The #1 brand on tour has been an industry innovator for nearly nine decades. CHAMP/MacNeill Engineering Worldwide – The World Leader in Sport Cleat Technology® and maker of innovative CHAMP spikes – is celebrating the family-owned company’s 85th anniversary with a complete rebranding that includes a new logo, packaging and social media handles.
Founded in 1931 by Harold MacNeill, the brand has been operated by the MacNeill family for nearly nine decades. In the 1940s, they introduced the SURE-LOCK golf spike, which quickly became the choice of the world’s best players, including the legendary Byron Nelson. The Hall of Famer suggested the company adopt his nickname, “CHAMP,” for marketing purposes. For 2016, a refreshed logo and updated packaging colors/designs will complement a new social media presence, as the brand will now utilize the handle @champgolf1931 across all channels to reflect its heritage.
Over the past 85 years, the company has been responsible for a number of innovations in golf traction, including in 1988 when they launched the first “soft spike,” ushering in a paradigm shift that was focused on green-friendly designs and player comfort. Beyond golf, the company has a strong presence in a variety of other sports and industrial activities, including football, soccer, baseball, logging and more.
“My father and grandfather started the company from our basement when America was in the midst of the great depression and worked tirelessly to engineer a variety of parts and products,” says Harris MacNeill, President and CEO. “Once we got into golf, the trajectory of the company skyrocketed and from those humble beginnings we’re now designing equipment that the best players in the world rely on each week.”
Under the guidance of Harris MacNeill, the third generation of the family to helm the company, CHAMP has continued to dominate the spikes category, while also successfully expanding into tees, grips and a variety of other accessories. He has been pivotal in not only diversifying the company’s offerings, but leading a global expansion that has seen the CHAMP brand reach all corners of the world.
CHAMP’s other signature products include the Zarma FLYtee™ series and innovative C Grips line. CHAMP’s FLYtee line was developed to increase distance, accuracy and durability and as a result has become one of the top selling performance tees on the market. Designed with a strong emphasis on technical innovation and game-improving performance, the C Grips collection has gained a loyal following among players who recognize its superior feel, durability and performance characteristics.
For more information: champgolf.com, 1-800-OK-CHAMP.
About CHAMP/MacNeill Engineering Worldwide
The world’s largest manufacturer of replacement spikes specific to various sports, and the dominant global brand in football, soccer, golf, baseball, cricket and rugby, CHAMP has produced several industry-changing products. With distribution in more than 100 countries, CHAMP/MacNeill is headquartered in Marlborough, MA, with offices in Europe and Asia.
