Pros advice

Callaway Golf swoops for former Nike golf ball innovator Rock Ishii


Rock Ishii has joined the ranks of Callaway Golf after 15 years of service to Nike following the company’s decision to end its equipment and golf ball ranges.

Rock Ishii was responsible for the design of every single golf ball Nike created, including those used by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. It is a huge coup for Callaway, which is looking to further enhance its own golf ball ranges as it strives to draw in the Nike players seeking a new brand to play.

Ishii has 25 years of golf product development experience, and his arrival will only strengthen Callaway, which is the fastest growing major golf ball brand since 2013, according to Golf Datatech.

This looks to be a very bold step for Callaway, especially during a time when many golf companies are scaling back. President and CEO Chip Brewer said: “At a time when other companies within the golf industry are pulling back, Ishii will help Callaway further strengthen its technical position and build for the future.”

Ishii will also help investigate new construction methods, and improve Callaway Golf’s evaluation of golf ball performance, according to Dr. Alan Hocknell, the company’s senior vice president of research and development.

Nike opted to pull out of the golf equipment business in August, focusing fully on apparel instead. It meant that some of the top minds in research & development — such as Ishii — were free to move elsewhere within the industry.

Score one for Callaway Golf.



Keep up to date with all the latest news & videos
Latest News
  • USPGA ROUNDUP


    Read more

  • AG News: Power hitters clinch American Golf Long Drive titles

    Intense pressure and strong headwinds didn’t deter Europe’s longest drivers from racking up prodigious distances at the American Golf Long Drive Championships jointly-hosted by Callaway last Thursday. Crowds witnessed 300-yard drives in the women’s competition and a monster hit of 384 yards in the under 45 men’s category as competitors vied for the UK & Ireland Long Drive title.
    Read more

  • AG News: Bounce-back win at Firestone sets Thomas up for PGA defence

    Justin Thomas's preparation for his first major title defence at this week’s PGA Championships couldn't have been much better. We wrap-up the action from the WCG-Bridgestone Invitational.
    Read more

More news
View More Button
Latest Videos
  • Video: Leupold's Golf Rangefinders

    Leupold's 2017 golf rangefinders redefine accuracy on the links. Designed specifically for the golf market, Leupold's GX series is the best on the market. Whether you're a professional or an amateur, every detail and function is designed to improve your game.
    Read more

  • Video: Callaway Golf XR Speed Driver

    The XR Speed Driver delivers exceptional ball speed and incredible forgiveness from the combination of our new X VFT Face, refined Speed Step aerodynamics and the inclusion of a carbon composite crown. FAST JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT FASTER.
    Read more

  • Video: American Golf pro Matt Nicole goes for a World Record

    Watch as Matt Nicole tries to make a new world record....
    Read more

More news
View More Button

Latest Golf News

USPGA ROUNDUP
News
Posted: 13/08/2018

USPGA ROUNDUP

Read more
AG News: Power hitters clinch American Golf Long Drive titles
News
Posted: 06/08/2018

AG News: Power hitters clinch American Golf Long Drive titles

Intense pressure and strong headwinds didn’t deter Europe’s longest drivers from racking up prodigious distances at the American Golf Long Drive Championships jointly-hosted by Callaway last Thursday. Crowds witnessed 300-yard drives in the women’s competition and a monster hit of 384 yards in the under 45 men’s category as competitors vied for the UK & Ireland Long Drive title.

Read more