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As the golf business continues to surge, the independent market research firm Golf Datatech announced that U.S. retail golf equipment sales for the third quarter surpassed the $1 billion mark, finishing at $1.002 billion. This represents the first time sales have exceeded $1 billion in Q3, as well as the second-largest quarter ever, trailing only Q2 2008, when sales hit $1.013 billion.
Golf Datatech also reported that Q3 golf equipment sales for 2020 were up 42 percent over the same period in 2019, led by strong showings in golf bags, wedges and irons.
“The story keeps getting better as golf continues to surge coming out of the shutdown, and Q3 equipment sales suggests that 2020 will likely end up positive for the entire year,” Golf Datatech partner John Krzynowek said. “Year-to-date sales for total equipment are now up 0.2 percent compared to 2019, and considering the size of the hole created by the shutdown in April and May, this recovery has been nothing short of remarkable. While the US economy will not enjoy a ‘V Shaped Recovery’ in 2020, if golf continues on this trajectory we will be there soon.”
The category leaders in sales for September were golf bags at plus-19 percent and wedges at plus-18 percent, while golf shoes were plus-2 percent. Overall, the golf club category was plus-0.9 percent for the month, with balls and gloves trending slightly lower, negative-2.7 percent.
“These month-over-month sales records are unlike anything we’ve ever seen since Golf Datatech started tracking performance data in 1997,” Krzynowek said. “Our Rounds Played data also shows similar record-breaking growth over the past several months, which is a strong indication that avid golfers and newcomers alike are driving the sport to new levels right now.”