Backed by consistent favorable weather conditions nationwide, golf industry’s
leading independent research firm concludes that increased rounds played has led
to record setting on course equipment sales that are nearly $500 million
ORLANDO, Fla., August 8, 2012 … Golf Datatech, LLC (www.golfdatatech.com), the golf industry’s leading independent research firm for consumer, trade and retail golf trends, today announced that golf equipment sales at On Course shops nationwide are trending at an all-time high, with every key equipment category enjoying positive growth over 2011 levels.
The findings are backed by consistent favorable weather conditions throughout the country, which has led to increased rounds played and resulted in the record setting equipment sales. Golf Datatech began tracking retail golf equipment sales in January of 1997, and these 2012 findings mark the first time that the dollar amount of equipment sales at On Course golf shops has been higher than in the first six months of the previous year. In fact, through the end of June, total On Course equipment sales totaled $493.3 million, a 15.7% increase over the June 2011 total.
“The first six months of weather has been extremely favorable throughout most of the country for golf participation and the effects of this are evident in rounds played and equipment sales,” said Golf Datatech’s Tom Stine. “Nothing helps golf sales like good weather, and this study represents very good news for the entire golf industry.”
Key findings in the study include the following:
• 2012 National Rounds Played are up 12.2% through June as compared to the same period of 2011. The East North Central region (OH, MI, IN, IL, WI) leads the nation with rounds played up 29.4% over last year’s first six months, followed by the West North Central region (MN, IA, MO, KS, NE, SD, ND) up 22.4%.
• On Course golf equipment categories in dollars all increased for the first six months with golf balls up 10.3%, woods up 12.4%, irons up 7.7%, wedges up 14.8%, putters up 14.4%, shoes up 13.2%, gloves up 5.0% and bags up 8.8%.
• First half total golf equipment sales for both the On and Off Course retail channels increased to $1.4 billion, a 9.9% hike over the same period in 2011.
For more information on national rounds played or other Golf Datatech Reports, call 888-944-4116 or visit www.golfdatatech.com.
About Golf Datatech, LLC
Golf Datatech, LLC was established in 1995, and since that time it has become the industry’s golf standard for accurate and timely information on the retail sales, inventory, pricing, and distribution of golf products through the on and off course channels. In 1998, the Company extended its reach into consumer research and strategic sales and marketing consulting. In 2006, the Company expanded its retail and consumer research programs into the United Kingdom and in 2008 added markets in Europe. Golf Datatech now produces the first-ever electronically driven golf retail sales reports for the UK, Sweden and Germany.
Contact:
Suzie Phillips (sphillips@golfdatatech.com)
Golf Datatech, LLC @ 407-944-4116
Michele Cooper (michele@mastrocomm.com)
Mastro Communications, Inc. 732-469-5700)
