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HISTORY
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| 1973 |
- Thomas Crow founded a small golf club company, naming it Cobra Golf
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| 1975 |
- Developed the Cobra “Baffler” – the first utility wood. This golf product not only introduced a new category of clubs, but set the standard for future Cobra product development. The Baffler has a patented sole-plate design.
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| 1979 |
- Introduced the extended length driver, a 46 inch driver with a graphite head and shaft.
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| 1985 |
- First equipment manufacturer to identify the trend of lightweight graphite shafts by becoming the first U.S. club manufacturer to offer stock graphite shafted woods and irons. Introduced the Lady Cobra and Senior Cobra line of woods and irons with superior game improvement graphite technology.
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| 1989 |
- Introduced the autoclave system, redefining the manufacturing process for graphite shafts. This system allowed graphite shafts to be strengthened through a proprietary curing process and provided state-of-the-art technology to guarantee the highest quality product. This is considered the single biggest breakthrough in graphite shaft production in 20 years.
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| 1991 |
- Greg Norman signs an endorsement contract. With his signing, Greg Norman assisted Tom Crow in the development of Cobra’s first line of forge irons.
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| 1992 |
- Introduced the first full set of oversized irons.
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| 1994 |
- King Cobra oversize irons became the performance standard and the best selling irons in golf. Oversized irons represented a whole new category of clubs and Cobra became synonymous with oversized irons.
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| 1996 |
- In the fall Cobra launched its most extensive line of new products ever, featuring the new King Cobra 11 Irons and Ti Offset woods. The King Cobra 11 irons featured an integrated Quad system which combined four distinct technological features: a new heel-weighting hosel design, a dual purpose sole design, a reinforced shat tip shape and an optimal progressive weight distribution system.
- These four innovative elements were all designed with the common objective of creating longer and more accurate iron shots.
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| 1998 |
- In the fall Cobra launched a new fairway metal, the Baffler LP and a new utility metal, the Baffler. The Baffler LP combined the benefits of offset with the unique Baffler sole design and a sleek, shallow face profile. The new Baffler utility wood, like the original, was a club designed to help golfers get the ball out of bad lies including fluffy lies, hard pan and buried lies.
- Launched the Trust Rusty wedges, designed by short game guru Phil Rogers. These wedges were made of soft, unplated carbon steel, and featured a tri-bounce sole design characterized by the distinctive scallop in the back of the flange. Coming in various lofts, they provided excellent versatility and unmatched feel.
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| 1999 |
- Backweight technology was the driving force behind the launch of the new Gravity Back drivers, fairway woods and irons in the fall. This unique design technology placed the weight further back and lower in the club head, expanding the sweet spot and making it much easier to get the ball airborne. The backweight technology also optimized the club’s moment of inertia resulting in straighter, longershots.
- Launched a new line of golf balls in the fall. The Cobra Dista golf balls were specifically designed to deliver maximum distance for players of all swing speeds. There were four models, the TSS-105 for tour swing speeds of 105+ mph, the HSS-95 for high swing speed of 95-105 mph, the MSS-85 for moderate swing speeds of 85-95 mph and the LDY-75, a lightweight design exclusively for ladies.
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| 2000 |
- Cobra launched the CXI irons. These irons focused on the evolution of the sole design. From 2 iron through lob wedge, there was a variation on width, radius and camber. The CXI line of irons was also defined by distinctive “X” reinforcement bar in the back cavity that delivered feel and stability to the clubface. Complimenting the “X” bar was a unique weight distribution design called Parabolic Perimeter Weighting. Basically, this design brought mass from the center of the iron to the extremities, extrapolating feel from the center location to more points around the head. The design produced maximum perimeter weighting with optimal feel.
- Launched the Airweight shaft, the first iron graphite shaft at less than 50 grams. It represented an industry first and another giant step forward by Cobra in graphite shaft design and technology.
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| 2001 |
- Cobra launched the Baffler Multi-Metal irons. These clubs were designed as a hybrid club, combining the best of long iron design with the best of higher lofted fairway metals. The sleek progressive clubhead of the Baffler Multi-Metal iron featured strategic placements of copper tungsten sole weights and a bronze alloy backweight. These multi-metals effectively positioned the center of gravity lower and deeper to promote shots with a higher trajectory.
