What was in Patrick Reed’s equipment bag during the Masters? Not a predetermined suite of clubs and balls from any one of the major manufacturers.
He did wield clubs from such fabled golf names as Titleist and Callaway, but at his own discretion, not the companies’, according to a BBC report. The champion eschewed traditional endorsement deals that would have netted him millions but forced him to use a specific manufacturer’s equipment.
While Reed could be seen at Augusta National in a bright pink polo—he is signed to a clothing deal with Nike, which mandates that its players wear pink for the final round, BBC reported—he was able to choose which golf club he used for any particular situation. The manufacturers often offer equipment deals with clubs that will more than get the job done, but Reed’s decision was based on comfort.
And if he indeed sacrificed a potential windfall from his refusal to endorse a particular brand, his green jacket more than makes up for it.
SportTechie Takeaway
Reed is rather unique among athletes of any sport in his decision not to commit to a particular equipment brand. But with many companies using technology to advance equipment performance and specialization, expect to see more athletes focusing on the tools that allow them to perform best, rather than agreeing to a broad endorsement deal.
We see Reed as prescient when he noted to the BBC that it’s “hard to believe there is one company that makes 14 perfect golf clubs and a perfect golf ball for every player.”