Each week we feature our “Friday Top Five” stories, which highlight five things we thought were interesting, notable, or culturally significant. This week we are posting on Monday and Friday showcasing stories on how Covid may have saved golf, StockX doubles down on digital, Apple might be elevating their Podcast capabilities, Negroni may have become the drink of the pandemic, and when all else fails, blog house is here to save us all.
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Stream and Download the Episode Below
Story-1:: Golf Goes AI
Overview: Callaway Golf introduces its new composite clubs for 2021. The artificial intelligence-designed face for both the driver and irons structure velocity with tour representation to assure a better handle and tempo.
Why It Matters: If you haven’t heard, Golf is on the rise again. Thanks to Tiger being back in the mix, some new youth in the mix, and most importantly, it is one thing you can do during Covid that hasn’t received many blocks depending on where you live. So like many, I played more rounds last year than I had ever played before, and I am also currently playing with a Callaway Mavrik Driver and am very excited to see how the Mavrik compares to what has been developed by their AI and if I am others drive further, miss less.
Link: Callaway Golf’s official site for more information. | Podcasts by Callaway
Story-2:: PXG Introducers Entry Level Clubs
Overview: The PXG 2021 0211 Collection is for players who are starting but want high-grade clubs without that premium price tag. Visit the PXG’s official site for more information and club fitting.
Why It Matters: I like many others have been interested in how PXG has done it their way and have been at a cutting edge with their irons. PXG realized that COVID was a great time to cut prices and build a brand. As a current putters customer, it will be interested to see them dipping into lower price point “entry-level” clubs and if this moves their needle enough for theirs.
Link: PXG.com
Story-3:: Inside the marketing strategy that fueled StockX’s international growth
Overview: Though the pandemic reshaped much of fashion in 2020, StockX emerged from the year stronger and larger than it had entered, according to figures from the company. But despite being based in the U.S. and catering to a customer steeped in American culture, the popular secondhand marketplace saw the majority of its growth come from outside the country, particularly in Europe and Japan. The company’s marketing team said a combination of macro factors out of the brand’s control and a structured marketing strategy using local teams in other countries propelled that growth.
“It’s almost entirely digital ads, focusing mainly on paid search and Instagram ads.”
Stockx CMO Deena bahri
Why It Matters: If you are like me, StockX is one of the places you head for SNKRS (Shoes). StockX has seen massive amounts of growth, and it is interesting to see where they are putting their marketing dollars and the approach they are taking to build their brands further.
Link: Glossy Article
Story-4:: Apple could launch podcast subscription service
Overview: Apple could launch a paid-for podcast subscription service featuring original and exclusive programming as early as this year. What’s more, in a bid to attract content creators to its platform, Apple could allow makers to earn higher revenue through charging for individual podcasts.
Why It Matters: I want some of that podcast money!!!! While I sort of kid, it will be interesting to see how more and more companies invest in these platforms and how the platform will change and evolve over time.
Link: Techspot Article Linked Here
Story-5:: House of Negroni
Overview: Since it’s humble beginnings, the Negroni has inspired a wealth of art, culture, design, film, music, food, and fashion. And the House of Negroni site is by far one of the most elevated hubs for this drink.
The Negroni is for the bold. Reserved for the intrepid adventurers who forge the path and don’t follow it. As a symbol of the dolce vita, it reminds us to always live with spirit, and share the company of those who do the same. Your journey has led you here wanderer. Welcome home.
Why It Matters: Like many of you, I have been trying out different cocktails and wine. But for some reason, I keep coming back to the Negroni. What I like about this drink is there are so many variants to the original. You can really make this drink your own.
Link: Website
illustration: DANIELLE GRINBERG
Story-5+:: Forget Canned Cocktails, the ‘Togroni’ Is the RTD of 2021
Overview: On Oct 3, Instagram account @togroni posted a short video in which 50ml nips of Campari, Carpano Antica vermouth, and Botanist gin—bound together with packing tape—were overturned above an ice-filled glass, creating a perfectly balanced cocktail in seconds. The video, which garnered over 5,000 views, was captioned with five simple words: “Crack, crack, crack, and pour.”
Why It Matters: text to go here
Link: @Togroni | Dailey Blend Show Episode
Story-5++:: BlogHouse DJ SET
Overview: A Fun Mix by Sekki Bob and The Trillennium Falcon.
Why It Matters: This BlogHouse set will bring you back to 2010, why, because, it was actually published in 2010. No clue what blog, want to know what the heck was blog house? This FactMag Article does a great job of articulating Blog House.
