AUSTIN, TX, May 6, 2010 – The economy, weather and several other factors have reduced the number of rounds of golf played by golfers in America in the past year and a half. In an effort to reverse this trend and make golf more affordable than ever, America’s largest golf retailer, Golfsmith, is partnering with more than 70 golf courses from coast to coast to launch “Free Golf Month” in the largest golf game giveaway ever. Some 50,000 rounds of golf are being given to the retailer’s customers to get more golfers back on the greens.
“We’re making golf very affordable” said Marty Hanaka, Golfsmith CEO. “Despite the challenging economic climate we are giving our customers exactly what they want, the opportunity to play more golf. With our “Free Golf Month” promotion we’re now providing our customers a free pass and access to our network of great courses throughout the country while setting ourselves apart from the competition.”
According to the National Golf Foundation (NGF), more than 518 million rounds of golf were played in 2000 while 2009 data revealed only 486 million rounds played. The average number of rounds played in the US has gone down, remained flat or increased less than one percent in the past decade. This downward trend continues, according to the NGF. Rounds of golf played are down 12.4 percent in the first three months of this year as compared to the same period in 2009.
The promotion is a win-win for customers because it is providing a free golf game valued at up to $100 with an in-store purchase of $99 while it will also benefit golf courses to attract new golfers to their courses. The average free round is around $45 to $50.
Upon the transaction of $99 or more at any of Golfsmith’s 75 stores across the country, consumers will receive a voucher from a local course to play for free at one of the participating local courses. Quantities vary by store and are on a first come, first served basis only. For full details visit your local Golfsmith store.
About Golfsmith
Golfsmith International Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:GOLF) is a specialty retailer of golf and tennis equipment, apparel and accessories. The company operates as an integrated multi-channel retailer, offering its guests the convenience of shopping in its 75 stores across the United States, through its Internet site and from its assortment of catalogs. Golfsmith offers an extensive product selection that features premier branded merchandise, as well as its proprietary products, clubmaking components and pre-owned clubs. Visit www.golfsmith.com
Cautionary Language
Certain statements made in this news release are forward-looking in nature and, accordingly, are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. Important factors could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, those discussed in our Form 10-K, filed March 3, 2009 under the caption “Risk Factors.”
Contact:
Lynn Luczkowski
L2 Communications
860-313-1426
Lynn@L2comm.biz
Aubrey Haznar
L2 Communications
617-481-1696
Aubrey@L2comm.biz
Matt Corey
Golfsmith
512-821-4883
matt.corey@golfsmith.com
