Topgolf/Callaway, Makefield Putters and Zero Friction’s Wheel Pro were among the winners in the 29th Annual ING Industry Honors awards program. Results in seven categories were announced Thursday at the PGA Merchandise Show.
John Iacono of Zero Friction (R), with ING President John Glozek
The ING Industry Honors program recognizes outstanding achievement in the golf business. The non-profit, media-based networking organization International Network of Golf conducts the awards program.
Nominees in all categories are submitted throughout the year from anyone in the golf industry. Sub-committees that include experts in each category then trim the entries to the top three in each category. ING members then vote electronically to determine the winners, who are announced and recognized at the Industry Honors Presentation Press Conference.
Chip Brewer, President & CEO, Topgolf/Callaway Brand Corp, won the Business Achievement category. Brewer led Callaway’s charge to the dominant position in the golf equipment space during the COVID Pandemic-fueled surge in golf. In 2021 he made big news by acquiring Topgolf, a company that had suffered the opposite effect during COVID. The result was a 13 percent increase in net revenue in the second quarter of 2022 compared to 2021.
Callaway’s Rogue ST Driver led voting in the Product Ingenuity, Equipment for Market Leaders category. The driver is the lowest spinning Rogue ST Driver model, with a neutral-to-fade bias in a compact 450cc head. The new Tungsten Speed Cartridge structure places up to 20 grams low and deep in the driver head. This increases speed on off-center hits and provides more forgiveness through high MOI.
Makefield Putters wins Product Ingenuity-Emerging Companies category
Makefield Putters was tops in the Product Ingenuity, Equipment for Market Leaders category. The company employs a physics-first mindset, placing driver-weighted technology in the club. The radial cusp technology in the face really rolls the ball nicely. They are face-balanced and with 3 different weight channels, 3 types of weights, and the capability to put 3 weights in each of the channels there’s an endless number of combinations you can create to make a custom weighted putter.
Zero Friction’s groundbreaking Wheel Pro Golf Bag won the Product Ingenuity-Accessories/Soft Goods category. The Wheel Pro is a 3 in 1 design that eliminates the need to purchase two separate products – both a bag and a pushcart – saving you
Beth Major, USGA
money, storage space and hassle.
Other winners included Rapsodo Combines in the Product Ingenuity-Training Aids category; USGA in the TV Commercial category; and French Lick Resort in the Digital/Print Ad category.
2022 ING Industry Honors Winners/Finalists
Business Achievement
Winner: Chip Brewer, President & CEO, Topgolf/Callaway Brand Corp
Other Finalists: Mark Burnett, President, Heritage Golf Group; Jared Solomon, Co-Founder and CEO of Five Iron Golf.
Brendan Sweeney, French Lick Resort
Print Advertising
Winner: French Lick Resort – “This View Is Waiting For You.”
Other Finalists: Pinehurst No 4 – “Every Angle;” PING – “Science Friction.”
Product Ingenuity – Emerging Companies-Golf Equipment
Winner: Makefield Putters
Other Finalists: Edel SMS Wedges; OnCore Vero X2 Golf Balls
Product Ingenuity – Market Leaders- Golf Equipment
Winner: Callaway Rogue ST Driver
Other Finalists: Mizuno Pro 223 Irons; Wilson D9 Forged Irons
Product Ingenuity –Accessories/ Soft Goods
Winner: Zero Friction’s Wheel Pro Pushcart Golf Bag
Other Finalists: The Phone Caddy by Desert Fox Golf; Towel Tag
Rapsodo Combines was tops in Training Products category
Product Ingenuity – Training Products
Winner: Rapsodo Combines
Other Finalists: Divot Board; Short Game Gains Putting Mirror
TV Commercial
Winner: USGA – “Proud Partner Of The Next Generation”
Other Finalists: Callaway Rogue– “Think Speed, Go Rogue;” Golf Tec – “Happy Brian”
