An encouraging year end
It’s been a tough year for retail in general with consumers still buying but seeking out the best buys, even trading down to second hand merchandise. The High Street will have suffered more than the golf industry as our overall socio economic structure is up market, leaving most golfers with more discretionary purchasing power – cash in their wallets. At the club level however, this could vary considerably, dependent on the local economy.
Unfortunately, the usual boost in retail sales on the High Street in the run up to Christmas did not materialise. Customers held tightly onto their wallets even after extensive promotional activity. The month compared to 2022 was disappointing at +1.7%, much lower than the +6.9% seen in 2022 compared to 2021. Many consumers have been switching their discretionary spending power to holidays.
Temperatures and rainfall were above average. It was generally dull in the south, improving as you moved up country, with the west coast of Scotland having some great sunshine. All not too bad for the time of year.
So, how did the golf industry finish the year? Well with a flourish, with monthly sales values compared to the same period last year at +5.9% October, +6.3% November and +9.6% December. These in turn helped to boost year to date figures from +4.2% October, 4.4% November to +4.6% by the year end. Looking back to the last stable year 2019 sales were up by +18.5%. Encouraging, but we must not forget the effects of inflation.
Out of the ten hardware products, seven showed growth in value terms for the year. These ranged from +2.0% for wedges to +12.2% for bags. The three products failing to break even compared to last year were trolleys -2.5%, irons -2.4% and putters -0.4%. Apparel did well with only one product falling short on last year: men’s trousers at -4.7%. The others ranged from +4.8% for women’s skirts and trousers to +32.9% for women’s tops.
So, what of the future? Economists see potential light at the end of the tunnel. This being based on lower inflation, reducing interest rate, increasing discretionary spending power and growing consumer confidence. But before this can materialise, the first and second quarters could still be incredibly challenging as customers remain cautious about the future.
Golf Datatech is a world leader in golf industry research. It provides the trade with specialised market research covering retail sales, inventory, pricing, distribution, along with strategic sales and marketing consultancy.
Golf Datatech research is based on millions of transactions per month, all recorded by EPOS systems at the point of sale.
For greater detail contact John Hassett on 07976 797081
Definitions
Clubs: Woods, irons, putters, and wedges
Apparel: Men’s and women’s shirts, bottoms, tops and weatherwear
Consumables: Balls and gloves
Light Durables: Shoes & Bags
Retail News
PowaKaddy’s CT6, CT8 GPS and FX3 are the UK’s best-selling electric trolleys
PowaKaddy’s CT6, CT8 GPS and FX3 are the UK’s best-selling electric trolleys
PowaKaddy, the world’s leading electric trolley manufacturer, reflects on a successful year in 2023 that saw the brand supply the three top-selling trolleys in the UK in its 40th anniversary year, cementing its place as the UK’s best-selling electric trolley brand.
In March 2023, the launch of the RX Remote range marked a significant milestone for PowaKaddy. The remote-controlled RX1 and RX1 GPS have been extremely well-received, offering a new level of convenience and performance for golfers worldwide.
Throughout 2023, PowaKaddy maintained the clear market leading position in the electric golf trolley category. Notably, the CT6, CT8 GPS and FX3, were the top three best-selling electric trolleys in the UK* in 2023, accounting for more than a third of all electric trolleys sold.
As the brand moves into 2024, PowaKaddy is confident in the quality of the range on offer to retail partners and consumers and is looking to maintain the momentum achieved throughout 2023. The brand’s commitment to innovation, quality, technology, and customer satisfaction remains resolute, evidenced by the upgrades, new features, and innovations in its all-new 2024 range.
David Catford, CEO of PowaKaddy, expressed his thoughts on 2023 and the upcoming 2024 season: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all retail partners who have contributed to our continued success in 2023. “Looking forward to the 2024 season, we are encouraged by the volume of orders from the trade. We appreciate the trust our partners have placed in our 2024 range, giving us confidence that we will enjoy another successful year together.”
PowaKaddy is eagerly anticipating the opportunities and challenges of 2024. The brand remains committed to serving golfers with the finest trolleys, golf bags and accessories in the industry.
PowaKaddy Sales Director, Graeme Wigham, added: “In a year in which the golf industry has been faced with several challenges, including an incredibly wet start to the season, PowaKaddy must once again thank all retail partners for their unwavering support of our brand.
“2023 wasn’t the smoothest year, but thanks to the strengths of our retail partnerships alongside our commitment to design and build the best products, we have been able to find success together during a momentous 40th anniversary year for the brand.”
For more information on the entire range of high-performance trolleys and exciting new golf bag range, as well as rental fleet opportunities contact your local PowaKaddy ASM or call the sales team on 01795 473555.
