MacGregor Golf

MacGregor Golf

File:Macgregor golf logo.png
Industry	Sports equipment
Founded	1897 (1897) originally as "Crawford, McGregor & Canby Company"
Headquarters	Albany, Georgia , U.S.
Products	Golf clubs, bags, accessories
Website	www.macgregorgolf.com

MacGregor Golf operates as a manufacturer within the sports equipment sector, based in Albany, Georgia, with a specialization in golf merchandise. Its offerings encompass an extensive selection of golf clubs, bags, and related accessories.

The company’s roots extend back to 1829 through the Dayton Last Company, which initially crafted hand-carved wooden shoe lasts. In 1897, after incorporating partners John McGregor and Edward Canby, the enterprise was formally established as "Crawford, McGregor & Canby Company" in Dayton, Ohio. Transitioning from producing footwear components to manufacturing golf clubs—primarily featuring wooden shafts at that time—it emerged as one of the earliest American producers in this field.

During the 1930s, the Goldsmith Company acquired Crawford, McGregor & Canby, leading to the formation of MacGregor-Goldsmith. Given the stronger market recognition of the MacGregor brand compared to Goldsmith, the company rebranded itself as MacGregor to strengthen its position within the competitive golf equipment market.

Founding and Early Development

The origins of MacGregor Golf date back to 1829 when Archibald and Ziba Crawford launched a workshop in Dayton, Ohio focused on producing hand-carved wooden lasts for shoes. Operating initially under the name Dayton Last Works with a modest workforce, the business concentrated on shoe last manufacturing for many years.

With John McGregor joining in 1874 and Edward Canby in 1886, their names were incorporated into the company title by 1897. This year marked its official formation as "Crawford, McGregor & Canby," coinciding with a strategic pivot toward manufacturing golf clubs—then predominantly crafted with wooden shafts—positioning the company as a pioneering American manufacturer in this industry.

The acquisition by Goldsmith Company in the 1930s resulted in the creation of MacGregor-Goldsmith. Leveraging the stronger brand equity of MacGregor over Goldsmith, the firm adopted the MacGregor name to boost its market presence and foster growth within the competitive golf equipment sector.

Changes in Ownership

Ownership previously included the Wickes Corporation and prior to that, Brunswick Corporation. In the mid-1980s, Amer Sports purchased an 80% interest in MacGregor from Jack Nicklaus for approximately $8 million. Following a decline in MacGregor’s financial results, Amer divested the company to a British-led consortium in 1997. The subsequent year saw The Parkside Group, an equity investment firm, take ownership of MacGregor.

In 2003, MacGregor reacquired its Japanese subsidiary from Suntory. By 2006, it entered into co-ownership of the Greg Norman Collection sportswear brand alongside Greg Norman, acquiring it from Adidas. In May 2009, MacGregor was purchased by Golfsmith International, coinciding with Greg Norman’s resignation as chairman. Golfsmith maintained ownership until its bankruptcy in 2016. Following this event, Golfsmith’s assets—including MacGregor Golf—were acquired by Dick's Sporting Goods.

Sponsorship agreements

MacGregor has formed endorsement relationships with notable professional golfers, including a longstanding collaboration with Jack Nicklaus as well as alliances with José María Olazábal and Lee Janzen, significantly boosting its presence within the golf sector.

See also

• Response ZT (golf club)