Membership programs are everywhere you look these days, including right here at GOLF.com. Justifying whether to spend your hard-earned money on this membership or that subscription over there is a dilemma we all struggle with on a regular basis.
With so much free content a mere click away, a membership program needs to offer you something you can’t get anywhere else. It also needs to be at a price point that doesn’t break the bank.
While it’s fairly commonplace for a media outlet to offer up a subscription-based program, TaylorMade is joining the party with its new MyTaylorMade+ mobile subscription app. The subscription service is designed to offer golfers what TaylorMade calls a “Tour experience” through personalized instruction, on-course stat tracking/data insights and access to exclusive products.
“TaylorMade is built on innovation and pushing the boundaries of product performance, but we know achieving your golfing goals requires more than having the best equipment,” said Nick Robbie, TaylorMade’s director of emerging opportunities. “Whether you’re trying to break 90 for the first time or winning a major, it requires coaching – both for the swing and the mind. It requires the body to be in the best possible physical shape and total game analysis to understand strengths and weaknesses. That is why we are excited to launch MyTaylorMade+ and help golfers of all abilities improve and achieve their goals.”
Each subscription level — three levels in total — offers different gated content and benefits, beginning with a free option for those who want to try before they buy. “Champion” ($12.99/monthly; $119.99/yearly) and “Legend” ($24.99/monthly; $239.99) subscription levels are also available, and offer everything from a driver try-before-you-buy program, personalized virtual swing analysis and performance insights, along with a few more goodies we’ll cover below.
Here’s a look at what you get with each level:
Free
• Exclusive Instructional Content
• GPS and Digital Score Keeping
• Access to Expert Club Fittings
• Maintain a Handicap
• Free Ground Shipping on All TaylorMadeGolf.com Orders
Champion: $12.99/monthly; $119.99/yearly
• Exclusive Instructional Content
• GPS and Digital Score Keeping
• Access to Expert Club Fittings
• Maintain a Handicap
• Free 2-day Shipping on All TaylorMadeGolf.com Orders
• Exclusive Product Drops
• Try New Drivers Before You Buy
• Personalized Performance Insights
• Tour Trash™ Sweepstakes: A chance to win Tour-Spec Equipment
Legend: $24.99/monthly; $239.99/yearly
• Exclusive Instructional Content
• GPS and Digital Score Keeping
• Access to Expert Club Fittings
• Maintain a Handicap
• Free 2-day Shipping on All TaylorMadeGolf.com Orders
• Exclusive Product Drops
• Try New Drivers Before You Buy
• Personalized Performance Insights
• Tour Trash™ Sweepstakes: A chance to win Tour-Spec Equipment
• Personalized Virtual Swing Analysis & Coaching
The GOLF.com editors were recently offered the chance to take MyTaylorMade+ for a spin prior to launch, and we found some perks that make the subscription plan worth the price of admission. Below are three of our favorite features and benefits.
Instruction access
The best feature of the MyTaylorMade+ app grants you access to a virtual coaching experience with a PGA Teaching Professional. Once you’ve uploaded a video of your swing (face-on and down-the-line), an instructor will deliver analysis and rate everything from the golfer’s current setup, turn, lever, path, release and more.
An “instruction roadmap” is then created to focus on specific areas of the swing. As subsequent videos are submitted, the instructor will provide additional analysis and determine when the golfer is ready to transition to the next step of the roadmap.
If you don’t have access to an instructor at home or simply want to test out a virtual option, the app gives you the ability to essentially have a full-time instructor by your side for roughly the cost of two sleeves of premium golf balls.
Even better? Drills are also available in five categories (overall, off the tee, approach, around the green and putter) from some of the biggest names in the instruction world, including Rick Sessinghaus (Collin Morikawa’s coach), GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teacher Joe Plecker and TaylorMade Tour rep Chris Trott.
There’s a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips.
Try Then Buy
The try-then-buy model has been done before, let’s be clear. But what TaylorMade is doing with its “Try Then Buy” driver program is a bit more nuanced. Instead of simply offering golfers the chance to pick up on off-the-rack club and decide if it’s right for their game, the new program affords golfers the chance to build a driver to their spec, ship it to their home and take it for a two-week trial run.
If the driver works, keep it in the bag. If it doesn’t, send it back on TaylorMade’s dime. Having the ability to build a club to your specific specs is the best way to discover if it’s right for your game. And with free return shipping included, you really don’t have an excuse to take full advantage of this program.
Tour Trash
Gaining access to exclusive products is nice, but you know what’s even better? Having the chance to add a Stealth driver built for Dustin Johnson or a Tiger Woods MG3 TW Grind wedge to your club collection.
Tour-issued gear sells at a major premium when it lands on the secondary market. TaylorMade’s Tour Trash program gives you the chance to enter to win gear once destined for staffers. And you don’t have to spend a fortune to acquire this particular batch of Tour-designed gear. Sign us up.
Want to overhaul your bag for 2022? Find a fitting location near you at GOLF’s affiliate company True Spec Golf. For more on the latest gear news and information, check out our latest Fully Equipped podcast below.