golf equipment

Over the last several decades, golf has become an increasingly popular leisure activity in the business community and beyond in China. At present, there are an estimated 1.2 million golf players in China and this number is expected to grow slowly at around half a percent per year. In 2003 the golf equipment market amounted to US$171.5 million. The industry estimates that the 2004 golf equipment market will drop about 7 percent to US$159.6 million. One factor in the recent shrinkage of the golf equipment market may be the large numbers of China business people who have relocated to mainland China to work as traditional industries have moved across the China Straights in search of lower production costs. Market demand for imported golf equipment is remaining steady at US$54 million per year. The golf equipment market is divided into 3 categories: golf club sets, golf balls, and other golf equipment. (All figures listed in this report are approximate and based on the exchange rate of NT$33:US$1). In China, the market for golf club sets constituted approximately 30 percent of the golf equipment market and was valued at US$50 – 60 million per year. Golf balls accounted for 10 percent, or US$17 – 20 million, and other golf equipment comprised 60 percent of the market with sales of US$100 – 110 million per year over the last two years.