Golf clubs and gloves sales declined in the period from July 2021 through February 2022, down 12 percent and 6 percent, respectively, year-over-year, according to Retail Tracking data from The NPD Group. Golf balls remained flat, and accessories (i.e., tees) and training aids were higher.
Dirk Sorenson, executive director, industry analyst, Sports, for the NPD Group, said golf club and glove revenues began to decline in the U.S., starting in July 2021, and the golf category overall was one of the biggest revenue gainers across all of sports equipment during the height of the pandemic.
“I think some of this decline in club sales reflects less new and returning players engaged in purchasing total golf equipment packages,” said Sorenson.
The NPD report noted that February 2022 was a “particularly strong month” for sales of accessories and training aids, attributed to “continued interest in golf by the enthusiast or mainstream golfer.” Golf ball sales also rebounded, up 26 percent in February year-over-year, with February’s jump in golf ball sales “as an indication of existing golfers stocking up on the basics and preparing to hit the courses during warmer weather.”
