What do Hermes and Nike have in common? When it comes to Nike’s golf division, a great deal. Last month I was Nike Golf’s guest at their remarkable R&D facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Not only were my eyes opened as far as golf technology is concerned, I have a whole new appreciation for Nike as a quality-focused brand.
When I arrived in Fort Worth I was generally interested in Nike’s golf operation, the general brand and its business model. I was not, however, expecting the total obsession with excellence demonstrated by everyone I met there.
The craftsmen, and they are craftsman in every sense of the word, are literally some of the best golf club makers in the world. And the Oven, the facility’s nickname, is to me the golf equivalent of a Hermes atelier. There is a total fixation, exhibited by all the staff, akin to a spiritual goal of ideal perfection.
In reality, that makes pretty good sense. On any given day Tiger Woods could stroll in and ask to test the latest putter or driver. In at least one case a PGA pro walked out with a prototype club that had so impressed him that he planned to use it that very week in competition. The Nike staff had to scramble to make sure the club was PGA approved by the time the event began!
I and about 12 other bloggers and journalists, were invited to attend the Crowne Plaza Invitational to see Nike’s athletes in action and then headed off to The Oven to learn about all the work that goes into those pros’ clubs. It was eye opening to say the least and I have a new level of respect for the folks who research, design, test, and hand craft the tools that allow the likes of Tiger Woods, Michelle Wei and the legendary Tom Watson, achieve such amazing feats of sport.
In fact, during the tour, while everyone else was moving on to another area, I was still chatting with the head club maker and actually got to hold Watson’s 8 iron – the set was in a locked display case. That very club had helped him win 5 majors. A special moment to say the least.
The tour itself was a rare opportunity. Typically, the only people allowed inside the Oven are Nike staff and the tour professionals themselves. From testing and design to fabrication and final product, I had an up close and personal view of what actually goes into Nike’s golf clubs. I was a great experience.
If you don’t love golf, this kind of visit will likely make you a convert and if you do, it’s on par, so to speak, with your wedding day.
At least that’s what one guy told me.
Here are some more pictures from OTC’s visit to Nike’s Oven:
.jpg)
I was also at the Crown Plaza Invitational and was very impressed with the amount of appreciation that the game of golf receives. It was a great experience for me, which has lead me to take up the game of golf.
Great to hear, thanks Kiel!
And this has what to do with the venerable House of Hermes?
A.G. – the thing that struck me about everyone I met at The Oven was their overwhelming sense of dedication, obsession with quality and refinement, and a genuine passion for their profession and their sport.
I mentioned at the time that, other than the medium – customized handmade golf equipment vs. luxury handmade leather goods – I would expect to see and feel the same level of dedication and quality on a visit to an Hermes atelier. the psychology is the same.
I am not comparing the products, I am comparing the process and fixation on how the product is conceived, developed, crafted and used.
Thanks very much for the comment!
I think this compose up was basically a wonderful starting to a potential series of create ups about this subject. A lot of men and women pretend to understand what they are preaching about in terms of this topic and most with the time, very few individuals basically get it. You appear to genuinely dominate it even though, so I believe you have to start writing a lot more. Thanks!
I was still chatting with the head club maker and actually got to hold Watson’s 8 iron – the set was in a locked display case. That great!
[...] Off The Cuff >> [...]
It’s onerous to find educated people on this subject, but you sound like you recognize what you’re speaking about! Thanks
Keep up the good piece of work, I read few blog posts on this site and I think that your weblog is real interesting and contains lots of excellent info .
You must check this blog…
I found this truly great post today. Check it….