t’s Masters Sunday. A look at “Moving Day”, Phil Mickelson, Corey Conners, and Justin Rose. Golf courses don’t care how pretty a golf swing is. Just ask Adam Scott. The forecast in Augusta for Sunday, and Hideki Matsuyama what could be on the menu and the “Hideki-pause”. You may wanna incorporate it. Here’s why.
Music by – Alexander Toth (Host)
Until The Next Tee!!
#fightandgrind #seeuonthenexttee
It’s now “Moving Day” at the 2021 Masters. A quick look at who made the cut and who didn’t. Who out of the first groups could make a move today to get back into contention. Thoughts on Will Zalatoris, Justin Rose, DJ, Rory, and Bryson DeChambeau.
Until The Next Tee!!
#fightandgrind #seeuonthenexttee
(Miami, FL, March 8, 2021) — Original Penguin Golf® by Munsingwear®, a division of Perry Ellis International, is pleased to debut brand ambassador Cameron Smith’s scripting for THE PLAYERS Championship. This week at iconic TPC Sawgrass, Smith will be outfitted in Original Penguin’s first Spring 2021 delivery, which is based in navy and white with energetic pops of teal, pink, and bright green. This collection is inspired by a retro-resort aesthetic with the mix of vibrant colors and whimsical prints which are sure to invoke the feeling of Spring and pay homage to Florida’s resort lifestyle.
Sustainability and environmental preservation are the core of Original Penguin’s DNA, so not only will Cameron be looking good, but he will be helping the environment thanks to Original Penguin’s RE-Originals™ sustainable fabrication. Their new eco-friendly golf polos are crafted with 30% recycled polyester and use a double-knit high-gauge fabrication for superior performance and aesthetics. Pairing these elevated materials with OPG’s modern tailored fit, Cameron’s style is sure to be an original this week at Sawgrass.
Here are Cameron’s looks for the week:
Thursday:
Floral Conversational Polo
Everyday Pant – Bright White
Reversible Leather Belt with Pete Buckle
Friday:
Shrimp Cocktail Printed Polo
Everyday Pant – Black Iris
Reversible Leather Belt with Pete Buckle
Saturday:
The Three Strokes Polo – Black Iris Heather
Everyday Pant – Pearl Blue
Printed Cotton Web Belt
Sunday:
The Golf Earl™ Polo – Cherry Blossom Pink
New Original Plaid Pant – Black Iris
Reversible Leather Belt with Pete Buckle
About An Original Penguin by Munsingwear®
In 1955, Minneapolis-based Munsingwear – an underwear and military supply company – ironically became the touchstone of suburban sport with the introduction of the first iconic golf shirt to America – an ORIGINAL PENGUIN®. Known for its unique, humorous and detail-oriented clothing, Original Penguin is a global brand offering a full range of men’s and children’s clothing, accessories and fragrances with diverse retail distribution and two dedicated e-commerce websites: http://www.originalpenguin.com and http://www.original penguin.co.uk. See a full preview of the Spring 2021 Golf collection here.
About Perry Ellis International
Perry Ellis International, Inc. is a leading designer, distributor, and licensor of a broad line of high quality men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, and fragrances. The company’s collection of dress and casual shirts, golf sportswear, sweaters, dress pants, casual pants and shorts, jeans wear, active wear, dresses, and men’s and women’s swimwear is available through all major levels of retail distribution. The company, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, owns a portfolio of nationally and internationally recognized brands, including: Perry Ellis®, An Original Penguin by Munsingwear®, Laundry by Shelli Segal®, Rafaella®, Cubavera®, Ben Hogan®, Savane®, Grand Slam®, John Henry®, Manhattan®, Axist® and Farah®. The company enhances its roster of brands by licensing trademarks from third parties, including: Nike® for swimwear, and Callaway®, PGA TOUR®, and Jack Nicklaus® for golf apparel. Additional information on the company is available at http://www.pery.com
CARLSBAD, CA and DALLAS, TX / March 8, 2021 / PRNewswire / — Callaway Golf Company (“Callaway”)(NYSE:ELY) and Topgolf International, Inc. (Topgolf) announced today that the companies have completed their previously announced merger, following approval by shareholders of both companies. The combined enterprise creates an unrivaled tech-enabled golf company delivering leading golf equipment, apparel and entertainment.
