I was having a conversation with a buddy while watching last week's Masters and he I got into a back and forth about what was the most recognizable club logo. The obvious answer is Augusta National, which is familiar even to non-golfers because of the Masters. But disqualifying ANGC's logo on the grounds that its fame is really derived not from the club, but from being the logo for the
tournament, what is the most well known logo in golf? (i.e. most non-golfers think that's the logo for the Masters as opposed to ANGC more generally).
Some logos are obvious depictions of the club name which makes them easier to decipher. A perfect example is Winged Foot:
All of us are somewhat biased by geography. You see the "power logos" of clubs that are nearest to you more often than those from halfway across the country. So, for me at least, I argue that really well-known logos are those that I recognize even though the club is hundreds of miles away. If you can look at the logo (and assuming it doesn't have text), you know the club, that's a powerful brand. Moreover, if it's a logo that's familiar not just to those of us on this board (who are generally Top 100-philes), but to average golfers, due weight should be given.
So I'd ask for 3 answers:
1. What's the most widely recognizable club logo in golf? (excluding ANGC)
2. What's the
best club logo?
3. Darkhorse(s) for best logo? (i.e. one that's perhaps not generally well-known, but is great)
My Answers are:
1 Most Recognizeable:
Pinehurst's "Golf Lad" Though it is almost always accompanied by "Pinehurst 1895" - presumably resort courses care more about marketing. I'd could also see an argument to DQ it though based on the fact the logo is, again, more well known for a tournament (US Open) than on it's own. It could also lose points for being confusable with Bethpage Black. But, since I was asking the question, I didn't really have a great answer in mind. (Harbor Town also came to mind, but perhaps only because of this week's Heritage)
2. Best Club Logo
Friar's HeadNot super well known as of yet, but I love the nautical flags and they they spell "F.H." Incredibly simple and creative.
3. Darkhorse(s)
Outpost ClubLove the simplicity
Maidstone