On-Course Golf Equipment Sales Jump 15.7% in First Half of Year

A report by Golf Datatech showed that favorable weather conditions also led to a 12.2% increase in rounds played through June.

Golf equipment sales at on-course shops nationwide trended at an all-time high during the first half of 2012, according to research by Golf Datatech. Every key equipment category enjoyed positive growth over 2011 levels, with equipment sales from January-June 2012 totaling $493.3 million, a 15.7% increase over the same period in 2011. The findings were backed by consistent favorable weather conditions throughout the country that also led to a 12.2% increase in rounds played.

For the first time since Golf Datatech began tracking retail golf equipment sales in 1997, this year’s numbers marked the first time the dollar amount of equipment sales at on-course golf shops was higher than in the first six months of the previous year, the research firm said.

“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.”

Other findings in the research included:

• The East North Central region (OH, MI, IN, IL, WI) led the nation in increased golf activity, with rounds played up 29.4% over last year’s first six months. The West North Central region (MN, IA, MO, KS, NE, SD, ND) showed the next largest gain, with rounds up 22.4%.
• On-course golf equipment categories all increased in dollar sales 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 on- and off-course retail channels increased to $1.4 billion, a 9.9% hike over the same period in 2011.

More information on this research, and access to other Golf Datatech reports, can be found at www.golfdatatech.com.

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