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I can see where people may disagree with Ping's pricing policy... I myself have several family members fighting overseas... However, as an account holder at a small public golf course, the only reason we are able to compete with the bigger shops is because of that policy... The policy runs across the board, nobody get's a break... Besides, the accounts that were closed knew what they were doing, and what the consequences would be if they stepped out of line... All of the discounts were given without approval... I'm happy that Ping stuck to their guns...

"PowerPlay Golf will be launching in the US later this year. "

It already did.

You made some good points there.I did a search on the topic and found most people will agree with your blog.Thanks

At the Reno-Tahoe tournament I'll bet there will be a very low score during the first and second round where some golfer will be 12 under after the second day. Michelle comment of "I am not concerned about making the cut, I am just trying to make more birdies than bogeys

It helped me with ocean of knowledge so I really believe you will do much better in the future I appreciate everything you have added to my knowledge base.Admiring the time and effort you put into your blog and detailed information you offer!

I think that the big companies will continue to struggle, yet there should be opportunity for niche companies such as Bobby Grace www.bobbygraceputters.com who make really great product. Glad to se him back after the MacGregor meltdown

You are right about the number of sites. I found one the other day doing a search

http://www.i-need-golf-equipment.com/html/single_golf_clubs.html

Looks like they have many different selections.

We definitely would benefit from more competition in the market.

First of all, I'm a golf fan...Tiger, Phil, and yes,
John Daly despite his woes. What's intriguing is the media still writes about John despite no Top-10's
since 2006 and it's amazing above the writer
stated "Its only two rounds because Tiger will make the cut and Daly won’t." Well, just the opposite happened - I say 'play on' John, watch your drinking and what you
say in public because you are under a microscope. Some may say that misery loves company, but I say John has more baggage than some and he still is competing.

As a soldier and a veteran, I will never buy anything that says PING again. As far as that goes, I will make sure my friends and family, WHO DO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, do the same. I am sure by us doing this it will not make a difference as far as PING is concerned, but it is their right to not support us. It is because of the men and women who died for that right. IRONIC isn't it.

michelle is trying to blame everybody except herself. She needs to step up to the plate and play better.

As a supplier to golf retailers, I see how the big brands squeeze margins from the medium-small retailers. Moreover, the retailer has become a savvy merchandiser with an attractive product/brand mix in their store. Most brick and mortar retailers these days have a very lenient trial/return policy in place and I'm sure this has impact the online retailers.

In my business, I supply add-on items that improve a retailers average transaction value and generate incremental profits. I believe that retailers must focus on building the "value proposition" they offer to a customer. That might be top-line customer service, return policies or 1-stop shopping by merchandising add-on items.

reading something like this makes me feel so sad....wondering that competition will crush down anyone weaker...

The worldwide recession is certainly taking it's toll. But as Frank states above, golfers are indeed prone to the latest clubs or gadgets to help shave numbers from their handicap.

Nice information, I especially like the article on shaft makers - “(Clubmakers are) now sitting at the same table as the shaft manufacturer" --- definitely long over due in my opinion.

Things have changed! But some of us are still around and giving the bargains golfers are looking for. I wonder if greens fees are going down to keep us out there using the equipment.

We run a group of websites related to golf. The trend we have seen in terms of retail sales for clubs was from (expensive) major brands to second tier brands, including Pinemeadow you mentioned above. I believe that retailers with an established online retail set-up have a significant price advantage over in-store brands. Golfers who used to buy a new set of branded irons at the beginning of the golf season now seem to tend towards cheaper 2nd tier brands in order to save money. Golfers are a funny lot, even if money is tight they still crave for some new clubs, hoping it will improve their game. In this light I agree with you that these times will be tough for brands that pay a fortune in endorsement fees, but I believe this will actually improve business for those who are nimble and are able to present good quality at a reasonable price.

Interesting article.

No doubt the economy is playing a role in golfers buying trends. We can only hope these financial times will turn around soon.

Yeah it's interesting to see what few retailers and manufacturers are actually expanding.

You mentioned Hireko above, who are actually expanding their business as the moment as they can see opportunities in a market full of bargain hunters.

The other company looking to expand at the moment is Global Value Commerce who have Global Golf & Taylormade pre-owned.

I still think there are opportunities in the market for companies with a business model that fits the times and the above two examples definitely fit into that group.

Dicks Sporting Goods has shut down the Golf Galaxy corporate office and consolidated to Dicks Pittsburgh Office. Eliminated hundreds of Jobs! (Way to go... Dicks!)

They are going to keep the Golf Galaxy name. Changing the slogan to: "America's Pro Shop", from "Everything for the Game".

They are restructuring Golf Galaxy stores. (i.e. they are making managers hourly instead of salary, enabling them to save money by ensuring that they don't get enough hours to pay benefits. Their plan is to bring in more "low paying" employees so the store looks "well staffed" but none of them will know what they are doing or what they are talking about. Basically like Dicks stores, run by teenagers.)

Highly disappointed in Dicks Sporting Goods and the former CEO of Golf Galaxy. They cashed in and let everyone and everything go to hell. Thanks Randy Zanatta!