subject: Golf Pride Grips [print this page] Golf Pride Grips Golf Pride Grips
Golf Pride was founded in 1949 by the resourceful Thomas L. Fawick, an industrialist and inventor from Cleveland, Ohio, who also happened to be a golf enthusiast. Fawick found out that rubber might be a superior alternative to leather for golf grips, by providing a more secure and durable gripping surface. Eager to get his new concept moving, Fawick immediately entered into a manufacturing agreement with the Akron, Ohio - based Westgate Rubber Company. Early on the trade name "Golf Pride" was chosen, inspired by the name of a popular motor oil of the time, "Gulf Pride."
In the early years popularity of Golf Pride grips grew steadily. Not only did the new rubber grip provide improved feel and durability, but also offered other helpful benefits. It was lighter in weight than traditional leather grips, absorbed shock more effectively, and provided a more positive, high-traction gripping surface.
The big breakthrough came in 1953, with the introduction of the first "slip-on" grip. And while the technology seems simple today, it was a major development at the time. The impact of the slip-on grip on Golf Pride was significant and lasting, but it was no less profound on golf club manufacturers. Convenience of the new slip-on grip immediately changed the lead-time and economics in manufacturing golf clubs. It also made grip replacement a staple service in golf shops for golf supplies, as a quick and inexpensive way for golfers to update their equipment.
By the mid-1950's, a number of golf club manufacturers had switched to the slip-on grip, seeking the advantages of its convenience and economy, but Golf Pride was already a rising force in the world of golf. Golf Pride grips received a tremendous boost in 1958, when Tommy Bolt - who had been signed as a professional endorser along with Wally Ulrich and Chick Harbert - posted an impressive four-stroke Victory in the U.S. Open the first win in a "major" by a player using the new slip-on grip.
By the 1960's, the slip-on rubber grip had proven itself at every level of usage, on the club assembly floor, in the club repair shop, at tour and other competitive golf events, and among golfers in general. They form an integral part for some custom golf clubs
b) Since the beginnings Golf Pride is manufacturing the Tour Wrap grip. This one-piece, simulated wrap grip combines the look and feel of luxury leather with the durability, economy and performance of high-tack rubber. The Golf Pride Tour Velvet grip is the most popular grip in golf today. This grip combines a state-of-the-art rubber-blend compound with a computer-designed non-slip surface pattern for maximum playability, comfort and confidence.
In 2005 and 2006 Golf Pride launched the New Decade MultiCompound grip fusing the positive performance of rubber and cord for an innovative look and feel. This popular grip is designed with Golf Pride's exclusive black Velvet Cord in the upper hand area for firm all-weather control, and a softer rubber in the lower hand area for ultimate comfort and responsiveness. The DD2 from Golf Pride is a technically advanced grip that combines a firm core for stability with a soft exterior for comfort and control. Extending to the surface in key areas, the black base material creates a visual thumb placement guide while providing additional stability.
Today, Golf Pride boasts 80 to 90 percent usage at virtually every level of major, professional, and amateur competition; and you'll find grips made by Golf Pride on nearly every new club sold today. Simply put, Golf Pride is the number one grip in golf.