Topgolf is a leading tech-enabled golf entertainment business, with an innovative platform comprised of its ground-breaking open-air venues, revolutionary Toptracer technology, and innovative media platform. Callaway is a leader in the global golf equipment market with a scale position in active-lifestyle soft goods and a proven ability to deliver strong results.
Callaway and Topgolf are just better together͕” said Chip Brewer͕ President and Chief Executive Officer of Callaway. Callaway’s leadership in the global golf equipment market and geographic diversity, combined with Topgolf’s revolutionary technology platform and access to golfers of all abilities͕, will allow both companies to accelerate growth and create competitive advantages. This transformational merger has already created and will continue to create meaningful shareholder value. We are very excited to begin this next chapter and I cannot wait to see what we can accomplish together͘”.
Erik Anderson, Executive Chairman of Topgolf, added “I am tremendously proud of everything we’ve achieved at Topgolf since our founding in 2000. Our dedicated team of associates, ground-breaking Toptracer technology, and proprietary venues and media platforms have transformed the intersection of sports and entertainment. Together with Callaway, Topgolf has the opportunity to build upon its rapid growth story, bring the Topgolf experience to new communities and advance our mission of making golf
a more inclusive and accessible game͘”.
Transaction Details
Under the terms of the merger agreement, which was previously announced on October 27, 2020, Callaway issued approximately 90 million shares of its common stock to the shareholders of Topgolf, excluding Callaway, which previously held approximately 14% of Topgolf’s outstanding shares. Immediately following the merger, Callaway shareholders owned approximately 51.3% and former Topgolf shareholders (excluding Callaway) owned approximately 48.7% of the outstanding shares of the combined company.
Board of Directors for the Combined Company
The combined company’s Board of Directors now consists of 13 directors, including three new directors appointed by Topgolf shareholders. Chip Brewer will continue to lead the combined company as President and Chief Executive Officer. Dolf Berle will continue to lead the Topgolf business through a transition period, at which time he intends to step down to pursue other leadership opportunities. John Lundgren will continue as Chairman of the Board of the combined company, while Erik Anderson will serve as Vice Chairman.
The combined company will be headquartered in Carlsbad, California with Topgolf continuing to operate from its headquarters in Dallas, Texas. Goldman Sachs served as the financial advisor and Latham & Watkins LLP served as legal counsel to Callaway. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and J.P. Morgan served as financial advisors and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP served as legal counsel to Topgolf.
Notice of Inducement Equity Awards
In connection with the merger, and effective as of the closing date, Callaway granted to 189 employees of Topgolf an aggregate of 385,389 inducement performance stock unit (“PSU”) units (at the target level) and an aggregate of 456,274 inducement restricted stock unit (“RSU”) awards͘. The awards were granted under Callaway’s 2021 Employment Inducement Plan͕ which provides for the granting of equity awards to new employees of Callaway. The RSU and PSU awards were approved by Callaway’s Board of Directors and/or Compensation and Management Succession Committee and were granted as an inducement material to the new employees entering into employment with Callaway, in accordance with New York Stock Exchange Rule 303A.08.
The RSU awards will vest and the restrictions will lapse in three equal annual installments commencing on the one-year anniversary of the grant date, subject to continued employment through each applicable vesting date.
The PSUs will vest after three years based on performance against certain corporate financial objectives over a three-year performance period beginning January 1, 2021 and ending December 31, 2023. The number of shares earned under the PSUs may be 617,689 in the aggregate if maximum performance is achieved during this three-year period. However, final vesting of the PSUs will not occur until the third anniversary of the grant date, following the end of the three-year performance period, and will be subject to continued employment through that date.
About Callaway Golf Company
Callaway Golf Company (NYSE: ELY) is a premium golf equipment and active lifestyle company with a portfolio of global brands, including Callaway Golf, Odyssey, OGIO, Travis Mathew and Jack Wolfskin. Through an unwavering commitment to innovation, Callaway manufactures and sells premium golf clubs, golf balls, golf and lifestyle bags, golf and lifestyle apparel and other accessories. For more information please visit http://www.callawaygolf.com, http://www.odysseygolf.com, http://www.OGIO.com,
http://www.travismathew.com, and http://www.jack-wolfskin.com.
