Commercials for golf products used to be the dregs, but in recent years they've improved dramatically. Last week puttermaker Never Compromise broke new ground by airing a 30-minute infomercial in which Jean Van de Velde replays the 18th hole at Carnoustie—he made a triple-bogey 7 there last July to lose the British Open—using only a putter. (In three tries, he finally makes a 6.) Here are the top 10 golf commercials ever made.
1. Odyssey
Parodying the claims made by other putter companies, Bob Rosburg says nothing but, "Blah, blah, blah." My take: This 1994 spot not only broke away from a dull recitation of technical mumbo-jumbo but also spoofed it.
2. Nike
Tiger Woods bounces a ball on a wedge. My take: This casual but intimate slice of genius connected the brand to the coolness of the act.
3. Nike
I am Tiger Woods. My take: It goes to the heart of what Woods means to the game. He inspires kids and minorities.
4. Cobra
George Bayer and Tommy Bolt play some "flat-bellies." My take: When Bayer says, "Tommy, I've got that fire in the belly again," Bolt's deadpan response, "Don't worry, there's a bathroom on the next hole," is a kicker for the ages.
5. Nike
Woods and others hit shots in sync on a range. My take: This ad taps into two ideas. Woods is playing better than anyone ever has, and we play better after watching the pros.
6. Foot-Joy
Sign Boy. My take: Inside every fan lurks a sycophant like Sign Boy.
7. Pinnacle
Long-drive champ Jason Zuback hits a ball through the Eiffel Tower. My take: Putting golf in an incongruous setting reinforces the universality of the game.
8. LPGA
The Annika Sorenstam-Karrie Webb rivalry. My take: This is the most entertaining self-promotion these two have done. The KICK ME sign that Sorenstam puts on Webb is inspired.
9. AT&T
David Duval and Paul Reiser playing golf together. My take: Reiser is funny, and Duval is a born straight man.
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