- In the Fall of 2001, the King Cobra brand of drivers, fairway metals were re-launched with the introduction of the King Cobra SS (“Sweet Spot”) metals. The King Cobra SS drivers feature a thin, hot oval beta titanium insert that is surrounded by an even thinner titanium ring, providing increased perimeter weighting allowing for maximum COR values over 9 points across the face. The technology produces increased distance, greater forgiveness, solid feel and a sweet sound. Cobra has re-emerged as a force in the highly competitive metals market through superior performing product; and is currently #3 in overall metals market share.
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| 2002 |
- Complementing the SS metals launch from fall 2001, the King Cobra SS oversize irons are launched. The King Cobra SS irons feature an oversize cavity back, thin face design and perimeter weighting for a superior sweet spot, greater distance and accuracy. The SS irons feature a cavity “muscle arch” for solid feel, along with a tungsten insert in the long irons for higher trajectory. A new skid sole design was also incorporated promoting solid contact from all types of lies.
- Rounding out the launch in 2002 was a line of King Cobra Phil Rodgers wedges featuring the skid sole design. Like the Trusty Rusty, the wedges are made of soft, unplated carbon steel for unmatched feel.
- The new product range has put Cobra back on the map as a clear innovator in product design and performance.
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| 2003 |
- In January the King Cobra SS 380 driver is launched to further capitalize on the industry trend towards larger heads. The SS 350 Tour is also launched to appeal to lower handicap players thus broadening Cobra’s appeal to consumers.
- Also in January the King Cobra SS-I irons are introduced. An improved design over previous SS irons, the irons incorporate new softer 431 alloy and new undercut cavity back design filled with urethane to enhance feel.
- A new line of M (muscle back) wedges is also launched offering improved performance and feel.
- A new SS-i iron custom fitting program was also launched in January to 500 on-course fitting accounts.
- Cobra Aussie Series putter line is introduced in September, featuring a 17-4 steel body and milled 6061 soft alloy face insert for soft, yet solid feel. The eight models feature classic shapes with high moment of inertia for greater accuracy and distance control.
- Also in September, Cobra enters the juniors’ market with two new sets of clubs designed specifically for the younger player. The Cobra SZ/JR features two distinct sizes with age appropriate shaft flex, club head weight and grip size specifications.
- King Cobra SS drivers were the #1 selling driver model in unit sales in combined on-off course shops in May, June, July, August 2003 per Golf Datatech.
- In October, Cobra introduces its new King Cobra SZ driver line. The SZ nomenclature is short for “Sweet Zone”, which refers to the expanded, hotter clubface. The new King Cobra SZ family replaces the successful King Cobra SS design, improving upon the all-important 9 hot points across the clubface for greater carry distance and improved accuracy.
- In November, Cobra complements its recent driver launch with the introduction of its new family of King Cobra SZ fairway metals. The new SZ fairways are larger in volume and face area for greater forgiveness.
- King Cobra SS-I irons were the #1 selling iron model in unit sales in on-course pro shops per the Golf Datatech 2003 national year end report.
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| 2004 |
- In April, the innovative King Cobra COMP 454, 414 and 414 Tour drivers are launched ahead of the industry trend towards composite integration in drivers. The King Cobra COMP drivers feature a lightweight carbon composite crown that is up to 15 grams lighter than titanium. This technology allows for weight to be moved further low and back, increase head volume for a higher MOI and also increase face area for maximum COR values over 9 points across the face. As a result, COMP technology produces increased distance, greater forgiveness, solid feel and a powerful sound. The COMP 454 and 414 also include the ultra-light Mitsubishi Rayon SL-45 shaft, which at 45 grams, is the lightest shaft available and promotes higher swing speeds for greater carry distance.
- In early fall, Cobra complements its recent COMP driver launch with the introduction of its new family of King Cobra COMP fairway metals. Due to the composite top technology, the new COMP fairways are larger in volume and face area for greater distance, accuracy and forgiveness.
