Golf companies love Halloween. Headcovers, balls, grips, nearly everything else … it’s like Starbucks with just a hint less spice to go with the pumpkin.
Maybe it’s because there’s a limit to how many kids I want ringing my doorbell, but I’m kind of over Halloween in a general kind of way. And, if we’re being honest, a good bit of this limited stuff looks like it was designed by someone who raided the clearance bin at Spirit Halloween on Nov. 1.
At least TaylorMade’s new Dia de los Muertos collection isn’t completely devoid of originality. That is to say that it’s as original as any piece of golf gear featuring a skull can be.
Now, sure, it’s not like TaylorMade skips Halloween entirely—this year we’ve already covered their limited-edition Midnight Howl collection. The scariest thing about that was TaylorMade’s willingness to go all in on a Halloween-themed Spider putter.
Instead of just building on that with more of the typical Halloween aesthetic, TaylorMade (as it has done with limited-edition balls in the past) has tapped into the rich cultural traditions of Día de los Muertos with a collection that should appeal to golfers with a genuine appreciation for the Day of the Dead as well as those who just think skulls are cool.
What’s in the collection
The centerpiece of the collection is a trio of headcovers that showcase intricate sugar skull artwork against bold black backgrounds. Each one features detailed stitching that actually looks like someone put some thought into the design.
The driver headcover features “NUMERO UNO” and a TaylorMade logo on the back—a nice touch for those of us who need a constant reminder of which one is the driver.
The mallet putter cover gets a bold skull design with the Metal T logo while the blade version offers what TaylorMade describes as a “toothy skull” with monochrome underside branding.
All three headcovers are constructed from premium materials with velour-lined interiors, because you probably pamper your clubs more than your wife.
Beyond the bag
Where this collection gets interesting is in the accessories. TaylorMade has included a Dia de los Muertos Tour Preferred glove featuring sugar skull artwork on the Velcro closure. It’s a subtle way to carry the theme without looking like you’re headed to a costume party, although I think it works just fine even if holiday theming isn’t on your radar.
The collection rounds out with a Ventura hat that prominently features a sugar skull centered on the front. It’s a classic rope design accented by an all-black base.
Chances are you know somebody who’d wear it and never think twice about Día de los Muertos.
The limited-edition reality
TaylorMade is billing the collection as limited-edition collection which means it might sell out faster than you can say “sugar skull.” TaylorMade has gotten pretty good at creating that artificial scarcity that makes people panic-buy golf accessories they didn’t know they needed.
If you are going to impulse-buy themed golf gear, at least this collection has some versatility. The sugar skull designs are genuinely well-executed and with the black-and-white color scheme, won’t look ridiculous accenting your clubs, your head or your hand with these pieces year-round.
The bottom line
TaylorMade’s Dia de los Muertos collection features designs that are interesting without being cheesy, culturally aware without being superficial (at least to the extent possible), and practical enough that you might actually use them beyond the initial novelty period.
Whether you’re looking to add some personality to your bag or just want headcovers that don’t look like they came from the clearance bin at your local pro shop, this collection might work.
Plus, if you’re going to explain to your playing partners why you spent $50 on a putter cover, “it’s part of a thoughtfully designed collection celebrating Mexican cultural traditions” sounds a lot better than “it was the only one left at DICK’S.”
The TaylorMade Dia de los Muertos collection is available now.
Dave Starr
8 months ago
I have a beautiful hand-stitched (from a local artist) sugar skull putter cover from when I played the UNM golf course that cost about half as much.
I play a TM driver, but if I’m going to wrap it in a sugar skull, there are better options.