The Surprising Legacy of the Late Tom ‘Noodle’ Lawrence
31 May 2025
by Kyle Rector of AmateurGolf.com
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If you've played enough competitive golf, chances are you've stumbled across a Noodle golf ball in the rough while searching for your Pro V1 or Chrome Soft. Maybe you’ve even hit one on a casual round, or smiled at the name before tossing it in the shag bag.
But what you might not know is that Noodle wasn't just a marketing creation—it was a man. And his story is one of the most unexpectedly heartwarming tales in the golf world.
Tom “Noodle” Lawrence, who passed away on May 22, 2025, at age 69, was the namesake of TaylorMade’s Noodle golf ball. According to his obituary and a Reddit post from a close family friend, the name came from a serendipitous round at Pebble Beach. Tom was asked to join a group that included a novice golfer who appreciated his tips and good humor throughout the day.
After the round, that golfer revealed himself as a marketing manager for TaylorMade Golf. He loved the nickname “Noodle” so much, he asked if he could buy the rights. Tom said yes. And that’s how one of the most recognizable ball names in golf was born—not in a branding meeting, but on the 18th green at Pebble Beach.
A Brief History of the Noodle Golf Ball
The Noodle golf ball was first introduced by Maxfli in the early 2000s, aiming to provide golfers with a soft feel and added distance. Maxfli, a brand with a rich history dating back to 1910, was acquired by TaylorMade-adidas Golf in 2003. Under TaylorMade's stewardship, the Noodle brand gained popularity among amateur golfers for its affordability and performance.
In 2008, Dick's Sporting Goods purchased the Maxfli brand from TaylorMade. However, TaylorMade retained the rights to the Noodle trademark and continued its production. Today, Noodle golf balls are manufactured in TaylorMade's facility in Korea.
Remembering Tom “Noodle” Lawrence
Lawrence wasn’t a tour pro, designer, or influencer. He was a lifelong Youngstown, Ohio resident who worked hard, gave back to his community, and loved snow skiing, horseback camping, and the YMCA, where he was a member for 50 years. But his small brush with golf history lives on every time someone finds a Noodle in the bushes—or decides to tee one up just for fun.
We may never put a Noodle in play during a state am qualifier, but the next time you see one, take a second to appreciate what it represents: a good round with a stranger, a bit of luck, and a guy who made a lasting impact just by being himself.
RIP, Noodle. You left your mark on the game—literally.