Cobra Golf

Cobra Golf
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustrySports equipment
Founded1973; 51 years ago (1973)
FounderThomas L. Crow
Headquarters
Carlsbad, California
,
USA
Key people
Bob Philion, president[1]
ProductsGolf clubs
BrandsKing
ParentPuma
Websitecobragolf.com

Cobra Golf is a sports equipment manufacturing company based in Carlsbad, California, focused on golf equipment, producing a wide range of golf clubs. The company is currently a subsidiary of Puma.

History

Origin

The company was founded in 1973 by Thomas L. Crow, winner of the 1961 Australian amateur golf championship. He was inspired by the notion that golfers in the United States typically bought clubs at a whim, with the hopes that they may make their game better.[2] Cobra produced one of the first utility clubs, the "Baffler" –introduced in 1980– long before the use of such clubs became popular. Cobra was dedicated to the average golfer, especially ladies and seniors[3] which makes it understandable that is also the first U.S. club manufacturer to sell stock graphite-shafted woods and irons that are known for being lighter clubs.[4] In five years, Cobra Golf was selling about $4.5 million worth of these clubs annually.[2]

In 1994 King Cobra oversized irons became the best selling irons in golf, making Cobra synonymous with oversized irons. The company was acquired in 1996 by American Brands Inc. (later known as Fortune Brands) and was grouped together under the Acushnet Company umbrella. In 2010, Cobra was acquired by Puma SE.[5]

In 1999 Cobra introduced Dista golf balls intended to maximize distance for all players with multiple swing speed models offered.[4]  "[In 2005] Cobra drivers rank No. 1 in Overall Driver Satisfaction Ratings in both 2003 and 2004, according to Darrell Survey U.S. Consumer Research, a leading independent golf consumer research company."[4]

Marketing

Between 1989 and 1993, the company grew from $20 million to $56 million in annual sales thanks to aggressive marketing that included endorsements with leading players such as Hale Irwin, Beth Daniel and Greg Norman.[2] Cobra's relationship with former world number one Norman lasted for many years.[6] Other leading professionals to have had endorsement deals with Cobra include Rickie Fowler, Lexi Thompson, Gary Woodland, Justin Suh.

In February 2014, Cobra Golf signed a multi-year partnership with the PGA Tour's Honda Classic, making it one of the lead sponsors of the event.[7] In 2016 Cobra Golf partnered with Flying Tee, a golf driving range and simulation venue, to provide the official equipment and apparel.[8][9]

Products

Cobra markets a full range of golf clubs including; drivers, fairways, hybrids, irons, wedges, utility irons, etc.[10]

References

  1. ^ Bob Philion profile
  2. ^ a b c O'Brien, Brendan. "The History of Cobra Golf". GolfLink. Retrieved 2019-12-04.
  3. ^ Lal, Rajiv (September 2005). "Callaway Golf Company" (PDF). Harvard Business School.
  4. ^ a b c "History". www.cobragolf.com. Retrieved 2019-12-04.
  5. ^ Johnson, Mike (May 5, 2016). "Here's what happened with 10 equipment company acquistions [sic]". Golf Digest.
  6. ^ Leonard, Tod (January 19, 2020). "With help from 'The Shark,' Cobra Golf founder Tom Crow revolutionized club industry". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved April 27, 2023.
  7. ^ Charlie Lemay (February 19, 2014). "Cobra signs multi-year agreement with Honda Classic".
  8. ^ "FlyingTee Announces Partnership with COBRA PUMA GOLF". ionOKlahoma online. Retrieved 2019-12-04.
  9. ^ Trolia, Emily (May 2019). "FORE YOUR INFORMATION: A FINANCIAL ANALYSIS OF THE GOLF INDUSTRY" (PDF). University of Mississippi.
  10. ^ "Cobra Golf - Golf Clubs, Cobra Golf Clubs, KING F9 SPEEDBACK, KING LTD, King F8, Puma Golf". www.cobragolf.com. Retrieved 2019-12-04.