Proprietary ball-fitting initiative and cutting-edge technologies drive retail demand
Covington, Ga.- Bridgestone, the #1 ball-fitter in golf, has revolutionized the ball selection process with the Bridgestone Golf Ball-Fitting Challenge, which scientifically shows golfers the best ball for their swing chracteristics, based on launch monitor testing. The Bridgestone Golf Ball-Fitting Challenge is approaching its one hundred thousandth personalized ball fitting and as that number increases, so too does Bridgestone’s golf ball market share.
In 2008, Bridgestone fully launched its comprehensive, nationwide ball-fitting campaign. Since that time, according to Golf Datatech, Bridgestone Golf has experienced an increase of more than 50% in on-course and off-course (combined) golf ball dollar share – representing greater overall category-share growth than any other golf ball manufacturer during that period. Bridgestone currently boasts an impressive 11.5% combined dollar share in the on/off category. Much of the share gains can be attributed to an increase in distribution, particularly at green-grass retailers. Since 2008, Bridgestone experienced a 25% increase in the number of on-course retailers carrying their golf ball line. The increased distribution, powered largely by on-course ball-fittings, has led Bridgestone golf ball sales to increases of 2.25% in Unit Share and 1.84% in Dollar Share among on-course retailers since 2009.
“Ball-Fitting has been the single largest factor in our growth as it has opened many doors for us where we were previously shut out,” said Dan Murphy, Vice President of Marketing – Bridgestone Golf, Inc. “It’s tremendously appealing for a golf professional because, almost without exception, after a ball-fitting the retailer sees a significant uptick in ball sales. In addition, ball-fitting gives PGA professionals just one more opportunity to provide a unique and valued service to their members.”
In 2011, Bridgestone golf will have 25 teams of ball-fitting experts actively fitting golfers for the ideal ball for their swing characteristics around the country. As the Bridgestone Golf Ball-Fitting Challenge continues to expand, the company has also implemented some dynamic new technologies geared at delivering the ball selection message to millions more consumers. For those that are not able to attend an in-person ball-fitting, Bridgestone now offers several convenient options to help find the right ball for your game. Bridgestone’s multiple convenient options include: click (go.bridgestonegolf.com), call (877.411.BFIT) or text (BFIT to 55678).” More information is available at bridgestonegolf.com/bfit.
About Bridgestone Golf
Bridgestone Golf, Inc., based in Covington, GA, manufactures and markets premium golf balls, clubs and accessories under the Bridgestone and Precept brand names. Bridgestone is represented on a world stage by a number of internationally famed golfers including Fred Couples, Nick Price, Matt Kuchar, Davis Love III and Brandt Snedeker. Bridgestone Golf, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bridgestone Sports Co. Ltd., whose headquarters are in Tokyo. For more information visit http://www.bridgestonegolf.com.
Contact:
Jared Kelowitz
jaredk@jdpr.com
JDPR
864-233-3776 x 24
