TaylorMade
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Golf equipment |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Founder | Gary Adams |
| Headquarters | Carlsbad, California , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Golf clubs, golf balls, golf clothing |
| Owner | Centroid Investment Partners |
| Parent | Centroid Investment Partners |
TaylorMade Golf Company is a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in golf equipment, with its headquarters located in Carlsbad, California. The company produces a range of golf-related products, including golf clubs, balls, and clothing. It functions as a subsidiary under Centroid Investment Partners, following its purchase from KPS Capital Partners in May 2021.
TaylorMade gained prominence in 1979 by introducing metal drivers, which revolutionized the industry by transitioning from persimmon to steel driver heads. This innovation helped the company capture a substantial portion of the golf equipment market. In 2012, Outside magazine honored TaylorMade as one of the top "Best Places to Work" in America, highlighting its workplace environment and leadership approach.
Early Years in Illinois
Established in 1979 by entrepreneur Gary Adams, who financed the startup with $24,000 borrowed against his home, TaylorMade began in a modest 6,000-square-foot facility in McHenry, Illinois. The initial team consisted of just three employees, focusing exclusively on Adams' groundbreaking metalwood driver featuring a 12-degree loft. This steel club replaced the conventional persimmon drivers and earned the nickname "Pittsburgh Persimmon," giving TaylorMade a technological edge in driver manufacturing.
The company’s sales started at $47,000 during its inaugural year and grew rapidly, reaching $1 billion by 2006—becoming only the second brand in golf to hit this revenue milestone—demonstrating robust expansion and market presence.
Acquisition by Salomon Group (1984)
TaylorMade remained independent until it was acquired by Salomon S.A. in 1984. This acquisition enabled Salomon to enter a "three-season" sports market while providing TaylorMade with access to Salomon's extensive global network. This ownership lasted until Adidas purchased Salomon in 1997.
Transition to Adidas Ownership (1997)
After Adidas acquired Salomon, TaylorMade intensified its efforts to lead the driver segment, securing the number one position by late 2005. The company further broadened its portfolio by acquiring golf apparel brands such as Ashworth in 2008 and Adams Golf in 2012; however, both brands were later divested to KPS Capital Partners in 2017.
Acquisition by KPS Capital Partners (2017)
In 2017, following Nike's exit from the golf equipment sector, TaylorMade gained prominent endorsements from golfers Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. That same year, KPS Capital Partners purchased TaylorMade for approximately US$425 million, finalizing the transaction in November. Soon after, TaylorMade ended its long-standing 15-year endorsement relationship with Sergio García, indicating a strategic shift.
Purchase by Centroid Investment Partners (2022)
On February 3, 2022, KPS Capital Partners enlisted Morgan Stanley to assist with the sale of TaylorMade, valuing the company near US$2 billion. The acquisition was completed on May 11, 2022, when Korean private equity firm Centroid Investment Partners took ownership of TaylorMade from KPS.
Sun Day Red (2024)
On February 12, 2024, TaylorMade collaborated with golfer Tiger Woods to introduce his clothing brand, Sun Day Red. By January 7, 2025, the Sun Day Red tiger emblem encountered trademark disputes initiated by Tigeraire and Puma, with cases lodged at the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. The proceedings involving Tigeraire are currently on hold due to ongoing federal court litigation.
Parent companies
- Salomon Group (1984–1997)
- Adidas (1997–2017)
- KPS Capital Partners (2017–2022)
- Centroid Investment Partners (2022–present)
Endorsements
TaylorMade holds endorsement contracts with prominent professional golfers across major tours, including former world number ones such as Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Scottie Scheffler. Leading athletes like Collin Morikawa, Tommy Fleetwood, and Nelly Korda predominantly rely on TaylorMade gear, strengthening the brand's presence through carefully cultivated athlete collaborations.