TaylorMade sticks with new Scottie Scheffler ad despite golfer’s arrest

TaylorMade is sticking with a campaign launched this week featuring No. 1-ranked golfer Scottie Scheffler, who was arrested early Friday while driving to the PGA Championship in Louisville, Kentucky. A spokesperson for the golf equipment brand told Ad Age today that there are “no plans to change anything” about its ad strategy for the PGA Championship, one of the PGA Tour’s major tournaments. Scheffler was charged with second-degree felony assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic outside of the Valhalla Golf Club, where the PGA Championship is taking place. Scheffler was released from jail on his own recognizance and returned to Valhalla in time to play the tournament’s second day. The start of the event had been delayed due to a fatal traffic accident overnight. Scheffler was arrested after he approached that investigation scene and attempted to navigate it in his car. The incident was witnessed by ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington, whose video captured Scheffler as he was led to a police car in handcuffs. In a statement issued following his release from jail, Scheffler said he misunderstood directions from police at the scene. “I never intended to disregard any of the instructions,” he said. “I’m hopeful to put this to the side and focus on golf today.” Scheffler was cheered on during the tournament’s second round on Friday morning. One fan even wore a T-shirt featuring Scheffler’s mugshot. And now the mugshot is here pic.twitter.com/6lETmCVgA3— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) May 17, 2024 Scheffler, along with women’s No. 1-ranked golfer Nelly Korda, is featured in the new ad for TaylorMade’s Qi10 Driver that debuted as part of ESPN’s coverage of the event on Thursday. The spot, called “Nelly, Scotty. Trophies,” comes from the agency Zambezi, showing footage of Scheffler’s dominant performances this year. Scheffler won the Masters Tournament last month, his second in three years. With four different spots promoting its Qi10 driver and TP5X ball, TaylorMade will run about 10 network spots on CBS and 20 ads on ESPN. Scheffler also has deals with Nike and Rolex. Check out the latest Ad Age events and award programs

TaylorMade sticks with new Scottie Scheffler ad despite golfer’s arrest

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