GBR Tuesday | Trump’s Tariffs Could Push Golf Club Prices 50% Higher in 2025
Every Tuesday and Friday Morning, We Bring You the Ten-Minute Summary of What Happened Last Week in the Golf Industry While you Were Golfing.
Good morning, GBR community,
I hope you are all well and enjoyed your weekends. We are back in action, picking up on the major stories within the golf industry at the start of the week.
We have our usual mix of:
Industry
Circuits
Equipment
People to Watch
Must Read and Watch
For Subscribers - Global Golf Club Manufacturing: Navigating a Changing Landscape
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1. INDUSTRY
GALVIN GREEN NAMED OFFICIAL OUTERWEAR SUPPLIER TO 59CLUB UK
Galvin Green has been appointed Official Outerwear Supplier to 59club UK, the specialist in customer service and performance management. Under the agreement, 59club UK staff will wear Galvin Green’s DRYVR waterproofs and INTERFACE-1 windproof garments during club visits and training sessions. Galvin Green will also sponsor a category at the 59club UK Annual Service Excellence Awards and participate in retail-focused educational events. Will Hewitt, General Manager of 59club UK, cited the brand’s shared commitment to service excellence and sustainability. Stewart Clare, Sales Director of Galvin Green UK & Ireland, called the partnership a strategic move to deepen ties with Europe’s largest golf market. 59club UK supports 270 venues, including Gleneagles, Royal Dornoch, The Belfry, and The Grove. Galvin Green’s DRYVR line features the AMES jacket in Pertex Shield Stretch fabric, while the INTERFACE-1 range is led by the ultra-lightweight, windproof LARRY jacket. More information on the partnership can be found at Golf Business News.
GOLFNORTH AND SUMOU GLOBAL ANNOUNCE JOINT VENTURE TO BUILD LUXURY GOLF DESTINATIONS ACROSS SAUDI ARABIA
GolfNorth, Canada’s largest multi-course golf operator, has partnered with Saudi Arabia’s Sumou Global Investment to develop a series of luxury golf communities and resort destinations across the Kingdom, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. The joint venture will integrate championship golf courses, luxury residences, five-star hotels, wellness retreats, and lifestyle amenities, with lead projects in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar breaking ground in 2025 and phased openings beginning in 2027. GolfNorth will lead course design, operation, and maintenance, leveraging its proprietary technology and sustainable practices across all developments, while Sumou brings extensive real estate expertise from large-scale projects such as Dhahiat Sumou Makkah and Sumou Towers. Additional destinations across Saudi Arabia and the MENA region are under review, as both partners target the growing demand for integrated, eco-conscious lifestyle destinations. More information on the new partnership between GolfNorth and Samou Global Investment can be found here.
FORE HIRE ANNOUNCES FIFTH COURSE TO CAREER NETWORKING SUMMIT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PGA OF AMERICA
FORE HIRE, in partnership with PGA of America Career Services, has announced details of its fifth Course to Career Networking Summit, set for May 18-20 in Carlsbad, California. Designed for former collegiate golfers at any stage of their professional journey, the Summit offers education, career advancement, and direct employer connections, focusing on those pursuing careers in golf. Attendees will engage in interactive sessions, workshops, and networking events led by industry experts, gaining insights into leadership, professional growth, and career transitions. Since its 2023 launch, the Summit has seen 70% of sponsoring companies return for multiple events, with 60% of past attendees now employed or interning, and participation from over 40 organizations. The event aims to foster individualized mentorship, enhance career development opportunities, and raise awareness of the talent pool available among female athletes, ensuring a high-touch, impactful experience for all participants. More information on the Course to Career Networking summit can be found here.
