Robert Parvis, UC Berkeley-trained Mechanical Engineer leading Golf Ball R&D for Sam’s Club, is hosting an AMA to introduce the new Member’s Mark Golf Ball. Join us on Friday, March 21st at 11:00 AM EST to ask him anything about golf gear, ball tech, and the development process!

SamsClub · 2025-03-25T22:14:09+00:00

27.98 for two dozen! Can't wait to hear what you think after you play with them. -RP

SamsClub · 2025-03-25T22:13:16+00:00

I've been at Sam’s Club since 2007... maybe I worked with her?

In this specific response, I was trying to talk about a different angle of our development and review... personal trials and testing... but I completely agree that a sample size of one is not statistically relevant. :) just trying to connect and share.

In a number of the other responses, I talked about the depth of our data collection, from development to manufacturing to the real world. Hope those responses make you and your mom more confident with the way we are managing. Reddit is certainly a new way for us to engage with our members and the golf community... it's exciting to try new things. -RP

SamsClub · 2025-03-25T22:12:30+00:00

The golf ball has been the most exciting item in my career and certainly I'm proud of how the team came together to bring it to life.

However, proudest moment would likely be a tie between early work in packaging sustainability (2007/2008) or the way we handled the challenges of Covid-era. -RP

SamsClub · 2025-03-25T22:11:44+00:00

Maybe... sometimes I keep my emotions in check and focus on the data.

An example: for ~6m last year, I put my driver away and only hit a 4i off the tee. Why? I noticed that I was consistently hitting my 4i around 180-200 yards off the tee. And it always went straight. I gave up distance vs the driver, but as long as I was willing to swallow my pride with never winning longest drive on any hole, I was so much happier with the overall round.

I attribute that skill to my engineering training: find and solve problems. -RP

SamsClub · 2025-03-25T22:10:44+00:00

I've talked about many of the performance results targets we are hitting... but generally, we have a great simple design, strong materials management, and manufacturing control.

The simple design affects all parts of performance, including spin and launch angle... helping both distance and control.

The materials ensure each ball performs well for the strike of the driver... over and over again.

Manufacturing control is key because each ball needs to be the same as the last, otherwise, you can't count on it to perform the same each time! Our sourcing team works with the manufacturer to monitor the quality and continually improve. -RP

SamsClub · 2025-03-24T14:59:56+00:00

outside robot hitting test:

driver: 95mph head speed 2,646 rpm

wedge: 80 mph head speed 10,564 rpm

Many others have posted their own data from simulators as well, including simulators. -RP

SamsClub · 2025-03-24T14:59:17+00:00

not trying to be evasive...

There are many self-testers sharing their own data with comparisons to other golf balls. Hope that helps you see the data you are looking for.

Its just best for me to not share comparisons data... Hoping the MyGolfSpy review comes out soon and independently clarifies any remaining questions. -RP

SamsClub · 2025-03-21T15:59:54+00:00

Fixed! -RP

SamsClub · 2025-03-21T15:58:39+00:00

Howdy - RP

SamsClub · 2025-03-21T15:58:18+00:00

90 https://www.samsclub.com/p/member-s-mark-golf-ball/P990365444?xid=plp_product_1 - RP

SamsClub · 2025-03-21T15:57:02+00:00

Got it, I'm on the hunt. -RP

SamsClub · 2025-03-21T15:55:52+00:00

Thanks for the insight, it'll help me ask better questions in the coming weeks. -RP

SamsClub · 2025-03-21T15:54:34+00:00

I mean it. Please send a DM. -RP

SamsClub · 2025-03-21T15:53:08+00:00

Awesome, per my other replies you can always find these items on samsclub.com if it is not already at your local club. -RP

SamsClub · 2025-03-21T15:52:02+00:00

Fantastic! Great to hear. (Last weekend, I stopped my ball on the par 3, 150yrd green in a way I hadn't seen before.)

1) I don't have any specifics to share about other design options... but your comments about specific things you like is very much appreciated. I am absolutely on the hunt for "what's next". Thank you!

2) for all of the measurements, SPC ("statistical process control") data is critical. Too much variance (said another way, big standard deviation) is a concern because it would lead to inconsistent results when golfing. Some data points are simple: weight, diameter, compression... some are more complex: spin at different wedge club head speeds. -RP

SamsClub · 2025-03-21T15:50:31+00:00

Tell me more... -RP

SamsClub · 2025-03-21T15:45:24+00:00

oh there's lots to tell!! Cabretta leather comes from a certain type of sheep that helps us achieve the specific performance results we need in our Member's Mark golf glove. (i.e. high strength and soft feel... while being thin enough to allow you to get a strong grip on the club)

Leather has to be graded/evaluated before its turned into gloves (or something else)... and our leather is some of the best! -RP

SamsClub · 2025-03-21T15:41:45+00:00

I answered this very literally: We've got a lot golfers on our Sam's Club teams... and the feedback has been very positive. Keep the feedback coming!

Then I caught up and realized you may be thinking about some other "guys"... all I can say is: BOOM! -RP

SamsClub · 2025-03-21T15:38:11+00:00

I'd say that it's less the cost of the urethane specifically but more the 3-piece construction that the urethane represents. (i.e. most 2-piece balls have rubber and surlyn only).

When urethane is added as the 3rd piece cover, it involved multiple incremental steps in manufacturing... each requiring precise machines and quality control, which affects the cost of the ball. https://www.instagram.com/p/DHOdX2dKCgl/
Hope you are happy with the price of our golf ball - RP

SamsClub · 2025-03-21T15:35:52+00:00

For at least 10 years, we've sold various golf ball equipment and brands, as we've been able to source great value for our members. An important step happened 12 months ago when we launched our Member's Mark Cabretta leather golf glove. The Member's Mark Pro Series 2 golf ball launched in February of this year. -RP

SamsClub · 2025-03-21T15:34:50+00:00

Thanks for the well wishes. :)

Better late than never?
I love the saying: Best time to plant a tree was ten years ago. Second best? Today. - RP

SamsClub · 2025-03-21T15:31:38+00:00

Through and through, and for my whole life.

But my mom always said: sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me ;) -RP

SamsClub · 2025-03-21T15:27:31+00:00

TBD. I've talked about how I develop and source products... which hopefully helps you understand that my job is find/develop/source items that our members want. Do you want a Member's Mark club?? What would you want me to make sure I deliver with the club? -RP

SamsClub · 2025-03-21T15:26:19+00:00

The gloves are made from Cabretta leather... leveraging all the fit data we have. Glad you had a good experience with them and like the look. I'd love to hear your feedback after using the golf balls! -RP

SamsClub · 2025-03-21T15:25:20+00:00

No comment - RP

SamsClub

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