*Source: Golf Datatech On & Off Course Channel, Electric Trolley Sales Value January-December 2023
Visit www.powakaddy.com to view and learn more about the entire PowaKaddy range of high-performance trolleys, bags, batteries and accessories.
Foremost Golf and Golf Swing Systems announce Approved Supplier Partnership
Foremost Golf is excited to announce that Golf Swing Systems has joined the UK’s largest retail and marketing services group as an Approved Supplier, effective immediately.
With 25 years’ experience, Golf Swing Systems are recognised industry experts in coaching and fitting studio solutions and now join with Foremost to make their expertise and advice for new or upgraded fitting studios readily accessible to members.
This new partnership allows Foremost members to explore opportunities in the golf studio design space and stay on top of the evolving technology landscape within the sector.
Commenting on the newly announced partnership, Chris Glenday, Foremost Head of Supplier Partnerships, said: “We have observed the growing trend of investment in studio spaces in the knowledge that it has never been more important to offer outstanding facilities and service to customers.
“The services golf professionals deliver in a well-presented studio are truly their point of difference and underpin the added value to customers. We are delighted to be working with a partner in Golf Swing Systems whose experience and expertise in this area will help to further elevate this important space within our member professionals’ businesses.”
Foremost members will be able to coordinate with the experts at Golf Swing Systems, seeking advice for an upgraded coaching and fitting studio experience, alongside the offer of a free of charge site visit and bespoke design service.
Steve Joy, Director of Golf Swing Systems Ltd, added: “Whether looking to maximise an existing indoor golf studio or start from scratch with a new academy set up, we can offer the knowledge, access, and experience to help any golf club or golf professional to make the most of the space available with the bespoke option that suits their needs best.
“Our team has already begun engaging with many proactive Foremost members and we look forward to a bright future as part of the group.”
Further member benefits include discounts on all golf studio products, including screens, projectors, PC’s, flooring, slat walling and hitting mats. The services offered by Golf Swing Systems also extend to pro shop fitouts, revamping the shop floor with proven methods to increase sales and showcase the best products on offer.
Please contact Golf Swing Systems to discuss your requirements on 01483 266679 or by emailing
For more information on Foremost, visit grip.foremostgolf.com or follow @ForemostGolf
If you are interested in joining Foremost, contact Leanne Spence on 01753 218 891 or email leanne@foremostgolf.com.
PING delivers inspiring AW24 women’s range
The new women’s Autumn/Winter 2024 range from PING reaches new heights, with interchanging garments complementing a host of different looks that make it easy for female golfers to create multiple fashionable outfits.
New innovative technology drives this expansive range of clothing, in addition to three new print stories that encompass timeless elegance: with comfort, playability and style at the core. The breadth of choice within the collection allows golfers to express their individuality by layering up in coordinated printed patterns or simply keep their style sleek in the new sporty silhouettes, all available in this season’s colours and textures.
Terrazo, the first of three print stories, is a textured print that incorporates a natural, warm autumnal palette for a selection of on-trend outfits. The Monogram print exudes classic luxury, with a unique and symbolic combination of the women’s PING logo for a repeated premium print. Finally, the Diffused Florals print includes an abstract design for a floral camo effect; a bolder option for those seeking a sophisticated, sporty look.
Milli, a new high-end waterproof, features a monogram embossed pattern on the front panels, back vent and lower sleeves and is constructed in a two-layer breathable fabric, designed in a flattering silhouette, to keep you dry and stylish out on the course. The jacket also has a useful adjustable hood which packs into the collar, for ultimate protection during wet weather and the cosy brushed tricot lined areas provide warmth and cosiness on colder days.
An exciting new stand out style is the Gem, a lightweight hybrid hooded jacket with wind and water resistance. The insulation in the front and back panels utilises PING’s SensorWarm® technology for core warmth, while the stretch fabric throughout creates a complimentary fit. This incredibly versatile jacket is a must for golfers, as it is the perfect solution for an on-course thermal, or an off-course winter warmer.
Layering garments in this season’s range couldn’t be simpler, making it easier than ever to create fresh and modern outfits. The insulated Flo vest, with its chic collarless design, makes layering a seamless process by slipping it under outerwear or over mid-layers; with the added benefits of the lightweight and breathable Sorona® Aura insulation and windproof stretch side panels, the Flo will give you a thermal boost and great look.
The Lolette, a printed long sleeve top engineered for moisture-moving comfort in all conditions, comes in three stylish colourways with a peached fabric for enhanced softness – an ideal garment to wear underneath an outerwear option, like the Bryony insulated reversible vest, for full freedom of movement.