PINEHURST RESORT TO ADD NO. 11 COURSE DESIGNED BY COORE & CRENSHAW
Pinehurst Resort announced plans to begin construction later this year on Pinehurst No. 11, a new course designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw at the Pinehurst Sandmines property, with an opening slated for fall 2027. No. 11 will join Tom Doak’s Pinehurst No. 10 at the 900-acre site, which was once extensively mined for sand and now features reclaimed natural contours that will shape the new routing. Coore and Crenshaw, who previously restored Pinehurst No. 2 ahead of the 2014 U.S. Open, aim to create a more intimate, distinct experience compared to the wider fairways and vistas of No. 10. The project is part of a broader transformation at Pinehurst Sandmines, with a new pro shop, restaurant, and bar set to open in 2025, and lodging to follow by 2027. You can see more about the plans for Pinehurst No.11 here.
LIGHTSPEED COMMERCE SIGNS MULTI-YEAR DEAL WITH OKI GOLF TO ENHANCE GUEST EXPERIENCE
Lightspeed Commerce Inc. has announced a multi-year agreement with Oki Golf, a leading multi-course operator in the Pacific Northwest, to deliver an integrated commerce platform across its public golf operations. The partnership will connect tee sheet management with retail, restaurant, and payments solutions, supporting Oki Golf’s mission to provide elevated guest experiences at its 10 premier Seattle-area courses, including The Golf Club at Newcastle. Utilizing Lightspeed Payments, Oki Golf will streamline member charges and transactions across departments, simplifying accounting and improving service. Company executives cited the platform’s flexibility, industry expertise, and integrated scheduling and event management tools as key advantages for scaling operations and meeting evolving guest expectations. The full press release confirming the partnership can be found here.
MURPHY HOSPITALITY GROUP NAMED OFFICIAL PARTNER OF GOLF PEI TO ENHANCE ISLAND VACATIONS
Murphy Hospitality Group (MHG) and Golf Prince Edward Island, Canada (Golf PEI) have announced a strategic partnership to deliver a more seamless and elevated experience for visitors to the island. As the newly named Official Hospitality Partner of Golf PEI, MHG will help streamline vacation bookings by combining golf rounds with dining, accommodation, spa services, and more through a unified platform. The collaboration brings together two major players in PEI’s tourism sector, with Golf PEI leading the island’s golf marketing efforts and MHG offering assets ranging from hotels and restaurants to a Nordic spa and brewery. Executives from both organizations emphasized that guests can expect an even more integrated and memorable golf vacation experience, with additional details to be shared in the coming weeks. More information on the partnership can be found at Golf Prince Edward Island.
EDEN MILL TO LAUNCH OLD COURSE-INSPIRED GIN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ST ANDREWS LINKS
Independent Scottish distiller Eden Mill has announced the release of a new London Dry gin crafted with botanicals foraged from the Old Course at St Andrews, including gorse, heather, and lavender. The gin will be available exclusively across the UK at Waitrose supermarkets from the end of April, alongside sales through Eden Mill’s website and retail outlets. Located a short distance from the Old Course, Eden Mill’s new distillery—visible from the 6th hole—has already started production and will officially open its visitor centre in August, featuring immersive gin and whisky experiences, a retail space, and a rooftop cocktail bar overlooking the Eden Estuary. CEO Rennie Donaldson described the project as a unique opportunity to authentically connect the brand’s Golf Gin product with the town of St Andrews, known worldwide as the Home of Golf. You can find out more about Eden Mill’s Golf Gin and its new distillery here.
2. CIRCUITS
UK OFFICIALS URGE R&A TO CONSIDER TURNBERRY FOR 2028 OPEN AMID TRUMP LOBBYING
Senior UK government officials have approached the R&A to explore the possibility of hosting the 2028 Open Championship at Donald Trump’s Turnberry course, following multiple requests from the former U.S. president. Sources said the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) raised the idea during discussions around potential logistical challenges rather than firm demands. Trump, who bought Turnberry in 2014, has lobbied Prime Minister Keir Starmer directly, while King Charles privately acknowledged the course’s importance. Hosting the Open could provide a financial boost for Turnberry, which posted a £1.7m loss last year.
