Trevor Ng
Golf Pride, the world's largest manufacturer of golf grips, is owned by Eaton Corporation, a power management company that provides energy-efficient solutions to its customers. Golf Pride was founded in 1949 by Thomas Fawick, Bill Junker, and Jim Karns, who pioneered the use of rubber for golf grips. In 1968, Eaton Corporation acquired Golf Pride, and since then, it has continued to be a global leader in golf grip innovation, with over 80% of Tour professionals choosing to use their grips.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Golf Pride's parent company | Eaton Corporation |
| Year Eaton Corporation acquired Golf Pride | 1968 |
| Founder of Golf Pride | William H. "Bill" Junker |
| Year of Junker's death | 2017 |
| Golf Pride's headquarters | Pinehurst Resort's No. 8 course |
| Area of the headquarters | 36,000 square feet |
| Year the headquarters was opened | 2019 |
| Number of Golf Pride employees | 50 |
| Golf Pride's status in the golf grip industry | Global leader |
| Golf Pride's status in the golf grip market | #1 Grip Worldwide |
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What You'll Learn
- Golf Pride was acquired by Eaton Corporation in 1968
- Eaton's Golf Pride Grips Division is the world's largest manufacturer of golf grips
- Golf Pride has been the global leader in golf grip innovation and technology for over seven decades
- Golf Pride founder, Bill Junker, passed away in 2017
- Golf Pride's headquarters are in Pinehurst, North Carolina
Golf Pride was acquired by Eaton Corporation in 1968
Golf Pride, the world's leading manufacturer of golf grips, was acquired by Eaton Corporation in 1968. The company was founded in 1949 by William H. "Bill" Junker, Thomas Fawick, and Jim Karns in Akron, Ohio. Fawick, an inventor and golf enthusiast, was the first to realize that rubber was the future of golf grips, offering a lighter, higher-traction, and more durable alternative to leather grips.
Under Junker's leadership, Golf Pride revolutionized the installation of grips with the introduction of the slip-on rubber grip. This innovation made it easier to change grips, previously molded directly onto the shaft, and transformed both equipment assembly and the grip replacement business. Junker's contributions earned him recognition as a respected and impactful pioneer in the golf industry.
Following the acquisition by Eaton Corporation, Junker retired and relocated to Arizona, where he pursued a successful career in commercial real estate. Despite his departure from the golf industry, he maintained a keen interest in the game and cultivated lasting relationships with Tour players, industry leaders, and golf writers.
Eaton's Golf Pride Grips Division has continued to thrive, with manufacturing, sales, and distribution facilities on six continents. The Golf Pride brand remains the number one choice in grips among TOUR and recreational players, competitive amateur golfers, club manufacturers, and club repairmen. The company's commitment to innovation and quality control has solidified its position as a global leader in golf grip technology.
Today, Golf Pride's headquarters features a state-of-the-art Global Innovation Center, reflecting the company's dedication to research and development. The Retail Lab, which opened in 2022, offers golfers a unique "`inside the ropes`" experience, providing personalized grip consultations and installations. Golf Pride's ongoing pursuit of innovation and performance maximization ensures its enduring legacy in the world of golf.
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Eaton's Golf Pride Grips Division is the world's largest manufacturer of golf grips
Golf Pride was founded in 1949 by William H. "Bill" Junker, Thomas Fawick, and Jim Karns. Fawick, an inventor and golf enthusiast, was the first to realize that rubber was the future of golf grips, offering a lighter, higher-traction, and more durable alternative to leather grips. In Akron, Ohio, Fawick partnered with Junker and Karns to bring his rubber grip concept to life.
Under Junker's leadership, Golf Pride revolutionized the installation of grips by introducing the slip-on rubber grip. Before this innovation, grips were molded directly onto the shaft, making grip changes extremely difficult. Junker's invention not only improved equipment assembly efficiency but also paved the way for a thriving pro shop grip replacement business.
In 1968, Eaton Corporation acquired Golf Pride's parent company, and Junker retired. Despite his departure from the golf industry, his legacy continued, and Golf Pride maintained its position as the #1 Grip Worldwide.
Golf Pride has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation in the golf grip space. They have a state-of-the-art Global Innovation Center and headquarters, covering 36,000 square feet, which opened in 2019 near Pinehurst Resort's No. 8 course. This facility reflects their commitment to understanding the connection between golfers and their clubs, enhancing performance through innovative grip technology.
With manufacturing, sales, and distribution facilities on six continents, Eaton's Golf Pride Grips Division has solidified its dominance as the world's largest manufacturer of golf grips.
