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| genre =
| genre =
| foundation = {{start date and age|1973}}
| foundation = {{start date and age|1973}}
| founder = Thomas L. Crow
| founder = [[Tom Crow (golfer)|Thomas L. Crow]]
| location_city = [[Carlsbad, California]]
| location_city = [[Carlsbad, California]]
| location_country = USA
| location_country = USA
| location = <!-- this parameter modifies "Headquarters" -->
| location = <!-- this parameter modifies "Headquarters" -->
| origins =
| origins =
| key_people = Bob Philion, President<ref>[https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-philion-8768907 Bob Philion profile]</ref>
| key_people = Bob Philion, president<ref>[https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-philion-8768907 Bob Philion profile]</ref>
| area_served =
| area_served =
| industry = [[Sports equipment]]
| industry = [[Sports equipment]]
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== History ==
== History ==
=== Origin ===
=== 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.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.golflink.com/facts_4941_history-cobra-golf.html|title=The History of Cobra Golf|last=O'Brien|first=Brendan|website=GolfLink|language=en|access-date=2019-12-04}}</ref> 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<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Lal|first=Rajiv|date=September 2005|title=Callaway Golf Company|url=http://caputconsultoria.com.br/2016/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Case-Harvard-ABE36_MKT_Caso_Callaway_Golf_Company.pdf|journal=Harvard Business School}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cobragolf.com/history|title=History|website=www.cobragolf.com|access-date=2019-12-04}}</ref> In five years, Cobra Golf was selling about $4.5 million worth of these clubs annually.<ref name=":0" />
The company was founded in 1973 by [[Tom Crow (golfer)|Thomas L. Crow]], winner of the 1961 [[Australian Amateur|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.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.golflink.com/facts_4941_history-cobra-golf.html|title=The History of Cobra Golf|last=O'Brien|first=Brendan|website=GolfLink|language=en|access-date=2019-12-04}}</ref> 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<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Lal|first=Rajiv|date=September 2005|title=Callaway Golf Company|url=http://caputconsultoria.com.br/2016/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Case-Harvard-ABE36_MKT_Caso_Callaway_Golf_Company.pdf|journal=Harvard Business School}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cobragolf.com/history|title=History|website=www.cobragolf.com|access-date=2019-12-04}}</ref> In five years, Cobra Golf was selling about $4.5 million worth of these clubs annually.<ref name=":0" />


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 presented the idea by Cooper Riner to group together under the [[Acushnet Company]] umbrella along with the company's other golf brands, [[Titleist]], [[FootJoy]], and [[Pinnacle Golf]]. In 2010, Cobra was acquired by [[Puma SE]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.golfdigest.com/story/heres-what-happened-with-eight-equipment-company-acquistions |title=Here's what happened with 10 equipment company acquistions &#91;sic&#93; |website=Golf Digest |first=Mike |last=Johnson |date=May 5, 2016}}</ref>
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]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.golfdigest.com/story/heres-what-happened-with-eight-equipment-company-acquistions |title=Here's what happened with 10 equipment company acquistions &#91;sic&#93; |website=Golf Digest |first=Mike |last=Johnson |date=May 5, 2016}}</ref>


In 1999 Cobra introduced Dista golf balls intended to maximize distance for all players with multiple swing speed models offered.<ref name=":1" />  "[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."<ref name=":1" />  Cobra continues to make advancements in their clubs and golf balls, and their sponsored tour players continue to thrive using these new products.
In 1999 Cobra introduced Dista golf balls intended to maximize distance for all players with multiple swing speed models offered.<ref name=":1" />  "[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."<ref name=":1" />


=== Marketing===
=== Marketing===
Between 1989 and 1993, the company grew from $20 million to $56 million in annual sales thanks to aggressive marketing that included endorsements from golfing greats Hale Irwin, Beth Daniel and Greg Norman.<ref name=":0" /> Cobra had a successful relationship with former world number one [[Greg Norman]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.golfweather.com/golf-news/cobra-golf-teams-up-with-greg-norman/3278 |title=COBRA Golf teams up with Greg Norman |date=January 23, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313154942/http://www.golfweather.com/golf-news/cobra-golf-teams-up-with-greg-norman/3278 |archive-date=March 13, 2014 }}</ref> Since 2009, the most well known face of Cobra Puma golf clubs and apparel is [[Rickie Fowler]], most known for his bright orange shirt color. <ref>{{Cite journal|last=Jarvinen|first=Jani|date=2012|title=MARKETING THROUGH CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP|url=https://www.theseus.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/52281/Jarvinen_Jani.pdf?sequence=1|journal=Turku University of Applied Sciences}}</ref>
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]].<ref name=":0" /> Cobra's relationship with former world number one Norman lasted for many years.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Leonard |first1=Tod |title=With help from 'The Shark,' Cobra Golf founder Tom Crow revolutionized club industry |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/golf/story/2020-01-19/with-help-from-the-shark-cobra-golf-founder-tom-crow-revolutionized-club-industry |website=The San Diego Union-Tribune |access-date=April 27, 2023 |date=January 19, 2020}}</ref> Other leading professionals to have endorsement deals with Cobra include [[Rickie Fowler]], [[Lexi Thompson]], [[Max Homa]], [[Gary Woodland]] and [[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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.golfmagic.com/news-pga-and-european-tour/cobra-signs-multi-year-agreement-with-honda-classic/18633.html|title=Cobra signs multi-year agreement with Honda Classic|author=Charlie Lemay|date=February 19, 2014}}</ref> In 2016 Cobra Golf partnered with Flying Tee, a golf [[driving range]] and [[golf simulator|simulation]] venue, to provide the official equipment and apparel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ionok.com/sports/flyingtee-announces-partnership-cobra-puma-golf/|title=FlyingTee Announces Partnership with COBRA PUMA GOLF|website=ionOKlahoma online|access-date=2019-12-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Trolia|first=Emily|date=May 2019|title=FORE YOUR INFORMATION: A FINANCIAL ANALYSIS OF THE GOLF INDUSTRY|url=http://thesis.honors.olemiss.edu/1394/1/FINAL%20Emily%20Trolia%20Thesis%20Final%20Draft.pdf|journal=University of Mississippi}}</ref>
=== Puma acquisition ===
[[Germany|German]] company [[Puma (brand)|Puma]] acquired all of Cobra from the Acushnet Company in 2010, fitting golfers with clothing, shoes and equipment for the sport.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/puma-acquires-equipment-brand-cobra-golf-87226657.html|title=PUMA Acquires Equipment Brand Cobra Golf|last=PUMA|website=www.prnewswire.com|language=en|access-date=2019-12-04}}</ref>

