As golf courses continue to reopen around the U.S., golfing equipment is seeing a surge in demand as people hit the links. Golf equipment sales grew by 51% in June compared to 2019, building off of 22% growth in May, according to the NPD Group.
The sport is not only reaping the benefits of being a social distance-friendly activity, but also seeing many new players entering the market. Sales of full sets of golf clubs rose 68% in June.
At the same time, training aids — specifically golf nets and screens, and swinging and putting mats — saw a sales growth of 78% as well during the lockdown months as people were ordered to stay indoors. Recreational golf rounds in the U.S. were up 13.9% in June compared to a year ago, according to the National Golf Foundation.
Professional golf also has had a strong two months of action. For the PGA Tour, which restarted in June and wrapped up on Aug. 2, ratings on CBS and NBC were up 23% compared to the same events last year.