Jonathan Neal – Head of Global Marketing at Golf Pride
This week I got a chance to chat with Golf Pride’s Head of Global Marketing, Jonathan Neal. We discussed a wide range of topics, from Golf Pride’s history, its remarkable Tour presence, and even what they might have up their sleeves for the future.
First off, we all know Golf Pride as one of the most recognizable brands in the sport. I find it even more impressive that a company founded in 1949 continues to fixate on delivering the highest quality product not only to Tour pros but regular folks like you and me. Golf grips are often overlooked, but as Jonathan explains, they’re a vital part of your golf equipment.
Golf Pride Can Boast They are the #1 Most Used Grip on the PGA Tour
Jonathan estimates about 80% of the PGA Tour uses their grips, with about 50% of those using the Tour Velvet (in my opinion, the standard on which all other grips hope to be). Another big chunk of that will use the MCC. Golf Pride pays ZERO endorsements to the Touring pros, so why do so many choose to use this product, when they know they have access to anything and everything that is out there? He states three things – Golf Pride’s commitment to innovation, quality, and extensive support and interaction with the players. Golf Pride reps spend massive amounts of time with not just the PGA guys, but the LPGA, European tours, Web.com and many mini tours. The player feedback is essential, and the face-to-face interaction helps build trust in the product.
Side note: golfers are well known gear nerds, and when you’re a golf pro with all the toys available to you, you tinker. Jonathan states that about 90% of the pros are doing something to customize their grips. About a third use a reminder rib, and many add extra layers to the top and bottom hand. (Interestingly enough, only ~5% of folks use a reminder rib – quite a gap!) So if the best players on the planet are doing it, can it help you, Mr. Saturday AM player? You bet.
Golf Pride Brings Several Tour Inspired Features to the Local Club
Two of Golf Pride’s biggest additions in the lineup are the MCC +4 grip and the new ALIGN grips. With the MCC +4, the lower hand is built up internally, and gives the player the ability to hold the club a bit lighter, taking tension out of the swing (also a TON easier on the installs…). The ALIGN re-invents the reminder rib with a subtle ridge in the fingers that encourages the player to get their hands on the club more consistently and provides a unique feel that can help you square the club face more easily.
The overwhelming thought I took from our call is that Golf Pride wants you to think of the golf grip as true “performance enhancing equipment” rather than just the end of the golf club. Neal says that nearly 1/3 of golfers ever bother to change (or even clean!) their grips. As they break down over time due to hand oils and duck hooks, this can absolutely effect they way you hold and swing your clubs – thereby directly impacting your scores.
Final Thoughts
To me, it’s exciting to see a company like Golf Pride continue to make additions to its already diverse catalog of products. Let’s face it – the grip is an underappreciated part of your gear. If you’re willing to experiment and invest some time into trying a few of Golf Pride’s products, you may see some significant improvements in the way you hit your golf ball. It’s always fun to play well! Thanks to Jonathan Neal for his time speaking with us as well.