Turnberry remains on the R&A’s list of eligible Open venues, but its remote location poses significant challenges. With the Open’s crowds doubling since Turnberry last hosted in 2009, infrastructure upgrades costing “tens, or hundreds, of millions” would be required. After previously distancing itself from Turnberry following the 2021 U.S. Capitol attack, the R&A’s new chief executive, Mark Darbon, recently signalled openness to a return, citing ongoing feasibility studies to assess road, rail, and accommodation improvements needed for a future championship. You can read the full version of this story by Kiran Stacey in the Guardian newspaper here.
LIV GOLF AND OWGR IN ADVANCED TALKS OVER AWARDING WORLD RANKING POINTS
Executives from LIV Golf and the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) are engaged in serious discussions about granting world ranking points to LIV players, a move that would significantly ease their path into golf’s four major championships. The talks have gained momentum following leadership changes at both organizations. Scott O’Neil replaced Greg Norman as LIV Golf CEO in January, and Trevor Immelman took over as OWGR chair earlier this month. Although LIV players can currently earn points only through majors and European Tour events, awarding OWGR points for LIV tournaments would address long-standing concerns about player access and future recruitment. Only three LIV golfers—Bryson DeChambeau, Tyrrell Hatton, and Patrick Reed—currently sit in the OWGR top 50, despite LIV players ranking prominently on performance-based systems like Data Golf. Discussions continue amid key contract renewal periods for LIV players, and recent moves by the U.S. Open and British Open to create new exemption categories for LIV competitors have added further urgency. Scott Soshnick and Kurt Badenhausen’s article is available to read on Sportico.com.
ESPN LAUNCHES "INSIDE THE ROPES" FAN EXPERIENCE AT TRAVELLERS CHAMPIONSHIP
ESPN has announced the launch of ESPN Experiences: "Inside the Ropes," a new behind-the-scenes fan trip tied to the PGA Tour’s Travellers Championship at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut. This marks the third instalment in ESPN's growing experiential lineup after successfully introducing Beyond the Rose and Take Me Out to the Ballparks. The four-day, three-night package includes a private tour of ESPN’s Bristol campus, meet-and-greets with ESPN talent, including a Friday night "chalk talk" hosted by "SportsCenter" anchor Matt Barrie, and premium views of the tournament action from a private suite on the 18th hole. Guests will also participate in a golf simulator session with professional instructor Mark Immelman. Two participation waves are available: June 18–21 and June 20–23, with pricing starting at $3,900 for single and double occupancy packages. For further details, visit experiences.espn.com.
LIV GOLF WINS 2025 SPORTS TECHNOLOGY AWARD FOR FAN ENGAGEMENT INNOVATION
LIV Golf and its graphics partner Champion Data were honored with the 2025 Sports Technology Award for Best Use of Fan Engagement Technology by a Sports Organization at a ceremony held last Wednesday (April 23rd) in London. The recognition was awarded for the Smart CGI Graphics Interface that powers LIV Golf’s "Any Shot, Any Time" feature on the LIV Golf app, enabling fans to follow any player or team live across 18 concurrent group streams. Developed through collaboration with Champion Data, NEP, Mobii, and View Lift, the AI-driven platform was praised by judges for its sophistication and its potential to reshape how fans engage with live golf. James Watson, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Production in Media for LIV Golf, called the award “fantastic recognition” for two years of work on the project. At the Sports Technology Awards, LIV Golf was also shortlisted for Sports Organization of the Year, Innovation of the Year, and Best Data and Analytics for Storytelling. More news on how LIV Golf fared at The Sports Technology Awards can be found here.
LIV GOLF INTRODUCES TEAM VILLAS CONCEPT AT MEXICO CITY EVENT
LIV Golf unveiled its new Mexico City Team Villas concept at Club de Golf Chapultepec, offering players private spaces to host family, friends, sponsors, and conduct team activities during tournament weeks. The 600-square-foot Villas, individually branded for each team, form a rectangle around an 8,000-square-foot open courtyard featuring a fully catered restaurant and boutique barista. HyFlyers GC captain Phil Mickelson praised the innovation as enhancing the player experience, while 4Aces captain Dustin Johnson highlighted the Villas’ privacy, comfort, and contribution to team focus. Joaquin Niemann, who captured his third LIV title in six events on Sunday, and his team were among the first to celebrate in the new space. You can read and see more of the new LIV villas in Jessica Marksbury’s article for Golf.com.
