Tag Archives: David Abeles

Golf Junior, Juniors, TaylorMade Golf

TaylorMade Golf – Introduction of new Rory Junior Golf Sets, in collaboration with Rory McIlroy

November 2, 2018 – TaylorMade Golf has announced the Rory Junior Golf Sets, inspired by and created through input from Rory McIlroy to welcome the beginner and developing player to the game of golf. The introduction of young players to the game is a passion point for TaylorMade and McIlroy, who himself was introduced to the game at a very young age.

“Growing up, golf was an extremely important part of my life. It allowed me to stay active, enjoy the outdoors and have fun within a competitive sport. I partnered with TaylorMade to design the Rory Junior Set to give kids an easy introduction to golf so they can have the same opportunity I had to fall in love with the sport,” says Rory McIlroy.

Incorporating many of the same technologies found in other TaylorMade products, each has been specifically engineered to deliver the optimal lengths, lofts and shaft flexes to promote proper swing mechanics for junior golfers while developing their passion for the game.

“We were looking for a gateway for young players to enjoy the game with product built specifically with them in mind. Having a role model like Rory McIlroy to support this new initiative, as well as a program like the PGA Junior League that encourages these youngsters to thrive in the sport, is crucial to encourage them to play well into their adult life. That’s why we partnered with Rory and are delighted to support the PGA Junior League by making a direct donation to them,” says David Abeles, CEO of TaylorMade Golf.

DRIVER

At 16° of loft and 400cc in size, the Rory titanium driver was designed to instill confidence and be easy to hit and produce high launching drives off the tee. A high-quality, high-performing product created specifically with the junior player in mind.

“For me, confidence is the most important thing when I’m standing on the tee. This driver has been specially-designed to help young golfers hit it far and straight so they can start building their confidence from the first time they tee it up,” says Rory McIlroy.

FAIRWAY & RESCUE

The fairway and Rescue in the Rory Junior Golf Sets were created to bridge the gap between the driver and irons with easy-to-hit, forgiving performance from a variety of lies on the golf course.

“With a fairway wood or Rescue, kids need clubs that are versatile and allow them to hit a variety of shots no matter where they are on the golf course. These clubs are built for easy launch and extra forgiveness whether you’re hitting from the tee, the fairway or the rough,” says Rory McIlroy.

IRONS

Made from 17-4 stainless steel, the irons in the two sets were strategically developed with loft configurations that help launch the ball high and straight. The 4-plus set features an iron loft 2 degrees lower than the 8-plus set to encourage higher lofts for easy launch for the younger player.

“Growing up, nothing felt better than hitting it close with an iron. With these easy-to-hit irons, young golfers will experience that feeling that keeps them coming back for more,” says about Rory McIlroy.

PUTTER & WEDGE

Among the most important skills a junior golfer can learn are the fundamentals of putting. The center-shafted mid-mallet putter was created with short-game development in mind by way of higher stability combined with easy alignment. For greenside chipping and bunker play, a 54°/56° wedge will help make this critical part of the game easier to learn and have more fun.

“As much as everyone loves hitting big drives, myself included, the key to this game is chipping and putting. Creating the most appropriate clubs they need to develop a sharp short game are critical for their growth and enjoyment of the game,” says about Rory McIlroy.

Available starting December 7, Rory Junior Golf Sets are in two set configurations for boys and girls (4+ and 8+), each created for a specific size and age range of player. Both sets include graphite shafts that have been flexed specifically for junior swing speeds. Additionally, each set also includes a special St. Bernard headcover, inspired by the headcover found on Rory’s M3 driver.

8-PLUS SET

Both the Boys & Girls 8 Plus set (designed for ages 8+ and 52″ to 60″ in height) that includes 7 clubs + bag, at an RRP of €449: Driver 400cc Titanium (16º, 39.5″); fairway wood 3 (24º, 37″); rescue 5 (30º, 34.5″); irons 7 (36º, 32.5″) and 9 (44º, 31.5″); sand wedge (56º, 31″); and putter (30″).

4-PLUS SET

In addition to the 8 Plus set, a 4 Plus set will also be offered for both Boys & Girls (designed for players aged 4+ and 42″ to 52″ in height) that includes 5 clubs + bag at an RRP €329: Driver 400cc Titanium (16º, 33.5″); rescue 5 (30º, 29.5″); iron 7 (38º, 27.5″); sand wedge (54º, 26″); and putter (26″).

Golf Companies, TaylorMade Golf

TaylorMade Golf – Brian Bazzel, appointed as Vice President of Product Creation of the company

September 27, 2017 – TaylorMade Golf has announced it has appointed Brian Bazzel, an influential figure within TaylorMade’s product creation teams for the last seventeen years, as its new Vice President of Product Creation.

Bazzel, whose product creations have earned the highest accolades in the industry and are played by the best players in the world, will lead product strategy and development efforts for all of TaylorMade’s product lines, including metalwoods, irons, balls, putters, wedges and accessories.

