Retail sales of golf equipment have dropped for the sixth consecutive month in the US, according to the latest market figures reported by Golf Datatech.
The Golf Datatech Retail Market Update for February showed that total equipment sales had fallen by 3.2% compared to the same month last year, while sales for the first two months of the year are down by 7.7% against the same period in 2022.
While sales of drivers, irons, putters, shoes and distance measuring devices were all down, balls, gloves and wedge categories enjoyed a slight uplift.
Golf Datatech co-founder John Kryznowek said: “While no one in the industry ever likes to see consecutive months of declining sales, the January/February time frame average out to be less than 10% of total annual sales, so the drop is less problematic than if it were to happen in the peak buying season.
“Balls, gloves and wedges continue to perform well, while the big-ticket items like woods and irons are down mid to high single digits, as the US consumer continues to hesitate on high priced discretionary items, waiting for signs of health in the economy.”