The Golfalot Price Index in the UK had its biggest gain for over a year of 4.6%, as the new 2008 products reached the stores to replace older lines. The largest increases this month were in Drivers (+18.2%), Shoes (+12.5%) and Utility Clubs (+9.5%).
Drivers moved upwards due to the introduction of new clubs from Callaway and Nike. Utility Clubs rose on the back of the new Cobra and Cleveland Hybrids and Shoes benefited from the introduction of a large number of new lines from a variety of manufacturers.
Bags were the only UK category to fall this month, down 1.2%, but this did not halt the larger increase overall as the removal of many older models was offset by new Callaway and Cobra stand and cart bags. Putters stayed static as several of the older Titleist Scotty Cameron models were superseded by newer models.
In the USA, the Golfalot Price Index also had its largest ever monthly rise, with the price of an average set breaking back through $2,000 for the first time since October 2006. The Index gained 8.7% in February with all categories rising as the old products made way for the new 2008 product lines. The largest increases came in Drivers (+15.7%), Balls (+15.4%), Trolleys (+12%), Shoes (+9.1%) and Irons (+8.5%).
Drivers increased thanks to the introduction of new 2008 models from Adams and Nike. Shoes and Balls increased as the old ranges made way for the new, with over 30 models dropping out of the USA Index. Trolleys continued their rollercoaster ride thanks to a few of the cheaper trolleys coming out and the new ClicGear trolley reaching the market. Finally, Irons, Shoes and Balls increased as older models were replaced by new 2008 versions.
Whilst the overall trend in February was up, both Indexes benefited from a change of ranges as has been explained. However this illustrates the philosophy of the Golfalot Price Index, to track the prices of what the keen golfer wants, namely the latest golf gear on the market. Hopefully this upward trend will continue in the months to come, despite the wider economic gloom.
For more detailed information view the Golfalot Price Index graphs for the UK & USA online at www.golfalot.com/priceindex
Golfalot www.Golfalot.com