Rumor Confirmed! … Bettinardi Is On His Own
You might have noticed that about a month ago we posted a rumor in the lower right footer of the website stating that we had heard that arguably one of the most famous putter designers Robert Bettinardi had decided to end his partnership with Mizuno. Well today that rumor has been confirmed.
Press Release
Mizuno USA, Inc. & Tinley Park, IL-Bettinardi Golf, announced today that the companies will not be extending their exclusive partnership beyond 2009. The decision to discontinue the exclusivity of the contract was both mutual and amicable, with Mizuno continuing to sell, market and service Mizuno Bettinardi putters through June of 2010, while Bettinardi Golf will begin to sell and market putters under the ‘Bettinardi’ name beginning in the Fall of 2009.
Mizuno and Bettinardi Golf came together with the debut of the 100% precision milled Mizuno Bettinardi A-Series and C-Series at the 2006 PGA Show, and later went on to introduce the widely acclaimed Black Carbon Series. The Mizuno Bettinardi Black Carbon Series will continue to provide players the best feel in the game through its patented F.I.T. Face Technology, which dramatically reduces the surface area of where the ball makes contact with the putter face to provide soft, solid and consistent feel to every putt. Some of the best putters in the game, such as 2009 Verizon Heritage and St. Jude Classic winner Brian Gay, rely on the unmatched precision and consistency of Mizuno Bettinardi putters to compete at the highest level. The high performance Mizuno Bettinardi putter lines will continue to be available in golf shops through 2010.
“We have the utmost respect for Bettinardi Golf and Bob Bettinardi for their skill in putter design and milling, and we wish them the best going forward.” said Dick Lyons, Vice President and General Manager, Mizuno USA Golf Division. “I feel that the relationship between our two companies has been very successful. The introduction of the F.I.T. Face Technology has redefined the qualities of a Milled putter. I have the highest regard for Mizuno and wish them success in all their future endeavors.” said Robert J. Bettinardi, President/C.E.O of Bettinardi Golf.
Mizuno USA, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mizuno Corporation, one of the largest specialty sporting goods manufacturers in the world. Mizuno USA, Inc. manufactures and distributes golf, baseball, softball, running, track & field, and volleyball equipment, apparel, and footwear for North America. Mizuno USA, Inc. is based in Norcross, Georgia.
Bettinardi Golf is a privately owned Corporation. Bettinardi Golf is known for the highest quality 100% CNC putters in the golf industry. Bettinardi is based in Tinley Park, IL.
Matt
15 years ago
I think with Nike’s poor past efforts in putter design they should give RJB a long look to add quality and name appeal for putters to an otherwise great club lineup. I have a Hogan Bettinardi and it’s the only non-nike club that I want in my bag.