Nike Golf Equipment - Taking Chances in 2012

Nike has been determined to score a larger foothold in the golf industry ever since acquiring Impact Golf Technologies in 2001. Though Nike has manufactured golf shoes since 1986, the initial shoes were not a success and the popular brand trudged along for a decade not gaining much traction with golfers. Interest in Nike golf products was limited until the company offered a $40,000,000, five year endorsement deal to one of the world’s most promising golfers. You may have heard of him; Tiger Woods.

This deal was courageous and auspicious, especially considering that at the time Nike had neither golf balls nor clubs to provide for Woods. After the deal went public at the Greater Milwaukee Open, Nike stock fell 5%. The initial investment has paid off in dividends and illustrated the incentive of sponsoring a young superstar for the purpose of bringing attention to a powerful and reputable brand trying to make its name in an already saturated product market.

Over the course of the next fifteen years, Nike became one of the leading equipment providers of the game. Nike Golf was established in 1998 and the company has succeeded in growth. The products permeate the golf market by using a stellar sporting goods reputation to align themselves with some of the sport’s leading designers. Of course, it does not hurt to endorse some of the game’s biggest superstars.

It all began with footwear, so let’s take a look at a few of the shoes Nike will offer for 2012. One of the most impressive new innovations is the Nike Dunk which has been implemented with spikes resulting in one of the most creative golf shoes to hit the market in a generation. These are not your grandfather’s golf shoes. Bright and vibrant, they come with many colors sure to attract attention on the links. The actual sneakers and classic outsoles are the originals adapted for spikes. The flamboyant colors of the bottoms are even worthy of a second glance as they are sure to draw some praises as one drives and pivots from the first tee.

This is a brave move for Nike, a company with hopes of reshaping their golf footwear to attract youthful, fashionably conscious clients as well as older experienced golfers, all looking to spice things up. The familiar Nike "swoosh" makes the colors come to life and these shoes are expected to retail at $150. They will go on sale January 1, 2012.

Looking at the clubs and drivers for 2012, one item immediately catches the eye; the Nike Method Concept Putter. This is a sight to behold. The concept, no pun intended, is actually quite fascinating though some may say it looks like something from a toolshed or an accessory from a Halloween costume gone horribly wrong. The Method Concept is made of milled 303 stainless steel and it takes quite a bit of time to put this monster together. The craftsmanship is admirable and many seem to hate it or love it just by their impressions of the appearance. Red with a double bend, lightweight aluminum face and a high mass body of steel, the design is eye-catching yet purposeful with the intention to push the center of gravity back. This can create a faster roll with more control and optimal stability.

The Nike Method Drone putter is the other Nike putter being released in 2012. Endorsed by Nike, Suzann Pettersen has won two LPGA Tour events using the newest addition to the Method Core family of putters and perhaps like no other, this club is innovative and created for High Moment of Inertia (MOI). Nike boasts, "The extreme mallet design and Opti-mass weighting in the center and wing tips keep the club head on its path." This club design is ideal for golfers trying to minimize the flinching, twisting and turning responsible for mishits. The suggested retail price is $203.

There are many highly anticipated iron and drivers hitting the market from Nike in 2012. Hoping to improve on the overall sound and feel of the 2011 model which many critics and players were not satisfied with, the 2012 Nike VRS driver is something special. If Nike is able to implement these improvements this may be one the hottest and most sought after new drivers.

The 2012 Nike VRS Forged Irons are expected to sell well, building on the success of previous models. Made for Tiger Woods; or at least made famous by Tiger Woods, these irons are sure to please those who have come to enjoy the feel and performance of this popular line.

The Nike VRS Cast Irons offer a small head and thinner topline to provide a great feel and optimized accuracy control. The sweet spot is something that will attract many potential buyers willing to give these cast irons a try. As opposed to the flashy Nike shoes, these irons offer a classy and stylish appearance sure to entice golfers of all ages.

Nike has dreamed big, trying to raise the envelope and go beyond the limits previously given to ingenuity in the golf product industry. Only time will tell if this trend of successes will continue or whether they pushed the bar a little too far. For now, Nike seems to be doing almost everything right and unlike other more passive companies, Nike is again at the forefront of design creativity and if nothing else, it is refreshing to see one of the premier golf product companies still taking chances.