Cobra Golf, based in Carlsbad, California, is an American manufacturer of golf equipment. The company is currently a subsidiary of the German athleticwear and sports lifestyle company Puma, which in turn is partly owned by the French holding Kering.
History
Founded in 1973 by Thomas L. Crow,"Crow, winner of the 1961 Australian amateur golf championship, was inspired by the notion that golfers in the United States typically bought clubs at a whim, with the hopes that they may make their game better." Cobra produced one of the first utility clubs, the Baffler, long before the use of such clubs became popular. Cobra was dedicated to the average golfer, especially ladies and seniors which makes it understandable that is also the first U.S. club manufacturer to sell stock graphite-shafted woods and irons that are known for being lighter clubs. In 1994 King Cobra oversized irons became the best selling irons in golf, making Cobra synonymous with oversized irons. The company was acquired in 1996 by American Brands Inc. and was grouped together under the Acushnet Company umbrella along with the company's other golf brands, Titleist, FootJoy, and Pinnacle Golf. Cobra was acquired by Puma SE. In 1999 Cobra introduced Dista golf balls intended to maximize distance for all players with multiple swing speed models offered. " Cobra drivers rank No. 1 in Overall Driver Satisfaction Ratings in both 2003 and 2004, according to Darrell Survey U.S. Consumer Research, a leading independent golf consumer research company." Cobra continues to make advancements in their clubs and golf balls, and their sponsored tour players continue to thrive using these new products.
Early Success
Cobra's early success was kick started with the Baffler. "The company's first success came in 1980 in the form of the Baffler, a fat-head club that assists the golfer through tough lies. In five years, the company was selling about $4.5 million worth of these clubs annually."
Marketing
Between 1989 and 1993, the company grew from $20 million to $56 million in annual sales thanks to aggressive marketing that included endorsements from golfing greats Hale Irwin, Beth Daniel and Greg Norman. Cobra had a successful relationship with former world number one Greg Norman. Since 2009, the most well known face of Cobra Puma golf clubs and apparel is Rickie Fowler, most known for his bright orange shirt color.
Puma
Puma acquired all of Cobra from the Acushnet Company in 2010, fitting golfers with clothing, shoes and equipment for the sport.
Recent Success
November 2019 Five-time PGA TOUR winner Jason Dufner, signed a multi-year partnership with Cobra before playing in the 2019 Mayakoba Golf Classic. In 2019 Cobra was named by Golf Digestthe best game improvement iron. In 2016 Cobra Golf partnered with Flying Tee, and will provide the official equipment and apparel. Flying Tee provides a fun golfing environment similar to the well known Topgolf, but they also provide simulated course play. In February 2014, Cobra Golf signed a multi-year partnership with the PGA Tour's Honda Classic, making it one of the lead sponsors of the event. PGA and European Tours Jason Dufner
