Five of eight equipment categories saw increased sales during May 2022 vs. May 2021, led by Golf Gloves, which were up +10.8% for the month
Golf balls bounced back from a 12% decline in April to forge a +2% improvement in May. What’s more, on a YTD basis, golf ball sales in dollars are only down about -2%. Golf ball sales were seriously impacted by manufacturing challenges thru the first five months of 2022, and due to a lack of inventory, normal early season promotions for most major brands were cancelled or severely curtailed.
Of the four club categories, two (Wedges & Irons) improved in dollars, although clubs still suffer from tight component supplies, particularly in shafts.
Commented Golf Datatech co-founder John Kryznowek, “After a couple of months with sales declines in March and April, total equipment improved by almost 2% for the month of May. Supply issues continue to hamper the manufacturer’s abilities to meet consumer demand in clubs, while trade inventories remain extremely tight in consumables”.
“While overall golf equipment sales were healthy in May, it’s worth noting that the growth is being fueled by higher average selling prices and not by increased units sold. The combination of higher prices for new products, a lack of mark downs, and cancelling promotional activity due to a lack of supply, has driven average prices substantially higher in almost every product category.”
Total US Retail Equipment Market
On-Off Course May ’22 vs ’21: Dollars -1.4%
On-Off Course YTD ’22 vs ’21: Dollars -2.5%