It has been a difficult year for Rife. Are you confident the brand can move forward again?
Yes. This acquisition signals the resurrection of Rife Putters, who for the past year has struggled to manufacture and distribute product due to a lack of funding. With an influx of capital from Innovex Golf and a new management team in place, Rife Putters is determined to regain market share and reclaim its spot as the number one putter on the Champions Tour. I will continue with the company as Vice president of tour operations.
Where are Rife sales strongest globally, and what sales information for 2011 can you share?
Due to the economic situation globally, Rife has experienced a reduction in overall sales. However, we have maintained a balance through this difficult time and will emerge in 2012 with an aggressive and ambitious goal to increase sales worldwide.
What makes the new Tropical Series putters distinct in the ever-crowded putter market?
Over the past 10 years, putters have become recognised by golfers as a very valuable club and they take a great deal of pride in their appearance. While most companies simply paint or powder-coat a colour on their putter heads, what makes our Tropical Series unique is the vacuum Ti plating process we go through to achieve the deep, rich finish. It prevents oxidisation, increases hardness and is very wear-resistant.
There are many layers to this finish, from where a broad spectrum of colours emanate, depending on how the light hits it. It’s unlike anything else out there right now, so it really sets us apart.
At least two of the Tropical Series models were designed by Guerin Rife. What is his involvement in the company today?
Mr. Rife resigned from Rife Putters in 2010 and is no longer affiliated with the company. Rife Putters will continue to offer new and exciting models in the coming months by using other design capabilities, and will always rely on R&D that is originated at the highest, professional Tour level.
When is the Tropical Series due for retail delivery in the UK, and where will it be on sale?
The Tropical Series is available now, and is being distributed in the UK by GolfTech GolfTrading Ltd. The series is available to all pro shops, and it can also be found in American Golf.
There is a trend on Tour with more golfers turning to long putter shafts. What measures is Rife taking to cater for this changing market?
Due to the success of a number of great Tour players using belly and long putters, we expect them to be much more prevalent in 2012. Rife has been producing long and belly putters since 2006. As a matter of fact, Rife’s original Two Bar Putter in both Blade and Mallet style, in these longer lengths, remain in play on the Champions Tour by more players than any other company right now. We have plans to offer some new and exciting belly and long models in 2012.
Do you think long putters should remain legal on Tour?
Yes, they should remain legal. It has allowed players at all skill levels to improve. Because golf is already such a difficult game to play, any alternative style of putting that allows the player to enjoy the experience more is something the industry as a whole should embrace.