In February 2014, Cobra Golf signed a multi-year [[partnership]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.golfmagic.com/news-pga-and-european-tour/cobra-signs-multi-year-agreement-with-honda-classic/18633.html|title=Cobra signs multi-year agreement with Honda Classic|author=Charlie Lemay|date=February 19, 2014}}</ref> with the PGA Tour's [[Honda Classic]], making it one of the lead sponsors of the event.

⚫
In 2016 Cobra Golf partnered with Flying Tee, and will provide the official equipment and apparel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ionok.com/sports/flyingtee-announces-partnership-cobra-puma-golf/|title=FlyingTee Announces Partnership with COBRA PUMA GOLF|website=ionOKlahoma online|access-date=2019-12-04}}</ref> Flying Tee provides a fun golfing environment similar to the well known [[Topgolf]], but they also provide simulated course play.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Trolia|first=Emily|date=May 2019|title=FORE YOUR INFORMATION: A FINANCIAL ANALYSIS OF THE GOLF INDUSTRY|url=http://thesis.honors.olemiss.edu/1394/1/FINAL%20Emily%20Trolia%20Thesis%20Final%20Draft.pdf|journal=University of Mississippi}}</ref>

In 2019 Cobra was named by Golf Digest the best game improvement iron. In November that year, five-time PGA TOUR winner [[Jason Dufner]], signed a multi-year partnership with Cobra before playing in the 2019 [[Mayakoba Golf Classic]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pgatour.com/equipmentreport/2019/11/12/jason-dufner-signs-equipment-deal-cobra-golf-driver-irons.html|title=Free agent no longer: Dufner signs equipment deal with Cobra Golf|website=PGATour|language=en|access-date=2019-12-04}}</ref> In November 2020, Cobra Golf launched a 3D-printed putter.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Inc|first=H. P.|date=2020-11-17|title=COBRA Golf Partners With HP & Parmatech to Introduce the First of Its Kind, Limited Edition 3D Printed Commercial Putter Using HP Metal Jet Technology|url=http://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/11/17/2128573/0/en/COBRA-Golf-Partners-With-HP-Parmatech-to-Introduce-the-First-of-Its-Kind-Limited-Edition-3D-Printed-Commercial-Putter-Using-HP-Metal-Jet-Technology.html|access-date=2021-02-23|website=GlobeNewswire News Room}}</ref>


== Products ==
== Products ==
Cobra markets a full range of golf clubs including; drivers, fairways, hybrids, irons, wedges, utility irons, etc.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cobragolf.com/|title=Cobra Golf - Golf Clubs, Cobra Golf Clubs, KING F9 SPEEDBACK, KING LTD, King F8, Puma Golf|website=www.cobragolf.com|access-date=2019-12-04}}</ref>
Cobra markets a full range of golf clubs including; drivers, fairways, hybrids, irons, wedges, utility irons, etc.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cobragolf.com/|title=Cobra Golf - Golf Clubs, Cobra Golf Clubs, KING F9 SPEEDBACK, KING LTD, King F8, Puma Golf|website=www.cobragolf.com|access-date=2019-12-04}}</ref>

== Sponsorships ==
Cobra has maintained endorsement deals with many [[professional golfer]]s playing on the leading [[professional golf tour|tours]], including [[Bryson DeChambeau]], [[Rickie Fowler]] and [[Lexi Thompson]].


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
* {{Official website}}
* {{Official website}}

{{Puma}}
{{Sports equipment brands}}
{{Sports equipment brands}}


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[[Category:Companies based in Carlsbad, California]]
[[Category:Companies based in Carlsbad, California]]
[[Category:Manufacturing companies established in 1973]]
[[Category:Manufacturing companies established in 1973]]
[[Category:Sporting goods manufacturers of Australia]]
[[Category:Sporting goods manufacturers of the United States]]
[[Category:Sporting goods manufacturers of the United States]]
[[Category:Puma (brand)]]
[[Category:Puma (brand)]]

Latest revision as of 22:38, 1 January 2025

Cobra Golf
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustrySports equipment
Founded1973; 52 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

[edit]

Origin

[edit]

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

[edit]

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 endorsement deals with Cobra include Rickie Fowler, Lexi Thompson, Max Homa, Gary Woodland and 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

[edit]

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

References

[edit]
  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.
[edit]
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