Justin Timberlake signs golf deal with Callaway
Okay, here's another reason to be jealous of Justin Timberlake. Not only did the guy date Britney Spears and Cameron Diaz before moving on to Jessica Biel, but the six-handicapper has now signed a deal with Callaway Golf.
Although the financial terms were not disclosed, according to recent release, Timberlake will play a full complement of Callaway Golf clubs, golf balls and will carry a bag branded with the Callaway’s logo.
“There’s nothing like hitting the ball perfectly—I’m hooked on that feeling," Timberlake said. "With Callaway’s help, I’m hoping to experience that more often."
"We're thrilled to have Justin as a part of the Callaway staff," said George Fellows, president and CEO of Callaway Golf. "He has everything we look for when signing new talent – natural ability, a solid work ethnic and passion for the game."
(Photo by Marc Feldman/Getty Images)
Posted by: justen | Mar 13, 2009 5:18:01 PM
I am 23 and I have just started playing golf. It had nothing to do with Timberlake but I do understand why Callaway did this. I've heard everyone talking about him and how he likes to play golf and so forth. Good way to promote the greatest game ever played. Maybe golf will become the "cool" thing to do. Maybe that is what Callaway is banking on.
Posted by: NA | Nov 19, 2008 8:13:11 PM
I would have thought people buying golf equipment would more likely be influenced by their favourite pro rather than a pop star playing off 6? Don't we all want to hit like the pros...not like an ameature? Titleist all the way anyway!
Posted by: John | Nov 19, 2008 10:02:43 AM
WOW! The jealousy in some of these posts is ridiculous. It is hard to imagine that you can't see the value and influence that Timberlake brings with young people (15 to 25). They are the future of the game. It's good business whether you like it or not.
Posted by: Scott | Nov 17, 2008 12:07:32 PM
Callaway is obviously trying to tap Y-Gen(ers) and introduce them to the game their fathers play. Callaway is definitely on the cusp with their technology and latest Callaway golf clubs. Just wonder if they'll leverage social media marketing & online video to enhance the Timberlake relationship. They should get him into one of the Callaway Performance Centers and demo new clubs like the X-22's or FT-iQs.
Posted by: Bruce | Nov 11, 2008 7:11:03 PM
I think I have to agree with the one, people are stupid enough because they see a clean cut image...you mean managed image don't you? Gee, glad to have him on the Callaway Staff...I guess that makes us all feel better, lets celebrate!
Posted by: James | Nov 3, 2008 2:56:46 PM
Don't hate on Timberlake for this deal. The fact is, over the course of modern golf history, celebrities have played a HUGE role in promoting the game positively. Jackie Gleason, Danny Thomas, Bing Crosby, Jack Lemmon, Dean Martin and of course Bob Hope. There are more to be sure. I have no issue with Timberlake and his deal. More power to him.
Posted by: adam | Nov 3, 2008 2:27:27 PM
ah, he would still be an amateur if he wants to be. USGA now allows amateurs to have gear endorsements.
Posted by: GolfGirl | Nov 3, 2008 1:34:04 PM
At least he has a good, clean-cut image to promote the sport. Everything he does professionally is quality and classy, perhaps even more so than golf icon Daly!
Posted by: Peter | Nov 3, 2008 11:55:24 AM
Of course it is a business move. Nothing wrong about that, in my view. Mr Timberlake looks like a fine ambassador for the game and Callaway is right to buy him for its purposes.
Posted by: Douglas | Nov 3, 2008 12:35:42 AM
Probably a good move by Callaway. Timberlake is popular with young people. Young people like shiny new things and tend to buy impulsively. The immediate gratification from buying the clubs Timberlake plays will usually outweigh the discipline to find the right club, Callaway or not.
Posted by: Chris | Nov 2, 2008 7:56:50 PM
Business move, pure and simple. Timberlake visibility with the game of golf is huge for the promotion of the game.
Posted by: Chris | Nov 2, 2008 7:54:50 PM
Business move, pure and simple. Timberlake visibility with the game of golf is huge for the promotion of the game.
Posted by: Randall | Nov 2, 2008 9:41:07 AM
Hey Chris, if Obama gets elected it's the end of the rich getting richer. He will give all that to folks hwo just want to stay at home and live off of the working class.
Posted by: Roy Johnson | Nov 2, 2008 6:41:19 AM
I wouldn't play Callaway clubs,balls or anything else of their's for money or for free!!!!!! Junah never did and he did well with the help of Bagger Vance.
Posted by: KC | Nov 1, 2008 1:45:52 PM
They should sign Kyle Lograsso.
www.kylelograsso.org
Posted by: Rich o | Nov 1, 2008 8:54:31 AM
Thats great for Callaway. Why is everyone hating and sooo jealous. Im sure he will promote more sales than Olin Browne. This is marketing at its best.
Posted by: SDO | Oct 31, 2008 11:47:19 PM
I have been playing golf less than two years and have an official USGA 1.3 handicap. I currently play all Callaway equipment, but when I looked for endorsements, I was told that I should provide my tour schedule for consideration. Currently, I am not playing on tour, but would love the opportunity if I didn't have to work a full time job.
Posted by: turtle | Oct 31, 2008 6:19:42 PM
Callaway is smart enough to know that people are stupid enough to be influenced to buy their stuff because some celebrity shill uses it. That's how that entire industry works best (as do many others). Time to go get a beer at Hooters, maybe I'll see John Daly get arrested!
Posted by: Chris | Oct 31, 2008 4:41:13 PM
Quit hating. This is business as usual. They can endorse him if he's a 36 handicap and the rich always get richer. It's life in the US. If you don't like it, go somewhere else.
Posted by: 1buj | Oct 31, 2008 3:56:25 PM
goodbye amateur status. No way is JT a 6 handicap. I've seen him on some of those celebrity pro-ams on TV. Unless he has a ridiculous short game that is not represented fairly on TV, he's more like a 10 or 12.
Posted by: DJ | Oct 31, 2008 3:17:39 PM
THis is why I don't buy that NIKE garbage...
Posted by: steve | Oct 31, 2008 3:17:02 PM
I have a 7 handicap, natural ability, a solid work ethic, and a passion for the game as well. Where do I sign???
Posted by: Stewart | Oct 31, 2008 3:15:32 PM
Like any of their endorsers are "needy" of the $$. It is business pure & simple, and he is huge with the young people. And, he can actually play a little. It won't make me buy or not buy, as I am 49, but I bet my kids will take notice.
Posted by: Lefty 1.4 | Oct 31, 2008 2:55:44 PM
In response to Charlie, he would no longer have amateur status.
Posted by: charlie | Oct 31, 2008 1:17:28 PM
always wondered how deals like this effect one's USGA amateur status?
Posted by: Tim Stifflewad | Oct 31, 2008 12:32:02 PM
Just what Callaway need during their hard times and especially during these hard times: giving away money and bonuses to those hardly deserving or needy. This deal will certainly keep me from buying anymore Callaway stuff.