FORT WALTON BEACH, FL. – Jan. 17, 2005 – Spurred by impressive sales from a national TV advertising campaign, positive media reviews and word-of-mouth publicity, legendary golf-bag manufacturer Burton Golf will make its innovative, anti-theft Club-Lok golf bag available to retailers at the 2005 PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 27-30, in Orlando, Fla.
The offering to retailers is accelerated by several months due to consumers requesting Club-Lok en masse from pro shops and off-course golf stores. Golfers and gift buyers are reacting to the increasing prevalence of golf club and golf bag theft.
"We knew we were addressing a widespread, national problem with Club-Lok, but the incidence of stolen golf equipment is even more staggering than we initially thought," says Terry Andre, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Burton Golf. "Now golfers can fight back by protecting their valuable investment with Club-Lok's theft deterrent technology. The problem has been clearly identified, and Club-Lok is the solution."
Local law enforcement reports and police-beat blotters from Naples, Florida to Waukesha County, Wisconsin contain records of bags and clubs being smashed-and-grabbed from cars, pilfered from open or unlocked garages and swiped from bag-drop areas and golf carts at public, resort and private, restricted-access courses.
On Dec. 18 in Naples, the Collier County Sheriff's Department reported that two golf bags containing clubs belonging to the Naples Country Club were stolen from a garage in North Naples. Prior to that -- on Nov. 5 in Waukesha County -- police continued to investigate a string of golf-club thefts at three area courses that took place immediately outside of the courses' respective pro shops.
Traveling golfers also realize the benefits of Club-Lok's club- and bag-securing technology. Transportation Security Administration ("TSA") data points to the proliferation of golf club and bag theft at America's airports, not only by airport-based thieves, but by TSA employees, as well. According to data recently released by TSA, over 28,000 claims were filed against it between 2002-2004 from 207 airports across the U.S. The stolen property totaled over $36 million in losses.
Moreover, reports of airline employees stealing a wide variety of valuables and sporting equipment from passengers are also widespread. According to the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office, a baggage handler from Long Beach International Airport was recently arrested and charged with one count of grand theft and two counts of receiving stolen property for taking over $200,000 in valuables from unsuspecting travelers.
Shockingly, recent surveys show that seven of 10 golfers either have had their clubs stolen or know of someone who has experienced club theft. Moreover, the Insurance Institute of America estimates that more than $120 million in claims are made against stolen golf equipment annually.
According to several insurance adjustors, they usually receive about two or three reports of stolen golf equipment a week over the course of a year. With the onset of golf season each year, this number can rise as high as two or three a day. The disturbing trend has even made its way into the ranks of professional golf, where dozens of PGA and LPGA Tour players have been victims of club and bag theft -- at various Tour events, no less.
For more information about Club-Lok, call 800.633.4630, visit www.clublok.com or www.burtongolf.com, or email info@burtongolf.com
About Club-Lok
Fully integrated with Burton's functional and fashionable Sherpa bag, Club-Lok is simple to use. An easy-to-operate, lever-based locking system requires only seconds to simultaneously lock all 14 clubs. A rugged, retractable steel cable allows the bag to be secured to bag-drop racks, golf carts and automobile trunks and hatches. A convenient, keyless combination lock on the bag's upper-front side anchors the entire system.
In addition to protecting up to 14 clubs and the entire bag from theft, Club-Lok's graphite-friendly club organizing system guards against scratches and damage that occur with everyday use and transportation. Club-Lok doesn't sacrifice style for security, as the bag's attractive color schemes, hand-stitched embroidery and sleek, innovative design lines appeal to the most discerning consumers.
For more information about Club-Lok, call 800.633.4630 or visit www.clublok.com or www.burtongolf.com.
About Burton Golf
Established in 1907 by T.C. Burton, Burton crafts one of the widest varieties of golf bags on the market. Offerings include stand, cart and Tour-staff bags, as well as travel covers, custom bags and bag accessories. Burton bags are golfer-friendly, fashionable for men, women and children of all ages, and are designed for optimal functionality and minimal weight for walkers and cart riders. All bags are hand-stitched and constructed of durable materials, available in classic and contemporary styles, and offered in a wide range of color palettes and custom options.
The Fort Walton, Fla.-based company's brand leadership is known throughout the world, evidenced by the company's presence as the team bag for the Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, Solheim Cup and Walker Cup. Most bags carried by Tour professionals are made by Burton. Of utmost importance to all golfers, Burton bags are the only in the industry to carry a lifetime warranty.