About Topgolf Entertainment Group
Topgolf Entertainment Group is a technology-enabled global sports and entertainment leader built on a foundation of community, inclusivity and fun. What started as a simple idea to enhance the game of golf has grown into a movement where people from all walks of life connect at the intersection of technology and sports entertainment. Topgolf Entertainment Group’s platforms include Topgolf venues,
Topgolf Media, Topgolf International, Toptracer and Topgolf Swing Suite. To learn more about Topgolf, visit http://www.topgolfentertainmentgroup.com or follow Topgolf on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
There is no doubt that when it comes to professional golf, there’s a bit of an “Arm’s Race”. For this, we have many thanks to give to Bryson DeChambeau. Bryson, the intelligent, savvy golfer that he is has combined mathematics, science, and a vaunted physical fitness regimen to be the longest hitter on the PGA TOUR. For proof, look no further than his drive during the third round of the 2021 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in. He drove the golf ball and carried some 370 yards. Rory McIlroy’s 360 yard effort was impressive too.
Bombers on TOUR aren’t just about one or two guys like it was back when John Daly was pulverizing drives. Or, more recently when everyone was in awe of Bubba Watson every time he cranked up the “watts”.. The list is long now with names like Matthew Wolff, Cameron Champ, and Dustin Johnson to name a few. Meanwhile, across the pond you have the European Tour’s Wilco Nienaber of South Africa. who quietly averages 341 yards off of the tee.
If there’s one thing that the “arm’s race” has done it’s that it’s motivated or inspired golfers of all levels to try to find more speed. With more speed comes more distance and which golfer amongst us, wants to hit it shorter? Certainly not I, as I approach my 50th birthday in less than a year. If only there was more way to reach my potential. Develop more speed if you will.
Well, the good news is that there is. There are a few golf training tools out there dedicated to helping golfers achieve more speed, via overload or overspeed training While I won’t list any names, I want to talk about a newer product to the market.
RYP Golf wants you wants you to “Reach Your Potential”. Get faster and hit the golf ball longer with Rypstick. Based in Minnesota, Rypstick is from the mind of Dr. Luke Benoit Ph.D who is the Founder of Ryp Golf. I had the pleasure of talking with Vice-President Scott Macdonald (Director of Speed) during the 2021 PGA Show Virtual Experience. I learned a great deal about what Rypstick is all about. To say that it’s intriguing is a little understated. This is a product that some golfers might contend that its been done before.
Sure, the “end game” is the same. Develop more clubhead speed and hit that little dimpled beast further. But, instead of carrying an additional 3 sticks in your already crammed golf bag, there’s just one stick. Just from a convenience standpoint, I like this design already compared to the other option. I used to take my three sticks into the gym to make swings, but frankly, it was a pain in the posterior.
To achieve weights from light to heavy there are removable weights, in total there are actually 8 weight combinations that you can create to train with. Overall, the weight can range from 270 grams all the way to 420 grams. Not to mention a free swing analysis and fitness assessment with purchase (I misspoke in the accompanying video saying that it was a trainer for a month). They also come in five different lengths, shorter ones will be lighter. By visiting their website, you’ll find a “Fitness Hub” and “Golf Swing” tab to help you along the way that provides plenty of information, workouts, and training videos.
Since their inception in 2020, Rypstick has managed to add “30+ PGA Tour Players, 150+ Top Teachers, and over half of the top World Long Drive Athletes”.
I admit it, I’ve lost clubhead over the last few years but my stroke in 2018 was a major contributor of my loss of speed. Whether I can get back to my former self or not, remains to be seen (I topped out at 113 mph and cruised at 107 mph). But, I’m looking forward to getting down and dirty with the Rypstick. Let’s see where this new journey takes me. Will I get faster? “I have the need… the need for speed!”
Stay tuned to Until The Next Tee for more coverage and information on Rypstick. Also, look for an upcoming episode of my TeeBox Chatter golf podcast where I will be having a chat with the minds behind Rypstick. I hope that you enjoy the unboxing video.
Until The Next Tee!!
#fightandgrind
