Kissimmee, Florida, United States: Golf Datatech has reported that the US golf equipment industry suffered a 12% drop in equipment sales revenue in January, compared to the same period 12 months ago.
Total equipment sales were down 12.9% for January, with sales of distance measuring devices down 21.2%, while shoe sales were down 19.4% in the first month of the year compared to this time last season.
Sales of golf balls remained steady on 2022 levels, while gloves and wedges were both down slightly.
On the latest numbers, Golf Datatech co-founder John Krzynowek said: “January 2023 was a continuation of what we saw in the fourth quarter of 2022, with significant headwinds, such as inflation, asset value declines, and the threat of an impending recession impacting woods, irons, putters, bag and shoe sales.
“At the same time, ball and gloves – products that correlate more closely with levels of play and are lower in cost – held close to level.”
He added: “People continue to ask how are we doing compared to pre-pandemic levels, and the answer is: ‘Very well’.
“Total equipment sales are 51% higher than January 2019, and this most recent January is the third largest January ever. So, while we are not at the levels of a few years ago, we remain substantially elevated from historic levels.”