One of the most well-respected product experts in the industry, Bazzel began his career at TaylorMade in 2000 as a member of the company’s research & development team, where he played a critical role in developing the MATT fitting system in addition to SelectFit, considered the ‘most comprehensive fitting system in the industry’ at its launch in 2007.

In subsequent years, his role has shifted into the product creation sector and has since been responsible for the efforts of a variety of TaylorMade’s most prominent and successful product lines, including the highly-popular Burner 2.0, RocketBladez and Tour Preferred irons lines as well as the widely acclaimed and most winning drivers on the PGA TOUR over the last two years, the M1 & M2.

Concurrently, succeeding Bazzel as Senior Director of Product Creation for metalwoods is Tomo Bystedt, whom like Bazzel, has vast experience with many of the company’s product lines which include putters, wedges and most recently, leading iron creation, a position he’s held since 2013 and whose most notable products include RSi, PSi and most recently, the P700 Series. Bystedt, who first joined TaylorMade in 2006, will now lead the company’s efforts in the development and creation of all metalwoods.

In his new role, Bazzel will now oversee one of the most prominent product creation teams in the golf industry, which, in addition to Bystedt and the metalwoods team, includes Bill Price (putters & wedges) and Mike Fox (golf balls & accessories). Bazzel and his team will report directly to CEO David Abeles.

“For five years, Brian has been the driving force behind our metalwoods product creation team, leading to groundbreaking products that have invigorated the industry. His vision has helped position TaylorMade as the industry leader in metalwoods innovation and performance, and it is my great pleasure to welcome him to his new role as VP of Product Creation. There’s no doubt in my mind that under his guidance, the TaylorMade brand will continue to see exceptional growth and forge a lasting position as an industry leader across all product categories”, said David Abeles.

Golf Companies, TaylorMade Golf

TaylorMade Golf – David Abeles, named CEO and President of the Company

TMaG-Fachada

March 27, 2015 – The adidas Group has appointed David Abeles as CEO of TaylorMade Golf Company with immediate effect.  Abeles succeeds Ben Sharpe, who has decided to leave the company for personal reasons. Abeles will report directly into adidas Group CEO Herbert Hainer.

David-AbelesDavid Abeles rejoined the company as President of TaylorMade and Adams Golf last month. A 12-year veteran of TaylorMade Golf, Abeles brings a deep executive skill set, leadership competence and business acumen built both within the golf industry as well as in the world of sports.

Most recently the CEO of the Competitor Group Inc., Abeles is widely respected within the golf community for his relationships and energetic connection with both the retailer and consumer.

Herbert Hainer, CEO of the adidas Group, said: “David has a proven track record of success and leadership excellence. I am convinced that David will lead our golf business into the next era of growth. At the same time, I would like to thank Ben for his passion and many contributions to our company over the last nine years and I wish him all the best for his professional and private future.”

Golf Companies

TaylorMade Golf – Completion of the restructure of the executive team

TMaG-Fachada

February 15, 2015 – TaylorMade Golf has announced the completion of the restructure of its executive team by adding three new team members. Ben Sharpe, TaylorMade’s CEO since June 2014, has been making significant strides in restructuring the internal organisation. The three new appointments are all former TaylorMade executives: David Abeles, President of TaylorMade and Adams Golf, Bob Maggiore, Chief Marketing Officer, and Jeff Barker, Chief Financial Officer.

“We have three great executives, each with proven success in the industry and with our brands, rejoining the team,” said Ben Sharpe. “We now have the executive talent to execute the game plan we have established for long-term success.”

David Abeles rejoins the company as President of TaylorMade and Adams Golf. A 12-year veteran of the company, Abeles brings a deep executive skill set, leadership competence and business acumen built both within the golf industry as well as in world of sports. Most recently the CEO of the Competitor Group Inc., Abeles returns to oversee the global business operations for the TaylorMade and Adams Golf brands. Within the golf community, Abeles is widely respected for his relationships and energetic connection with both the retailer and consumer.

Bob Maggiore is widely recognised for leading the TaylorMade brand to unprecedented heights. Maggiore’s understanding and passion for the industry, along with his strategic vision produced award-winning campaigns that led to runaway product success stories.  With a previous 16-years logged with the company, he returns with a renewed focus on creating an emotional connection with the golfer and igniting an energy in the marketplace through meaningful brand storytelling. Marketing and digital teams will report into Maggiore.

And Jeff Barker will rejoin the team in early March. He began his career in 2000 as an accountant and has taken growth assignments within TaylorMade and the adidas Group over his 15-year tenure with the company. In 2010, Barker took the role of Director, Finance and Operations for EMEA & Pacific at TaylorMade’s UK office. In his most recent role, Barker was the Finance Director for the adidas Group in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where he ensured profitable growth in a complex and legislative heavy market. He was also key in the successful sponsorship of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil for adidas. Barker’s exceptional international business and financial background, along with his strong leadership and team building skills will bring valued long-term strategic thinking to the team.