The New Year – January 2025
Well, it has been a good start to the year with positive news. January’s overall sales were up +2.2%. Two out of the four product groups showing growth. Importantly, a generous boost came from clubs, weighing in at +3.0% with four of the five individual products showing growth. A real turn round from the figures in the last quarter of 2024. No doubt they were helped by some important launches from major brands.
Forecasting the year ahead of us is fraught with difficulties at this stage with so much volatility. But one thing to consider, its statistically likely that the weather in Q1 will be better than last year. So, let’s hope it gets people out on to the course and driving range and into the swing!
Golf Datatech is a Circana Company and the 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
Retail News
Foremost Golf experts enhance Custom Fitting experience with exclusive Winter Workshops
Foremost’s team of Business Development Consultants (BDC’s) have travelled extensively throughout the off-season, hosting 11 custom fitting workshops attended by over 240 Foremost members. The workshops were held by Callaway, PING, TaylorMade and Titleist at a range of regional and national fitting centres, and provided Foremost members with opportunities to improve technical fitting skills, while networking with fellow professionals.
The Foremost BDC team leaned into recent data that shows 50% of Foremost members’ business is generated from hardware sales. Key themes throughout the workshops also included technical variables to monitor during a custom fitting, enhancing the customer experience and continuing to drive hardware sales in the build-up to the 2025 season.
“We’ve enjoyed working closely with members of Foremost to provide greater insights on the features and benefits of our products, whilst sharing our own best practice of the Fitting Experience within our National Performance Centre”, said Greg Pearse, Commercial Director at Callaway Golf Europe.
The customer journey is an essential part of the training delivered by Foremost’s BDC team. Foremost’s Elite Marketing Programme (EMP) covers the first part of the equation by generating traffic through omnichannel marketing. The workshops reiterated the importance of an attractive studio, displaying the range of products and professional expertise on offer. A subsequent follow up is what creates the relationship, further customer retention and positive referrals.
“Foremost guide us on how to advertise and produce a professional custom fitting, whilst having invaluable training on the latest equipment and how to custom fit their product from the brand specialists themselves”, said James Flesher, Dunston Hall Golf Club. “These workshops were ideal for my team and I to ensure we offer a professional service from the beginning, and we will most definitely be attending future events.”
“As a Year 2 trainee, learning early from others is key”, added Ryan Thomas of Whitchurch Golf Club, who attended multiple brand sessions throughout the workshop series. “Understanding variables like descent angle helps narrow our focus during custom fitting sessions - tools like PING’s co-pilot offered a new way to establish a starting point with customers.”
The impact on customer satisfaction and brand loyalty is significant when custom fitting is done correctly, from a technical standpoint as well as excellent marketing and service levels. The three-part relationship between Foremost, member professional and suppliers is an essential part of the fitting process, and Foremost’s commitment to continually improving standards is evidenced by the success of these workshops.
“We were delighted to team up with Foremost to provide so many members with extensive custom fit and service excellence training, helping to set them up for success this season”, added Roy Parkes, Sales Manager UK, South at TaylorMade.
For further information on how Foremost Golf can assist you and your business in 2025 simply email membership@foremostgolf.com or call 01753 218890
BIG MAX AQUA Falls
What happens when testing in the rain isn’t enough?
Location: Maltatal, Austria – The Valley of Falling Waters. Time of Year: August 2024.
The team at BIG MAX aren’t satisfied with ordinary. For them, it’s about going above and beyond to ensure their gear performs when it matters most. They believe in pushing their products to the extreme because that’s what real golfers need.
While most golf bags are tested in the rain, BIG MAX asked: Why stop there? To truly challenge and understand the limits of their bags’ waterproof capabilities, they decided to put them through something far more intense - The AQUA Falls.
For six hours, the team navigated treacherous terrain and plunged through cascading waters, pushing their bags to the extreme. They faced immense water pressure, rugged friction, and wear and tear, all designed to simulate harsh conditions beyond typical golfing environments.
And the results - first and foremost, there was no water damage. Despite being fully submerged in cold, powerful waterfalls, the AQUA IPX Tour and AQUA Dry Bag dried completely, with no sign of internal damage. The advanced waterproof materials did exactly what they were designed to do - protect, no matter the conditions.
What was even more impressive was the bags’ ability to endure the brutal friction and rough handling they had been put through. Despite constant abrasion from rocks and the intense wear and tear of the environment, there were no scratches or signs of deterioration. The new IPX material proved to be exceptionally resilient, standing strong against everything the mountain could throw at it.
And perhaps most importantly, the functionality of the bags remained intact. After hours of climbing, jumping, and sliding, all zippers, straps, and pockets worked perfectly. Every feature of the bags performed flawlessly after the challenging day, proving that they were not only waterproof but also tough enough to handle the most extreme conditions you can imagine.
When faced with the most extreme challenges, BIG MAX Aqua bags perform. #PLAYBEYONDLIMITS
Watch VIDEO on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hxe9X-WQa2w
Shot Scope’s new PRO X Laser Rangefinder offers a new level of personalisation
Shot Scope, the industry leader in golf technology, has enhanced its laser rangefinder offering with the release of PRO X: a product featuring the latest technology, innovation and an array of customisation options that allows golfers to reflect their unique style.
Available in black or white, the standout feature of the PRO X is the opportunity for golfers to customise the side plate to a design of their choice. Golf clubs, teams and events can add personalised printing of a club logo, team emblem, or a design of their choice to the side of the rangefinder.
“No two golfers have the same swing, and now, with the customisable Shot Scope PRO X, neither will their rangefinders,” said David Hunter, Shot Scope CEO.
“We designed the PRO X building on the trusted functionality and features of our other innovative rangefinders with the addition of giving golfers the choice of a design and style. The PRO X is also a great option for golf clubs and events who want to add their branding to a rangefinder,” said David.
The PRO X offers the latest technology including slope-adjusted yardages, providing golfers with accurate distances without the worry of elevation changes. This feature can be switched on or off during the round to comply with the rules of golf or any tournament regulations.
Rapid-fire detection and Target-lock vibration provide the user with precise distances to targets within a range of 800 yards. This feature enables golfers to have trust in their club selection for each shot.
An anti-slip rubber grip attached to the rangefinder is ideal during wet conditions, and there is an extra strong built-in cart magnet for easy access when in a golf cart. The product also comes with a secure travel case and carabiner for those who would prefer to secure their rangefinder to their bag.
The PRO X is on general sale for consumers to purchase at Shot Scope, with multiple limited edition designs available at an RRP of £199.99. Shot Scope will also be releasing an exclusive Father’s Day PRO X Rangefinder in the upcoming months.
https://shotscope.com/shop/products/g
olf-rangefinders/pro-x/
Trade, golf clubs, organisations or events looking to place a custom order for the PRO X rangefinder can email sales@shotscope.com. With free shipping and a low MOQ of six units, Shot Scope allows customisation with minimal investment.