George Kittle, the esteemed tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, has become an unlikely ambassador for nostalgia in the world of golf. Despite the ever-evolving landscape of golf equipment, Kittle remains a staunch advocate for his vintage Nike SasQuatch Sumo2 driver, a club that has been a constant companion since 2014. During an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital at Tight End University’s annual golf day in Nashville, Kittle shared the story behind his cherished club and the reasons behind his unwavering allegiance to it.
The occasion, a much-needed respite from the high-pressure world of NFL training camps, brought together Kittle and his fellow tight end, Travis Kelce, along with former NFL tight end Greg Olsen and their coach, Jon Embree. The group gathered at Hermitage Golf Course, where the sweltering Tennessee heat provided a challenging backdrop for the day’s events. Yet, Kittle was unfazed, ready to take on the course with his trusty Sasquatch in hand. The club, known for its distinctive square face and black-and-yellow finish, is a rarity in today’s golfing world, as it has been discontinued for years.
As the group prepared for their round, anticipation built around Kittle’s selection of the Sasquatch. Its reputation for producing an ear-piercing sound, reminiscent of an aluminum baseball bat, has made it a topic of conversation and intrigue. Kittle explained that the driver’s unique sound is more than just a byproduct of its design; it serves as a reminder of his early golfing experiences. He recounted how he acquired the club from a former college teammate, Brant Gressel, who had been an avid golfer during his time at the University of Iowa. Gressel, known for his love of vintage golf equipment, had once used the Sasquatch during a particularly memorable mishap, which led to Kittle’s acquisition of the club.
Kittle’s reasons for sticking with the Sasquatch are as much about personal connection as they are about performance. He emphasized that the club’s loud ‘ping’ is a part of his golfing ritual, evoking memories of playing tee ball in sixth grade. This sound, which has become a hallmark of his golfing style, creates a unique atmosphere at the course, often drawing reactions from fellow players. Kittle jokingly referred to the noise as ‘cleansing,’ a term that adds a humorous twist to the serious nature of professional golf. Despite the club’s outdated design and the availability of modern drivers, Kittle remains unswayed, believing that the Sasquatch’s distinctive sound and the stories it carries are irreplaceable.
In a bid to ensure he never had to replace the Sasquatch, Kittle took a proactive approach, purchasing multiple copies of the club on eBay. This foresight has allowed him to maintain his connection to the driver, even as newer technology continues to shape the sport. For Kittle, golf is not just about the game itself; it’s about the culture, the camaraderie, and the sense of humor that comes with playing with a club that’s as old as his memories. The experience at Tight End University was a celebration of these values, as the group enjoyed the challenges of the course, sipped on Bud Lights, and embraced the laid-back spirit of the day.
While the Sasquatch is a relic in the world of modern golf, its significance to Kittle is a testament to the power of personal attachment in sports. The club’s unique sound and the stories it carries have created a lasting legacy, one that continues to inspire and amuse both his teammates and the fans who follow his journey. As Kittle prepares to head back to the NFL arena, the Sasquatch remains a symbol of his individuality, a reminder that sometimes the best tools are the ones that carry the most personal meaning.