June 18, 2015

TaylorMade Golf Announces Partnership With Microsoft

TaylorMade Golf Company, makers of the No. 1 driver in golf, announce a partnership with Microsoft, aimed at enhancing the golfer’s performance and overall experience through advanced analytics and more.

“Digital technology is playing a bigger part in peoples’ lives today,” said David Abeles, CEO of TaylorMade Golf Company. “This is no different in the golf space, so it was a natural fit to partner with Microsoft in developing this innovative platform, aimed at enhancing the golfers experience through a series of unprecedented smart technologies.”

“We are excited to bring the golf experience to the Microsoft Band,” said Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president, Microsoft Devices and Services. “The combination of walking several miles with the physical rigor that goes into playing a round provides a great opportunity for Microsoft Health and Microsoft Band to track our golf customers’ fitness and provide observations to help take their game to the next level.”

Through the use of the Microsoft Band and a series of original applications, the two companies will provide golfers of any skill level with extraordinary shot tracking and analysis capabilities, in a two-phased approach.

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Microsoft Golf Tile

On June 18, 2015, Microsoft is announcing the launch the Golf Tile and experience on the Microsoft Band. The functionality includes: shot tracking and detection; GPS yardages to front, middle and back of the green; a digital scorecard and biometrics such as calories burned, steps taken, heart rate and duration of the round.

While shot tracking, GPS and biometric data are available on the Microsoft Band throughout the golfer’s round, a summary can also be found on the Microsoft Health phone application (iOS, Android and Windows Phone) or Microsoft Health web dashboard when the round is completed.

myRoundPro From TaylorMade

In the coming weeks, TaylorMade Golf Company is set to launch myRoundProTM, a standalone analytics platform that is enhanced when used in conjunction with the Golf Tile and Microsoft Health.  myRoundPro from TaylorMade will analyze golfers’ statistics in further detail and will include new data such as strokes gained, proximity to the hole and other classic statistics such as fairways hit and greens in regulation, all developed to help the golfer adapt and improve their game.

Golfers can sign-up ahead of the official launch at http://www.myroundpro.com/

Pricing, Options and Availability

The Microsoft Band is available in the US in Microsoft Stores, at Amazon, Best Buy and Target, and online at microsoftstore.com for $199. It is available for £169 in the UK and at retailers including Amazon, Curry’s PC World, Dixons Travel, Harrods, and O2. At launch, the Microsoft Golf Tile, Microsoft Health and myRoundPro from TaylorMade will only be available in the United States and United Kingdom.

About Microsoft Band

Microsoft Band, the first device powered by Microsoft Health, helps you achieve your wellness goals by tracking your heart rate, steps, calorie burn, and sleep quality. It also helps you be more productive with email previews and calendar alerts – right on your wrist.

About the adidas Group

The adidas Group is one of the global leaders within the sporting goods industry, offering a broad range of products around the core brands: adidas, Reebok, TaylorMade and Reebok-CCM Hockey. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, the Group has more than 53,000 employees and generated sales of EUR 14.5 billion in 2014.

About TaylorMade Golf Company

Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, TaylorMade Golf Company sells golf equipment, footwear, apparel and accessories under the TaylorMade, adidas Golf, Adams and Ashworth brands. TaylorMade Golf Company posted 2014 sales of €913 million.

For more information or additional assets, contact:

TaylorMade Golf Company Global Communications

John Ohail
(o): 760.918.6342
john.ohail@tmag.com

Jory Mendes
(o): 760.476.8041
jory.mendes@tmag.com