The Autumn Winter season means sweater weather is in full swing. Step onto the course in one of PING’s new knitwear styles; the Jeanie roll neck has been designed to effortlessly complement the new insulated vests in the collection and with highlight colour details, it makes it super easy to style for the season. Crafted from a merino blend, this style provides next to the skin warmth and comfort, perfect for layering.
A lined sweater never goes out of style and this season PING has two to choose from; the Elspeth is a hybrid knit, which combines merino blend knitted details with an insulted quilted front body, making it a versatile must have, offering maximum comfort and style on the course. The Kaylah is a timeless fully lined sweater featuring a seamless deep neckline with direction ribs giving this a modern update for the season.
PING also continues its support for the Solheim Cup in 2024, as the official apparel supplier for the European team. Details of the replica kit will be available nearer the time.
SkyCaddie’s new PRO 5X Tour Book GPS has laser accuracy
SkyCaddie’s new flagship PRO 5X Tour Book, available to order in the UK now, heralds a new era for GPS rangefinders.
For the first time, the new SkyCaddie PRO 5X combines the accuracy of a laser with the comprehensive features of a Tour-style yardage book, delivered instantaneously.
PRO 5X is faster and more powerful than any SkyCaddie in history, and its accuracy meets the demands of professionals and keen amateur golfers who recognise how vital it is to have the right distance.
It is the complete full-colour, high-definition, Professional Tour Book, with a host of exclusive SkyCaddie gameplay enhancements such as IntelliPath and IntelliGreen Pro – delivered with even greater speed than even SkyCaddie’s most powerful previous models.
The PRO 5X was one of the star attractions on SkyCaddie’s 2024 PGA Show booth, in Orlando, and is the first of a new series of PRO X rangefinders to come from the brand.
The ultra-quick new multi-core processor in the PRO 5X powers SkyCaddie’s proprietary TruePoint Precision Positioning Technology which features a high-performance new GPS engine which doubles previous standards of error-correction technology to provide unmatched accuracy and reliability in the same category as a laser.
SkyCaddie’s ultra-detailed ground-verified course maps, which give the brand’s users an exclusive advantage over those with other GPS devices, are more vivid and vibrant than ever before via the PRO 5X’s large 5.5” LCD Colour Touch Screen.
Sensational exclusive-to-SkyCaddie features such as IntelliGreen Pro and Dynamic HoleVue with IntelliPath, which revolutionise how you play a golf hole, have never looked better or worked faster than with a SkyCaddie PRO 5X.
PRO 5X is sure to be popular with competitors on the Legends Tour, where SkyCaddie is already the official Distance Measuring Device in an official partnership which started in summer 2023.
“75% of the Top 20 on the Legends Tour already use a SkyCaddie, but there’s no question that many will now be upgrading to the new PRO 5X” said James Holmes, SkyCaddie Director of Sales & Operations EMEA.
“It gives them absolute trust in their yardages: PRO 5X will enable them to select clubs and hit shots with more confidence than with any other rangefinder in golf.”
The PRO 5X is also the perfect companion for SkyCaddie’s revolutionary GameTraX 360 System, which arrives in the UK later in 2024 to add super-intelligence to every club in your bag.
The SkyCaddie PRO 5X Tour Book GPS rangefinder’s list of features is testament to SkyCaddie’s undiminished focus on providing serious golfers with the best-possible yardage information:
Golf’s best-ever GPS accuracy is guaranteed by SkyCaddie’s proprietary new TruePoint Precision Positioning Technology – which provides “laser” accuracy for pinpoint yardages, plus the major line-of-sight and instant shot-planning advantages which SkyCaddie GPS has always offered over laser:
• Want to see real speed and power? The PRO 5X has a new ultra-fast multi-core processor which delivers lightning-fast real-time course data and course search times faster than any previous SkyCaddie;
• SkyCaddie’s exclusive professional tournament-legal features including HoleVue, IntelliPath, IntelliGreen Pro and SkyPins are displayed on dazzling sunlight-readable screens;
• The super-responsive 5.5” LCD Colour Touch Screen on the PRO 5X is SkyCaddie’s largest and most vivid display with full-colour HD graphics of every hole;
• PRO 5X is preloaded with over 35,000 of SkyCaddie’s ground-verified, error-corrected maps for unmatched accuracy; Nothing Else Comes Close!®
• Cut the Cord! Wi-Fi connectivity to streamline updates and course downloads on demand. No need to connect to a computer;
• Highly water-resistant body contains a high-capacity rechargeable lithium-polymer battery which provides up to 18 hours of continuous use;
• 1-Year prepaid membership card with promotional packs
• Free concierge setup service
For more SkyCaddie PRO 5X information see https://uk.SkyGolf.com or call 01844 296360.