As the golf business continues to surge coming out of the coronavirus pandemic, Golf  Datatech, LLC announced U.S. retail golf equipment sales were up for the Q320 surpassed the $1 billion mark. This represents the first-time sales in July, August and September have exceeded $1 billion in Q3 and represents the second-highest quarter of all time (Q2 2008 sales = $1.013 billion).

Golf Datatech also reported that Q3 golf equipment sales for 2020 were up 42 percent over the same time period in 2019, led by strong sales 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,” said John Krzynowek, partner, Golf Datatech, LLC. “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 U.S. economy will not enjoy a ‘V-Shaped Recovery’ in 2020, if golf continues on this trajectory, we will be there soon,” he continued.

The category leaders in sales for September were:

  • Golf Bags; +19 percent
  • Wedges; +18 percent
  • Golf Shoes; +2 percent

Overall, the golf club category was +0.9 percent for the month, with balls and gloves trending slightly lower at -2.7 percent.

Krzynowek added, “These month-over-month sales records are unlike anything we’ve ever seen since Golf Datatech started tracking performance data in 1997. 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 are driving the sport to new levels.”

Lead photo: Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead; Chart courtesy Golf Datatech