The Golfalot.com Price Index enjoyed a third consecutive month of growth with an overall increase of 0.1% the Index, leaving the total cost of a set of golf equipment higher than at any point since October 2005.
The Shoes Category led the way in the Accessories Sector with monthly growth of 3.3% as prices rose across some new Ecco models and some older, cheaper models from FootJoy and Adidas dropped out of the Index. The Golf Balls Category wasn’t far behind with a rise of 3.1% as the new Callaway Tour i(z) and HX Bite 2010 entered the Index for the first time.
The Trolley Category also performed well with growth of 3% allowing it to record its highest price since July 2006. The PowaKaddy Freeway II models made their impact felt as they debuted in the Index and reductions on models like the Clicgear 2.0 Pull were lifted.
With growth of only 0.8% the Golf Bags Category trailed the rest of the sector but was still able to post its highest ever price as new models from PowaKaddy, Hill Billy and Cobra made their way on to the Index. Overall the Accessories Sector enjoyed growth of 2.6% and its highest total price since June 2005.
The Golf Clubs Sectors couldn’t match the pace set by the Accessories Sector but a generally solid month saw it consolidate after five consecutive months of growth.
The Utility Clubs Category was the strongest performer with growth of 3.4% as models by TaylorMade and Mizuno re-joined the Index. The Wedges Category was the only other in the sector to record a rise with a jump of 1.5% delivering the highest average wedge price since November 2008 of £57.90.
The Fairway Woods Category remained static but elsewhere in the sector there were small decreases. Price reductions on certain models in the Ping i-Series, Nike and Yes Golf ranges saw Putters fall by 2% although the category remains up on the beginning of the year.
The Irons Category fell by 1.1% as the impact of reductions on brands like Benross, MacGregor and Cleveland was heightened as higher end models such as the Callaway X-Tour dropped out of the Index.
The Drivers Category also recorded a slight dip for the first time in 2010 although consumers will no doubt be heartened by the wide ranging reductions across a number of brands including Yonex, Nike, Cobra S, Benross and Ping.
After a number of successful months in 2010 it was perhaps inevitable that the Golfalot.com Price Index would slow down eventually although it heartening to note that the last month had brought consolidation rather than widespread drops across the categories.
With the World Cup this year, golf will be competing in a crowded summer of sport it is perhaps unsurprising that some retailers are working hard to attract consumers by offering reductions on certain categories. As interest is renewed by The Open in July and the build up to the Ryder Cup in October we can be hopeful that the coming months will see the Index continue its solid performances of 2010.
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