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Golf Pride has been the global leader in golf grip innovation and technology for over seven decades
Under Junker's leadership, Golf Pride revolutionized the installation of grips with the introduction of the slip-on rubber grip in the 1950s and 1960s. This innovation made it possible to change grips, previously molded directly onto the shaft, and opened up new possibilities for equipment assembly and the grip replacement business. In 1968, Golf Pride was acquired by Eaton Corporation, and Junker retired. Despite his exit from the golf industry, his legacy continued, and Golf Pride maintained its position as the number one grip worldwide.
Golf Pride's success is rooted in its unwavering devotion to quality control and its in-house innovation center. The company has developed its own proprietary materials to ensure superior feel and maximize performance, keeping up with the ever-changing demands of the game. Their state-of-the-art Global Innovation Center and headquarters, which debuted in 2019, reflect their commitment to fostering creativity and innovation. With over 50 employees, Golf Pride continues to research and develop new products, striving to maximize every player's potential and ensure a strong hand-grip connection.
Golf Pride's Retail Lab, which opened in 2022, offers golfers an "inside the ropes" experience, providing personalized grip consultations, selections, and installations. The facility simplifies the grip selection process, making it more approachable and convenient for golfers of all abilities. With a wide range of products, including full swing and putter grips, Golf Pride enhances the consumer experience and solidifies its leadership in the golf grip industry.
Today, Golf Pride lays claim to more major wins than any other grip company, with over 80% of Tour professionals choosing to use their grips voluntarily. The company's continued success and global recognition are a testament to its longstanding leadership and innovation in the golf grip space.
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Golf Pride founder, Bill Junker, passed away in 2017
Golf Pride's founder, William H.. "Bill" Junker, passed away on November 19, 2017, in Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 93. Junker was a respected and impactful pioneer in the golf industry, revolutionizing the golf grip category in the 1950s and 1960s. Along with his business partners, Thomas Fawick and Jim Karns, Junker demonstrated that molded rubber provided the most playable and highest-performing grip surface. This innovation opened the door for efficient equipment assembly and a full-fledged pro shop grip replacement business.
Golf Pride, founded in 1949, became the #1 Grip Worldwide, and Junker was the driving force behind its development and success. Junker's leadership introduced the slip-on rubber grip, which replaced the traditional method of molding grips directly onto the shaft, making it nearly impossible to change grips. Junker's innovation allowed for easy grip changes and efficient equipment assembly, transforming the golf equipment industry.
Despite facing resistance to change, Junker persevered and helped usher golf equipment into the modern era. He documented his journey in his 1989 book, "The History of the Golf Pride Grip," sharing anecdotes about launching a radical new golf product. Junker's legacy is honored by those who continue to carry on his innovative spirit within the company.
After Golf Pride was acquired by Eaton Corporation in 1968, Junker retired and moved to Arizona, where he pursued a successful career in commercial real estate. Junker maintained a keen interest in golf and the business, cultivating lasting friendships within the golf industry. Junker is survived by his wife of 73 years, seven of their eight children, and 15 grandchildren. His family suggested that gifts in his memory be made to Faith4life Church in Dallas, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix, or Sage Hospice in Scottsdale.
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Golf Pride's headquarters are in Pinehurst, North Carolina
Golf Pride is owned by the Eaton Corporation, which acquired the golf grip company in 1968. Eaton's Golf Pride Grips Division is the world's largest manufacturer of golf grips, with manufacturing, sales, and distribution facilities on six continents. The Golf Pride brand is recognised globally as the number one choice in grips among tour and recreational players, competitive amateur golfers, club manufacturers, and club repairmen.
Golf Pride was founded in 1949 by William H. "Bill" Junker, Thomas Fawick, and Jim Karns. The company revolutionised the golf grip category by demonstrating that moulded rubber provides the most playable and highest-performing grip surface available.
Pinehurst is a well-known golf destination, and the Golf Pride Global Innovation Centre is a popular stop for golfers visiting the area. The company's location in North Carolina is also significant given the state's reputation for its golf culture and history. North Carolina is home to some of the most famous golf courses in the United States, including Pinehurst Resort, which has hosted multiple major championships.
The headquarters in Pinehurst serves as a hub for Golf Pride's research and development, with an in-house team of experts dedicated to innovation and quality control. The company has worked to develop its own proprietary materials to ensure superior feel and maximise performance, keeping up with the ever-changing demands of the game and golfers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Golf Pride is a division of Ireland-based Eaton Corp.
Eaton Corporation acquired Golf Pride's parent company in 1968.
Golf Pride was founded by William H. "Bill" Junker, Thomas Fawick, and Jim Karns in 1949.
Golf Pride is known for its golf grips and has been the global leader in golf grip innovation and technology for over seven decades.
Eaton is a power management company that provides energy-efficient solutions to help customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical power.
