With consumers becoming more concerned about their overall health, many are turning to golf as a less strenuous form of sport that allows them to enjoy being outside. The sport of golf and its equipment has changed many times over the years, and with these changes come new golf gear trends to watch.
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Global market value of golf gear
Top golf gear trends
What’s next for golf gear?
Global market value of golf gear
The current global market value of golf equipment sits at USD 8.06 billion, and that number is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% from 2022 to 2026. This will bring the market size to USD 9.62 billion with reasons such as the increase in golf tourism and government support for golf resorts being two of the key factors behind this rise in sales.
Technological advancements in golf equipment are starting to guide the market, with more consumers looking for enhanced equipment that can seamlessly be used with smartphones to track their progress and see where improvements in their game need to be made. The market is even seeing a change in the way golf balls are being manufactured.
Top golf gear trends
With so many new pieces of golf equipment hitting the market in recent years, golfers are being spoiled for choice. There are, however, certain pieces of gear that are proving to be more popular than others among today’s consumers. The electric golf trolley, urethane golf balls, bamboo golf tees, customized golf grips, waterproof golf bag, athletic golf shoes, wearable tech, and glow-in-the-dark golf balls are all ones to watch out for over the next few golf seasons.
Electric golf trolley
The golf trolley is seen as an essential piece of equipment for the majority of golf players. Today though, it’s the electric golf trolley that’s one of the top golf gear trends among all types of golfers, from beginners to advanced. With consumers wanting to be more active on the golf course, some are turning away from driving golf carts in favor of walking, which is why the electric golf trolley is turning out to be a very popular piece of equipment.
Many manufacturers are implementing GPS into the electric golf trolley, and the fact that it’s very easy to fold has helped to improve its rating among golfers. It’s relatively lightweight too compared to manual golf trolleys, and with a very quiet motor, it won’t cause any disturbance on the course.
Urethane soft tournament golf ball
One of the most advanced golf balls on the market is the urethane soft tournament golf ball. The 322 dimple design allows for significantly reduced wind resistance, and they offer better greenside control too. They’re made with an ultra-thin urethane cover for maximum feel and are both stable and durable, making them a great cost-effective option for many golfers. These urethane golf balls are sold in a variety of colors and designs, so they’re suitable for all playing abilities.
Bamboo golf tees
Golf tees are an essential piece of golf gear for all players, and not much has changed with them over the years. However, with the rise of eco-friendly products and consumers increasingly looking to purchase sustainable gear, bamboo golf tees have really taken off. Bamboo golf tees are more durable, have a zero friction top part that also allows for less resistance with the ball, and often come with calibrated markings on them for easy height adjustment. These golf tees are a big golf gear trend right now and will only grow in popularity.
Customized golf grips
The customization of golf gear has become very popular in recent years, with everything down to shoes now being customized in some way. Customized golf grips are proving to be a big hit with players of all ages and abilities. These rubber golf grips come in a variety of colors and patterns and can have a name or logo printed on them. These grips look especially elegant when paired with a matching golf bag and are the perfect gift idea for any golfer.
Waterproof golf bag
Having the right golf bag to hold the golf clubs and other gear is very important. As with all outdoor sports, the weather isn’t always ideal, which is where the lightweight, waterproof golf bag comes into play. These waterproof golf bags are designed to protect everything in the bag and are suitable for carrying or for use with a golf trolley. The sleek outside look of the golf bag is also a big plus with consumers.
Athletic golf shoes
Traditional golf shoes have a particular look and style to them, but today’s consumers are increasingly looking at the more athletic style golf shoes to add to their wardrobe. This is a big golf gear trend at the moment, with many brands opting to make spikeless golf shoes or golf shoes that look more like modern running shoes. They can be worn year-round, and this multi-purpose feature is a big plus for a lot of consumers as well. There are athletic golf shoes for everyone and plenty of colors to choose from.
Wearable tech
A large majority of athletes are now taking full advantage of the wearable tech that is on the market to help monitor and enhance their performance. And golf is no different. One of the top golf gear trends is the use of golf wearables, which can include gear such as voice caddies, golf gloves that track motion, and fitness trackers. All of these devices are providing consumers with the best possible insight into their game and are ideal for both golf coaches and individual players. With more sports technology continuously hitting the market, consumers should expect a lot more high-tech golf gear in years to come.
Glow-in-the-dark golf balls
When it comes to golf balls, most players use white balls, but some like to add a splash of color to their game from time to time. The market is now seeing a rise in demand for glow-in-the-dark golf balls. They are made of the same material as regular golf balls with the bonus that players can see them more clearly in the dark. This is perfect for golfers who enjoy playing near sunset because it will give them the advantage of being able to play a little bit longer than those with regular white golf balls.
What’s next for golf gear?
New types of golf equipment and golf activewear are coming out all of the time, but there are certainly specific golf gear trends to look out for in today’s market. Urethane golf balls, the electric golf trolley, bamboo golf tees, customized grips, waterproof golf bags, athletic golf shoes, modern wearable tech, and glow-in-the-dark golf balls are all proving to be very popular pieces of golf gear with consumers of all playing abilities, as well as coaches.
With golf gear being combined with modern tech in recent years and more people looking to pick up golf as a casual sport, the market can expect a continuous increase in the number of sales when it comes to golf gear. Much like the bamboo golf tees and activewear clothing in general, the market will see an increase in the use of eco-friendly and sustainable materials in golf gear to match current and upcoming consumer lifestyle trends.
