The 2014 Ryder Cup, one of the biggest sports events in the world, is set to drive unprecedented consumer demand this season as fans buy a new, expanded range of Official Merchandise.
Following the European Team’s memorable victory on American soil two years ago, the 40th edition of the biennial match is one of the most hotly anticipated golf events of all time – and the golf trade is gearing up to take advantage.
According to Tim Hunt, Marketing Communications Director at Ryder Cup Europe, demand for Official Merchandise ahead of the event at Gleneagles, September 23-28, is likely to reach record levels:
“The Ryder Cup is one of the biggest sports events in the world, attracting a global TV reach of more than 500 million homes. This rise in popularity is reflected in the level of consumer demand which, in 2014, we expect to be the highest ever for a Ryder Cup match in Europe.
“As with all major international sports events, such as the World Cup and Olympics, fans want to participate and show support for their team. So The Ryder Cup is a unique opportunity for the golf trade, especially for green grass golf retailers who are able to engage customers with distinctive, officially branded merchandise.”
Paul Hedges, CEO of Foremost Golf, the UK’s largest retail group, said: “We know what big business The Olympics and World Cup football have become – now golf has its own major international event, The Ryder Cup. This year, there is an outstanding variety of Official Merchandise, offering retailers excellent opportunities to sell products not only to their regular customers but the wider audience attracted by The Ryder Cup. It’s a tremendous opportunity for golf retailers to capitalise on a global sporting event in the UK.”
The 2014 Ryder Cup Official Merchandise collection includes an expanded variety of products ranging from clothing to collectables. Scottish producers, including manufacturers of tartan, cashmere and tweed, are among the official Ryder Cup licensees, selling to fans alongside globally recognised designer labels and sports brands. Gifts, glassware, golf art and a unique commemorative bank note are also among the products retailers can sell.
The full list of Ryder Cup Official Licensees features:
- Abacus
- adidas
- American Eagle Associates
- Baxter Golf Art
- Bushnell & Bollé
- Druh Belts
- Galvin Green
- Glenmuir
- Hawick Cashmere
- Level 4
- Lochcarron of Scotland
- Peter Millar
- ProQuip
- Ralph Lauren
- Titleist & FootJoy
- Veritas Gifts
- Walker Slater (in association with Harris Tweed Hebrides)