- Cobra also launched Baffler utility metals to capitalize on the increasing popularity in the utility metal segment, which Cobra pioneered 30 years ago with the original Baffler. Baffler utility metals were designed to provide the trajectory and distance of a fairway metal with the control of an iron. The unique contoured sole plate and low CG provide long, straight shots from virtually any lie.
- The Cobra IM-01 and IM-02 Inner Mallet putters are introduced featuring a unique Patent pending design that focuses visual attention on the inner mallet, both models also have tungsten weight inserts to shift weight low and back for high MOI.
- The King Cobra Forged CB irons were also launched to provide accomplished players enhanced precision and feel. Variable muscle arch promotes mid launch and controlled trajectory.
- In October, Cobra launched the most complete line of irons in their history, the Inertia Series irons. The Inertia Series Irons were designed with high inertia properties promoting a superior sweet zone and greater accuracy. The 3400I/XH, 3100 I/H and 2300 I/M feature distinct launch, Sweet Zone and workability characteristics for every player type.
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| 2005 |
- In March, Cobra introduces its C-Wedge line, consisting of of Mid-Sole (MS) and Wide-Sole (WS) options. The Mid-Sole C Wedges offer a balance of forgiveness, soft feel and versatility, while the Wide-Sole wedges feature a wider sole width for increased bounce and even more forgiveness.
- The SZ 460 is added to the SZ line, one of the hottest selling driver lines in the industry. The King Cobra 460 SZ driver features the largest head size (460cc) allowed by the Rules of Golf and is designed for all players seeking to maximize distance, accuracy and forgiveness.
- In November, Cobra Golf introduces the King Cobra Speed Series, the first driver line designed to optimize every player’s unique ball speed for unmatched distance and accuracy. The new Speed Series consists of 3 models, each designed for distinct player types and their specific ball speeds. X for extreme ball speed players; F for fast; M for moderate.
- Cobra Golf expands one of the hottest selling utility metal lines in the industry with the addition of three new models to its line of King Cobra Baffler Utility Metals. New Additons are Baffler 1/R and 6/R to the men’s and senior’s line and the new 7/R Baffler to the women’s line. The King Cobra Baffler line currently is the number one selling line of utility metals at on-course retailers and has held this position for the past five months according to Golf Datatech.
- Cobra drivers ranked 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.
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| 2006 |
- Cobra announces return to Tour with sponsorships of: Geoff Ogilvy, Ian Poulter, J.B. Holmes, Camilo Villegas, Kevin Na and LPGA player Jeong Jang.
- In February, Tour rookie and Cobra Professional J.B. Holmes wins FBR Open by seven strokes in his fourth event on Tour. Sixteen of Holmes' drives exceeded 340 yards, including a long of 365 yards. Camilo Villegas finished T2.
- In February, Geoff Ogilvy wins WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship for his second Tour win. He ousted six higher-ranked players en route to the title, including four major champions, making Ogilvy and Cobra a perfect match.
- Cobra introduces Optica SL, the first putter using Fiber Optic Technology to help golfers align putts with the exclusive TRUGLO® Fiber Optic sight line.
- In May Cobra Golf introduces the HS9 (High Speed across the Hotter 9 Points) Series drivers and fairways. The HS9 has Carbon Composition Crown and Sole integration, making for higher Moment of Inertia. Building on the same concept of the Speed series, the HS9 models are also Speed Tuned to optimize every player’s unique ball speed to further optimize distance, accuracy and forgiveness.
- In June Geoff Ogilvy topped a world-class field at Winged Foot to capture the 106th U.S. Open Championship for his second victory of the season and first career major. Ogilvy climbed from No. 50 in the world at the beginning of the season to No. 8 with this win.
- Late in June Jeong Jang, the defending Women's British Open champion, found the winners' circle once again, capturing the Wegmans LPGA by one shot. Jang put herself in position for her second career victory with a third round 6-under 66 and then closed with a 2-under 70 to finish at 13-under 275.
- In August, Cobra Golf unveils three new high-performance iron models, featuring the accuracy, feel and forgiveness that avid players have come to expect from Cobra. King Cobra FP and King Cobra Carbon CB irons are each designed for distinct player types with specific technologies and key performance benefits.
