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Golf Equipment

Attract customers to your golf business by offering a range of popular and innovative golf equipment

By Margaret Haerens
If you are considering opening your own golf business—whether it is a golf course, resort, driving range, or a small retail or discount golf equipment store—you need high performance and innovative golfing equipment.  

According to the National Golf Federation (NGF), there are approximately 28.7 million golfers in the United States, and these golf enthusiasts spend around $4.7 billion on equipment (golf clubs and balls) and accessories (gloves, bags, shoes, umbrellas and golf cart accessories). Golfers—whether they are beginners or advanced—are interested in the newest, cutting-edge golf club technology that will help them improve their game, and are willing to spend the money to have the best products. The American love of golf translates into a growing and lucrative market for golf equipment. 

As you start planning your business, make sure you do the following: 
  1. Staff your business with knowledgeable experts who know the latest products.
  2. Offer a wide range of golf clubs that are sure to fit your customer demographic.
  3. Cultivate productive and valuable relationships with golf professionals and manufacturers who will keep you informed of the latest trends in golfing equipment.

 

Identify manufacturers and wholesalers that can help you start your golf equipment business

While your business is in the planning stage, you'll need to cultivate contacts that will help you get up and running as well as develop your business. Not only will you need to find golf equipment distributors, you will need a way to contact potential clients, such as golf facilities, golf professionals, and services you will need along the way.
Try: The National Golf Foundation’s website features a Golf Database & Lists Service, which lists the contact names for 40,000 golf professionals, managers, superintendents, and owners of U.S. golf courses; 1500 golf driving range managers and owners; 10,000 golf business contacts; and 5 million golfers all over the country. They also offer a Database of Golf Businesses, which allows you to search for manufacturers in your area of interest.

Choose a wide range of golf clubs that will attract loyal customers

Consult with sales representatives from a number of golf equipment suppliers in order to procure a broad selection of golf clubs for all skill levels and ages. Be aware of your customer demographics and find innovative, high-performance items that will earn the loyalty of your customers.
Try: Callaway is one of the top manufacturers of all kinds of golf gear. They are best-known for their outstanding selection of golf clubs for men and women as well as a range of Top-Flite golf balls. Nike Golf is another leading golf equipment supplier. They manufacture men’s and women’s golf clubs and other golf equipment. Ben Hogan also offers a well-regarded line of irons, hybrids, wedges and balls. Vulcan Golf manufactures the popular Speedlite driver.

Offer high-performance balls and other golfing supplies that appeal to the competitive golfer

Aerodynamic golf balls with attractive dimple designs that offer long distance and greenside playability are the key to attracting golfers who are serious about maximizing their game performance. Be sure to offer a selection of discount golf equipment for less competitive golfers looking for affordable but high quality products.
Try: Titleist is one of the leading manufacturers of both golf clubs and golf balls. They also customize golf balls with corporate logos, family or country club crests, or commemorative messages. PG Professional Golf Services is not only the world’s largest golf ball retrieval company, but also the supplier of Reload recycled golf balls. Another golf ball recycler, Rawhide Golf Ball Co., specializes in the distribution of both wholesale and retail sales of recycled golf balls to golf businesses.

 

  • Golfers will play better golf with clubs that are properly fitted, attuned to a golfer's size and golf swing. Customer service is an integral part of matching golfers with the proper equipment. Finding excellent consultants and salesmen is critical to having a successful golf equipment business. What's the use of having excellent and affordable equipment if you can't make the sale?
  • There is a strong market for discount golf clubs, cheap golf equipment and used golf equipment. Infrequent players may not want to spend a lot of money for golf gear they will rarely use, so be aware of the demographics in your area and address the needs of your customers accordingly.

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