TITLEIST TOUR SPEED GOLF BALLS-LAB GOLF PUTTERS, NEW HOT SELLERS _____________________________________________________________________
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. With the new Mavrik Driver by Callaway Golf.
THE PANDEMIC HAS HELPED in a small way. It has put thousands of people out on golf courses around the world.
Golfers who had not played in a while, golfers who play a little, are playing more in recent months. New golfers are flocking to the game. Parents are getting their kids involved in the sport of golf.
Yesterday was Women’s Golf Day, and more women are taking up the game all the time.
But a blessing in disguise because of Covid, has been people playing golf, and since other options for income spending now are not currently available, golfers are upgrading their equipment and new golfers are buying golf clubs.
The end result is a BOOM in equipment sales.
July of 2020 hit $388.6 million in off course equipment sales, that beat the best months in history, including June of 2007-$368.1 million, and June of 2006 when sales hit $364.0 million.
The four categories that also set all-time monthly records were golf balls, irons, wedges, and golf gloves.
“Golf is surging through the Covid-19 pandemic, as it is a perfect outdoor social distancing recreational activity, and the retail results confirm what a lot of retailers and PGA Professionals have been feeling,” said John Kryznowek, Partner, Golf Datatech, LLC. “Hard good have fared especially well, clear evidence that people are both playing golf and spending on equipment.”
Krzynowek added, “July’s sales results were fantastic, considering everything that has transpired this year. And, while golf equipment retails are down for the year overall, there has been significant improvement since May, when they were down 31.4% year-to-date.”
Krzynowek concluded,” While nothing is assured in this crazy world we live in today, we are hopeful that the current upward trajectory will continue into the fall when things would normally slow down. But with other options cancelled there will be more opportunity to play golf, and purchase more equipment.”
Callaway’s new Big Bertha 21’s just out.
As a result of quickly rebounding and growing equipment sales, some companies have released new products in a time of year they normally would not. Such as Callaway Golf’s recent release of their new Big Bertha 21’s.
There is currently some question about the holding of the annual PGA Merchandise Show in late January of 2021.
If the show is cancelled due to Covid-19 concerns, or has a change in format, equipment companies will be looking for other ways or different dates for new equipment releases.
In advance of the holidays or Black Friday are options that equipment manufacturers will study closely. Watch your local clubs or golf retailers for fittings dates or sales on selected products.