Tom Crow: King of Clubs

by Tom Crow with Al Barkow

"One of the driving forces in the industry,
Tom has the qualities that we would want
in a businessmen, friend and ambassador."
--Hale Irwin on Tom Crow

A vantage point like no other...

Whether speaking from his experiences as an entrepreneur, an innovator in equipment design, or an accomplished golfer, Tom Crow brings a unique perspective with one central theme: a passion for the world's greatest game.

It is that passion that fueled the young Australian to become his nation's amateur champion in 1961 and would introduce him to legendary golfers throughout the world. Trusting in his ingenuity and drive, Tom moved to the United States in 1973 and with $60,000 founded Cobra Golf, Inc., dedicated to bringing the best in equipment at an affordable price to golfers at all experience levels. Cobra's selling price more than two decades later was $750 million, highlighting a phenomenal financial success story that has had a vital impact on the game.

During his years of hard work and innovation, Tom developed the legendary "Baffler," the utility wood that is now copied by nearly all other golf companies. He initiated the three-wedge system, created the first extra-length driver (appropriately dubbed the "Long Tom"), and reintroduced graphite shafts to the American market for lighter-weight clubs. Tom's contributions on behalf of the game continue today and include his role in bringing the life story of famous golfer Bobby Jones to movie screens in Bobby Jones - Stroke of Genius. He remains an ambassador for the game worldwide, whether consulting with players such as Greg Norman, Hale Irwin, and Ben Crenshaw on nuances in equipment, or reflecting on the unique camaraderie that the game creates during a day on the course.

Al Barkow

With more than four decades of golf writing to his credit, Al Barkow is one of the industry's premier golf historians and most prolific contributors.

The former editor of Golf Magazine and Golf Illustrated, Al was also an associate producer of Shell's Wonderful World of Golf television series. His many books include Gene Sarazen and Shell's Wonderful World of Golf, Gettin' to The Dance Floor, That's Golf: The Best of Al Barkow, and The History of the PGA Tour. Al's work has also appeared in numerous newspapers and magazines and he was a commentator on Inside the PGA Tour and The Senior PGA Tour television programs. He lives in Albany, California.