- Cobra Golf advances the industry’s best selling line of utility metals with the introduction of the King Cobra Baffler DWS and King Cobra Baffler Pro. The two new Baffler models feature Cobra’s exclusive design that promotes the high launch, forgiveness and distance of a fairway metal with the playability and control of an iron, as well as new features designed to take a golfer’s game to the next level. The new Baffler DWS offers even greater distance, accuracy, forgiveness and versatility – all thanks to the new Dual Weighting System (DWS). The Baffler Pro is the first Baffler designed for accomplished players who want a non-offset, versatile long iron alternative.
- In September Ian Poulter cruised to his seventh career PGA European Tour title at the Madrid Open. The colorful Englishman, wielding a King Cobra X-Speed driver and 3-wood, and King Cobra MB irons (3-PW), finished the week at 22-under par for a decisive five-shot victory.
- In September Cobra Golf introduces the Fit to Speed™ custom golf club fitting system. Designed to determine the Accurate Set Composition for golfers of all abilities, this innovative process uses a player’s individual ball speed to determine exactly which clubs create the ideal set make-up for that player – from driver, fairways and utility metals to irons and wedges.
- October, Jeong Jang raised her game in wet and windy conditions Sunday to complete an impressive wire-to-wire win at the Japan Women's Open, her third career victory and second this year.
- Later in October, Kevin Na used his home course to his advantage this week, going wire-to-wire to win the Mark Christopher Charity Classic. Playing at the par-71 Empire Lakes Golf Course -- Na's home course for the past five years -- Na carded a final round 2-under 69 to conclude the tournament at 16-under 268, three strokes clear of the field.
- In November, Jason Zuback, the most decorated athlete in power golf, relied on his Cobra driver en route to winning the 2006 RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship for a record fifth time. Zuback, whose winning blast traveled 368 yards, 29", edged runner-up and fellow Cobra Long Drive Team member Eric Lastowka (355 yards, 6") for the Open Division title.
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| 2007 |
- In February, COBRA GOLF INTRODUCES KING COBRA SPEED LD AND SPEED PRO DRIVERS AND FAIRWAYS. These high MOI drivers feature the largest face area available for maximum distance, accuracy and forgiveness. King Cobra Speed LD drivers feature the maximum USGA allowable club head length and width. With a 5,000 inertia value, Speed LD drivers have among the highest MOI of any all-titanium driver. King Cobra Speed Pro Drivers are the first drivers designed and developed with feedback from the Cobra PGA Tour Staff and are X/Speed Tuned for extreme ball speed players.
- In June, Cobra introduces the new King Cobra Transition-S, an eight-club integrated set that transitions from utility metals to hybrid irons to wide-sole irons, providing increased forgiveness for moderate ball speed players
- In October, Cobra Staff Player Camilo Villegas earned his first professional victory in dramatic fashion, rolling in a 20-foot putt for birdie on the second hole of sudden death to win the Coca-Cola Tokai Classic on the Japan Tour. The 25-year-old Colombian shot a final round even par 71 to finish at 2-under 282 overall - one of only three players to finish under par for the week.
- In October, Cobra Golf announced the release of its most technologically advanced driver, the King Cobra L4V. The name stands for Limit 4 Variables because this revolutionary new driver is designed up to the limit of four USGA defined performance variables: Max COR (.830), max head dimensions (5"by <5"), max volume (460cc), and maximum inertia or MOI.
- In October, Cobra Golf announces the release of its most technologically advanced iron ever, the King Cobra UFi. Designed by integrating multiple materials, these irons feature an exclusive metal matrix face insert, patented polymer topline, high density tungsten heel-toe weighting and a steel alloy body. Combined, these advanced technologies provide the ultimate in forgiveness, along with exceptional feel.
- October, Cobra Golf advances the industry’s best selling line of utility metals with the new 2008 King Cobra Baffler DWS and Baffler Pro. With multiple enhancements to the proven technologies of the Baffler DWS, Cobra increased moment of inertia and moved the center of gravity lower and deeper, creating the most forgiving, longest-hitting utility metal Cobra has ever made.
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