera Slash, a high-tech full-wrap design featuring Prizm Lens Technology, an ultra-light O Matter frame, and Unobtainium grips for a secure fit. More information on the new partnership is available via The Manual.
5. JUST FOR PAID SUBSCRIBERS
ELY CALLAWAY: THE RELENTLESS INNOVATOR WHO TRANSFORMED GOLF EQUIPMENT
Few figures in the golf industry have left as lasting a mark as Ely Callaway. A visionary entrepreneur with an instinct for innovation, Callaway revolutionized the game by introducing cutting-edge equipment that made golf more accessible and enjoyable for everyday players. His most famous contribution, the Big Bertha driver, changed the landscape of golf technology, but his impact extended far beyond a single product.
Last week, we brought you an exclusive editorial excerpt from The Unconquerable Game – My Life in Golf & Business, the upcoming book by Ely Callaway. Thanks to the generosity of Nicholas Callaway and the team at Callaway Arts & Entertainment, we had the privilege of sharing this first look. Now, we continue that story by revisiting Callaway’s greatest innovations and how his philosophy reshaped the game. It’s an honor to connect the Golf Bizz Review brand with the surname that forever changed golf and the industry behind it.
A Businessman with a Golfer’s Mindset
Ely Callaway’s journey into golf wasn’t a traditional one. After a successful career in textiles and wine, he acquired Hickory Stick USA in 1982, renaming it Callaway Golf. From the outset, his approach was different—rather than focusing solely on elite professionals, Callaway believed that golf should be easier and more fun for the average player.
His philosophy was simple: if a club could help golfers hit the ball farther and straighter with less effort, they would enjoy the game more—and buy more equipment.
Video directed and produced by Ken Kebow and Mike Galeski, 2025
Pre-Order Now: The Unconquerable Game – My Life in Golf & Business
🛒 Available now for pre-order on Amazon
📆 Hardcover & AI audiobook worldwide release: March 25, 2025🏌️♂️ Don’t miss this exclusive inside story of the man who transformed the game. Pre-order your copy today!
Big Bertha and the Paradigm Shift in Golf Technology
Callaway’s most famous innovation arrived in 1991 with the launch of Big Bertha, a driver that would redefine the category. Named after the German howitzer from World War I, Big Bertha was the first large-headed, stainless steel driver—a radical departure from traditional wooden models.
The club’s oversized head and perimeter weighting increased forgiveness, allowing players to make solid contact even on mishits. Its design made the game more accessible to amateur golfers, leveling the playing field in a way no other equipment had before. Sales skyrocketed, and Callaway Golf became the No. 1 club brand in the world.
A crucial part of Big Bertha’s success was the Short, Straight, Hollow Hosel (S2H2) technology, which removed excess weight from the hosel and redistributed it to the clubhead’s perimeter for better stability and forgiveness. This innovation, along with the Warbird sole design, which improved turf interaction and playability, made Callaway clubs easier to hit than anything else on the market at the time.
But Big Bertha was just the beginning. Callaway continued to push the boundaries with innovations like: