Longitudes Group today announced the release of its 2013 Sporting Goods Channel Golf Market Report. With over 17% of all golf industry sales being sold through this channel, golfers and manufacturers alike are experiencing the growing influence of this channel. Previously a proprietary report for clients, the report is being released as a syndicated report to the broader golf and sporting goods marketplace.
Public Opinion on the Belly Putter Regulation
Longitudes Group, a sports market research firm based in Portland, OR, asked their avid golfer survey panel about their opinion on the Belly Putter regulation. The polarizing results are in and the panel slightly sides with ‘yes’ the belly putter gives an unfair competitive advantage with a 39% response rate over the 34% response rate stating ‘no’ it does not give an unfair advantage. On May 21st, 2013, the USGA and R&A ruled that the use of the belly putter would be banned from regulation play as of January 1st, 2016.
2013 Off-Course Retail Report Measures A Calming In The Marketplace
Longitudes Group today announced the release of its 2013 Market Trend Report on USA Off-Course Golf retail. For the first time in five years, the golf market experienced an increase in both doors and retail square footage. 2007 marked the peak before the economic downturn that brought many retail sectors devastating losses. Relative stability settled into the market in 2012, perhaps as the independent competitors relinquished control to the moneyed few. The specialty golf channel is now dominated by the national chains. 71% of all square footage and 30% of the door counts are owned by multi-door retailers with store footprints over 10,000 square feet.
Golf's Grand Design PBS Documentary Premiere - Aug. 3, 2012
Sara Killeen, President of Longitudes Group, was interviewed for the making of PBS's latest documentary, Golf's Grand Design airing on August 3rd on PBS stations nationwide. Check your local PBS station for the local schedule. See the trailer here:
Sara Killeen speaks on the PBS special " Golfs Grand Design" Clip 1.