Archive for August, 2008

Over the years, the name Callaway has become analogous to the term Golf. It’s hardly surprising, given the fact that Callaway Golf is the best known brand for golf equipment recognized worldwide. This American company manufactures primarily golf equipment: golf clubs and golf balls. Over time, their market ventures included sports apparel, footwear, timepieces and watches and various assortments of accessories. The Odyssey brand, Top Flite brand and the Ben Hogan brand are also owned by Callaway Golf.

No one could ever forget how Mr. Ely achieved iconic status, or rather his first masterpiece the “Big Bertha”. He was then a retired Burlington Industries Textile President with a big idea. The big idea was a cheap wooden driver inspiration which used to make his design which would later be realized as the Big Bertha. After having acquired the services of Richard C. Helmstetter who was also a brilliant billiard cue designer, the Big Bertha was made. A marvel club at that time that showcase a 190cc steel club head that can hit the furthest and can hit even with minimal skill. The Big Bertha completely revamped the existing golf clubs and set new standards for golf.

With a highly successful Product, Callaway Golf became public on the New York Stock Exchange.

Callaway Golf did brilliant publicity stunts too, to further its image line. For example when Bill Gates featured in the tongue-in-cheek commercial endorsement for the Callaway Golf Clubs, it was received with quite a reception. And Bill Gates isn’t that great in golf (with a notoriously high handicap). Other celebrities and distinguished personalities with remarkable golfing feats also contributed Callaway Golf in to becoming a household name, such as Alice Cooper and Celine Dion. Even Pro Golfers like Arnold Palmer and Gary Player are considered image line enhancements when Callaway Golf obtained the rights for their playing equipment.

While other emerging successes of the Callaway Golf product line like Fusion Fairway Woods, Wide Sole Irons, X-18 Irons, and several golf balls particularly the HX Series golf balls did garner some successes, the Big Bertha still remains the flagship for Callaway Golf. The Big Bertha Line already has several technology touches on the design feature. The latest is the Fusion FT-3 Driver which won several matches already; Phil in his 2006 Masters Victory and Annika Sorenstam who used endorsed Callaway FT-3 Driver to several recent championship victories.

The most notable feature of the Big Bertha is the shortened design of the traditional hosel length by several inches, allowing some weight to be shifted nearer the club head. This allows more weighty punch on the golf ball, multiplying power to an otherwise moderate swing. This highly marketable innovation was dubbed S2H2 (Short, Straight, Hollow, Hosel).

TODAY’S TOPIC: Hooks and Draws

You have to be very precise to hit a golf ball perfectly straight. Anyone who as read any decent Golf Tips can tell you that. But, as most golfers know, it’s easier hitting a draw or a fade than a straight shot. Yet, nobody wants to hook it or slice it. These shots only get you in trouble.

If you’re an inside-out swinger and you hit more hooks than straight shots or you’re an outside-in swinger and hit more slices straight shots, below is a simple drill that helps straighten out your iron shots:

Here’s some simple Golf Instruction. Take a small trash bucket with you next time you go to the range. Use your 7-iron or your 6-iron and hit some shots with the trash bucket placed just inside the big toe of your back foot, with the longer sides parallel to the target line.

If you hit the bucket with your right knee, you’re committing a fundamental error that’s contributing to your hook or slice. Your back knee is moving out to the right of the target. It should be moving straight ahead or even slightly left of the target if you’re right-handed (right of the target, if your left-handed).

Moving the knee properly is key to hitting an iron straight. It allows you to roll the inside of your back foot. More importantly, it lets you shift your weight and spin your hips correctly, providing leverage. When your back knee moves out instead of straight ahead or slightly left, you lose leverage for the shot. Being stuck on the back leg also contributes to hooks and slices.

Next time you’re at the range, try the bucket drill. It will help you hit iron shots straight. Think about moving the back knee forward. Moving your knee forward instead of out will trash those hooks and slices.