Where Are They Now?

Yes! Golf

Things don’t always end so badly for club manufacturers. Consider Yes! Golf's rollercoaster 2011-12 years. In January, 2011 the popular putter maker declared bankruptcy. Revenues had collapsed from US$10 million in 2007 to US$2.4 million in 2010. Shortly afterwards, Texas-based Adams Golf picked them up for a song – US$1.65 million inclusive of administrative fees. The move represented Adams’ first move into the putter market.

Things looked promising, until a little under a year later when Adams hired Morgan Stanley to “explore options.” They too were having trouble. In March 2012, TaylorMade picked up Adams (and Yes!) for US$70 million in cash. Today the three brands exist and so far have not been rolled into one.

The Big Box Graveyard

It’s remarkable to wander through an American big box sporting goods store. Among the basketballs, running shoes and home gym equipment is a golf graveyard, where once prestigious brands eek out their humble second lives as discount merchandise.

Consider Pennsylvania-based Dick’s Sporting Goods. They not only own Nickent Golf [see main article], but also Top-Flite, Walter Hagen and Maxfli. Those last three brands come courtesy of Callaway who unloaded them in the last five years. Then there’s Golfsmith. The “world’s largest superstore for… golf equipment” boasts over 70 outlets in the North America and owns both MacGregor and Lynx. Or Colorado-based Sports Authority who owns Tommy Armour and Ram. If you’re feeling nostalgic for clubs of old, visit one of these stores the next time you’re stateside. But remember the clubs you’re buying aren’t what they used to be. You’ll likely be able to tell from the discounted price and performance.