A meeting of major brands and national golf trade associations, held in Munich during Golf Europe last week, has approved the formation of an alliance to be known as the ‘European Golf Industry Association’.
The founder members of this group are the Dutch, German, Swedish and British golf industry associations, although it is hoped that other countries will become involved in the longer term.
Dirk Vinken, secretary of FGHS, the Dutch sporting goods federation and first chairman of the EGIA said, “I am delighted to announce the formation of this alliance which will benefit all our member companies. We now have a forum for sharing information and a platform to debate issues facing the industry throughout Europe.”
The parties first came together, at the invitation of the British trade association, during The Open Championship last year. “Where,” said Dirk, “there was a huge level of consensus around the table”
A number of major brands have also been involved in promoting the formation of the EGIA including Acushnet, Bullet Golf, Caledonian Group, MacGregor, Nike, Ping, Powakaddy, Spalding Sports, Sunderland of Scotland and Wilson.
“This is a very positive step forward for the industry,” said Bob Smith, chairman of the British Golf Industry Association. “At last in golf we are beginning to realise that we have to work closer together to ensure the future growth and success of our sport.”
Johan Leffler, representing the Swedish Golf Distributors Association, said, “We feel this alliance will be of great benefit to individual members of our associations and also to the wider golf community.”