Taylormade Focus Group

[Deleted member 15717]

Right, whether this is in the right place, I'm not sure...but I am sure it'll be moved if needed!!

I was one of the lucky two that got picked to head to Taylormade HQ in Basingstoke for a focus group meeting regarding wedges and putters. This meeting took place tonight...and all I can say is wow!

Unfortunately, I can't really say anything that was discussed in the meeting, as confidentiality agreements had to be signed, but from the questions that we were asked really made me think that these guys really do want to improve our game, and are coming up with lots of ways and ideas to help make that happen! It was an extremely informative meeting, with technologies being described to us, and how things work, and it was also nice to know that our answers, remarks and comments will al be listened to high up the "food chain" within the company.

The only disappointing thing from it all? The ATV wedges I want to buy are not available anywhere online until August (at least, in the lofts I want!!)

TM were fantastic to us, supplying us with plenty of food on the table, and drink, as well as giving us a few freebies to take home. The staff were pleasant, as well as knowledgable, and from talking to them afterwards, they seem to take a real pride in what is done, and they fully believe in the concepts etc.

Overall, a fantastic experience, that I feel very lucky to have been a part of! Thanks GM and TM!

 

[duncan mackie]

sounds good all round - thanks for taking the time to write it up

 

[pbrown7582]

a shame you cant divulge much of what was discussed but thats understandable with the way everyone is looking for an edge in the market. good you had a nice evening.
i take the atv wedges are only available in limited lofts shortly as TM tweeted yesterday from wentworth that they were about to hit the shops.

 

[Deleted member 15717]

Yeah...I went into American Golf on saturday, and they had some in, but only in 52,56 and 60. Not great when I want 50,54 and 58!! It's an impressive bit of kit though, however, by the time they come, it'll be towards the end of the season. According to websites, it was production difficulties

 

[thecraw]

Yeah...I went into American Golf on saturday, and they had some in, but only in 52,56 and 60. Not great when I want 50,54 and 58!! It's an impressive bit of kit though, however, by the time they come, it'll be towards the end of the season. According to websites, it was production difficulties

This seems to be a constant theme with TM, I know a few people who have had issues ordering TM irons and woods, now your telling me they are having the same issues with wedges!

Dare I suggest there are quite clear issues at TM!

 

[USER1999]

Did they discuss which colours are next? White is sooooo 2011.

I'm guessing mauve.

 

[Swinger]

It was an interesting session.
We really can't say too much as most of the meeting contained sensitive material.
A few interesting ideas and concepts.

The Taylormade/Addidas HQ is pretty impressive, golf gear everywhere and smart decor.
The meeting room had every current club, bag, ball, glove, hat and towel in set up like a pro shop, very smart.
I think the guys were saying that our group were the first non TM people to set foot in the room as it had only been up and running about 4 weeks.
The pens were pretty cool too as they lit up red.

Little bit annoyed that most of the group were from one golf club, not sure that TM will quite get as broad a picture as they would have liked from the focus group.

I'm pretty sure I'm ok to say that the Pony looks very interesting. Watch this space, especially if you struggle with distance control on the greens.

 

[Deleted member 15717]

It was an interesting session.
We really can't say too much as most of the meeting contained sensitive material.
A few interesting ideas and concepts.

The Taylormade/Addidas HQ is pretty impressive, golf gear everywhere and smart decor.
The meeting room had every current club, bag, ball, glove, hat and towel in set up like a pro shop, very smart.
I think the guys were saying that our group were the first non TM people to set foot in the room as it had only been up and running about 4 weeks.
The pens were pretty cool too as they lit up red.

Little bit annoyed that most of the group were from one golf club, not sure that TM will quite get as broad a picture as they would have liked from the focus group.

I'm pretty sure I'm ok to say that the Pony looks very interesting. Watch this space, especially if you struggle with distance control on the greens.

It got to me a litle bit as well, as they were constantly saying "give equipment to our pro and we'll have a look" which I don't think is the answer that TM were after...still, they obviously have quite close relationship with that golf club, so it works!!

 

[BTatHome]

Which club ?

 

[Deleted member 15717]

Basingstoke GC

 

[BTatHome]

Basingstoke GC

They are affiliated with quite a few in the area, often using our club for demos as we have a decent grass range.

 

[swanny32]

What freebies did you guys get? Anything good?

 

[Deleted member 15717]

1 dozen TP3 Balls
1 dozen TP5 balls
1 Hat
1 Hat clip with ball marker
1 Pen
1 Notepad
1 Lanyard

Didn't expect that much at all to be honest, they teased us at one point with something, but unfortunately, it wasn't included in the goodie bag!!

 

[swanny32]

Still pretty good of them! Look forward to hearing what it was all about in the near future.