nike discount golf clubs

The golf industry is expecting improved sales this year, following a lull in 2001 where retailers and manufacturers reported overall flat sales and a decline in the number of rounds played. This optimism is based on the belief that golfers simply took a break from investing in equipment last year. When concerns about the economy began to surface early last year and there was a perceived lack of newness in the market, it was easy for golfers to eliminate discretionary new equipment purchases.

While theres still concern about when the economy will improve, a pent-up demand for equipment among the nations approximately 28 million golfers is likely to be unleashed by a wave of marketing from club manufacturers this spring. The most significant development in this regard is Nikes entry into the golf club market.

pany will unveil its new line of drivers, irons and wedges in late January at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla. The premium-priced clubs are expected to receive a major marketing push befitting pany with Nikes resources.

It is great for the sport because it is making all of the other brands step up, said Stina Steinberg, equipment and instruction editor at Golf for Women magazine. True enough.

The impending launch has already led other major club manufacturers to launch preemptive strikes by introducing their new club lines earlier than previous years. In mid-November, Callaway Golf announced the introduction of seven new products.

President and ceo Ron Drapeau said, [It] represents the most dramatic group of product introductions in the history of pany. Adams Golf announced the introduction of a new line of Tight Lies GT fairway woods and drivers in early January.

Spalding Sports introduced in early December its new line of Ben Hogan Apex Edge Irons. And in late October, the golf products division of Fortune brands introduced two new sets of Titleist DCI irons and a new series of King Cobra SS 350 titanium drivers.

All of this new product activity may not directly benefit discount stores and most sporting goods retailers because these clubs are premium-priced, and distribution is limited to pro shops or retailers with a PGA pro on staff. Nevertheless, category growth starts with clubs because the investment often prompts golfers to buy a new bag, shoes, balls and accessories, and increase play.

It should be a good year for golf, said Doug Morton, president and ceo of Gart Sports. Other retailers also are counting on strong performance from the category as a result of recent moves.

One significant development that took place last fall was the decision by Fortune Brands to sell three SKUs of its Titleist HVC brand golf balls directly to Wal-Mart and Kmart. This addition of the premium brand gives panies the opportunity to gain additional market share, trade customers up to a more expensive product and, longer-term, demonstrate to other manufacturers the willingness of discount store customers to purchase higher-end brands.

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