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Research and Markets: Golf Market Report: 2010 Edition - the Number of Golf Courses Which Closed in 2009 Was More Than the Openings

Golf has been a popular game in many parts of the world during the past few decades. The sales of golf equipments worldwide decreased in 2009 as compared to 2008 as the people trimmed their expenditures. Also the number of golf courses closed in 2009 was more than the openings. The number of rounds played has been relatively flat from the past five years.

The golf consumer confidence which declined in 2008 has been expected to recover in 2010. Also, the ageing population and the increasing disposable income would certainly have a positive impact on the golf industry worldwide. Focus on research and development in golf to develop new equipments has increased which has brought many technological changes in the golf industry.

In golf industry, the demand is driven by consumer income and demographic trends. The profitability of individual companies depends on unique product designs and effective marketing. The golf retail industry has been fragmented with on-course and off-course specialty retailers posing as the major competitor groups in the marketplace. It is because of this fragmented state of the golf retail market that the companies operating in the sector are taking advantage with superior merchandise concepts and solid inventory management. The focus of top retailers is on a broad assortment of products, private labels, multi-channel platforms and innovative shopping experience.

The report analyzes the unique features of different regions which have contributed significantly to the global golf industry with a special focus on the US golf market. The other markets which contribute to the global golf market include Australia, UK and Europe. The report also highlights the emerging market in golf, China, which has a huge potential to develop the golf industry. The report also discusses the contribution of women in the golf market. The participation of women in golf has increased over the decade, but slightly declined due to the struggling economy.

By combining SPSS Inc.'s data integration and analysis capabilities with our relevant findings, we have predicted the future growth of the industry. We employed various significant variables that have an impact on this industry and created regression models with SPSS Base to determine the future direction of the industry. Before deploying the regression model, the relationship between several independent or predictor variables and the dependent variable was analyzed using standard SPSS output, including charts, tables and tests.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Sporting Goods Market 1.1 Overview 1.2 Golf An Introduction

2. Global Golf Market 2.1 Market Overview 2.2 Golf Equipments Prices Worldwide 2.3 Women's Golf Market

3. Country Analysis 3.1 The US Golf Market

3.2 Australian Golf Market 3.3 European Golf Market 3.4 The United Kingdom Golf Market 3.5 Chinese Golf Market

4. Market Drivers 4.1 Ageing Population 4.2 Golfers Increasing Passion for The Sport 4.3 Increasing Disposable Income

5. Market Trends 5.1 Rounds Played in the US 5.2 The US Golf Retail Industry Consolidation 5.3 Introduction of Web 2.0

6. Key Challenges 6.1 Impact of Recession

7. Competitive Landscape of Golf Market

8. Company Profiles 8.1 Golf Equipment Manufacturers 8.1.1 Callaway Golf Company 8.2 Golf Retailers 8.2.1 Dicks Sporting Goods 8.2.2 Golfsmith International Holdings

9. Market Outlook 9.1 The US Golf Market Forecast 9.2 Forecast Methodology

Companies Mentioned:

• Callaway Golf Company
• Dicks Sporting Goods
• Golfsmith International Holdings

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/2f797c/golf_market_report

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