FUTURE U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN VENUES ANNOUNCED THROUGH 2048, WITH SEVEN CLUBS HOSTING FOR THE FIRST TIME
The U.S. Golf Association has outlined 18 future U.S. Women’s Open venues through 2048, with several years still pending announcement. The 80th championship will be staged at Erin Hills Golf Course in Wisconsin in 2025, marking the second of five LPGA majors that year. Seven historic clubs will host the U.S. Women’s Open for the first time, alongside a series of notable returns to celebrated courses. Confirmed future venues include:
2026 – Riviera Country Club, Pacific Palisades, California (first time)
2027 – Inverness Club, Toledo, Ohio
2028, 2038 – Oakmont Country Club, Oakmont, Pennsylvania
2029 – Pinehurst Resort & Country Club, Pinehurst, North Carolina
2030 – Interlachen Country Club, Edina, Minnesota
2031, 2042 – Oakland Hills Country Club, Bloomfield Township, Michigan (first USWO)
2032 – Los Angeles Country Club, California (first time)
2033 – Chicago Golf Club, Wheaton, Illinois (first time)
2034, 2046 – Merion Golf Club, Ardmore, Pennsylvania (first USWO)
2035, 2040, 2048 – Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach, California
2036 – Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, Southampton, New York (first time)
2045 – The Country Club, Brookline, Massachusetts
Several venues, including Shinnecock Hills and Pinehurst, will host back-to-back men’s and women’s championships, reflecting the growing stature of the U.S. Women’s Open in elite tournament golf. Todd Kelly’s full Golfweek article on the future venues of the USWO can be found here.
3. EQUIPMENT
CALLAWAY LAUNCHES USA TRUTRACK GOLF BALLS WITH PATRIOTIC PERFORMANCE DESIGN
Callaway has expanded its speciality golf ball lineup with the release of the USA TruTrack series, now available across the Chrome Soft, Chrome Tour, and Chrome Tour X models. Featuring a red, white, and blue hexagon pattern that blends Callaway’s Truvis and Triple Track technologies, the design offers enhanced roll feedback, visible spin, and improved alignment, providing both aesthetic appeal and performance benefits. The release follows a string of successful limited-edition launches, including the Supersoft Mother’s Day “Cheers” ball and the sold-out Min Woo Lee “Let Him Cook” edition. The USA TruTrack balls are available now and are aimed at golfers seeking a patriotic look without sacrificing the performance that has made the Chrome family a rising competitor in the premium ball market. RRP $54.99 (£40.99, €47.99). You can order directly through Callaway Golf here.
4. PEOPLE TO WATCH
The Presidents Cup announced Tuesday that Brandt Snedeker and Geoff Ogilvy will captain the U.S. and International Teams for the 2026 edition at Medinah Country Club’s Course #3, set for September 22–27. Snedeker, 44, previously competed in the 2013 Presidents Cup and twice in the Ryder Cup, while also serving as a captain’s assistant in 2024 and a vice captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup. Ogilvy, 47, brings experience from three Presidents Cup appearances (2007–2011), four stints as captain’s assistant, and a decorated playing career including eight PGA TOUR wins and the 2006 U.S. Open. The 2026 event will mark the 16th instalment of the biennial competition. More news on the new captains can be found on the PGA Tour.
Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) has announced Jared Solomon, founder of Five Iron Golf, as one of 34 finalists for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 New York Award. Solomon was recognized for his entrepreneurial spirit, growth, and long-term impact in building Five Iron Golf into a global indoor golf and entertainment brand. Founded in New York City in 2017, the company now operates 34 locations across 15 states and five countries, offering tour-level simulators, instruction, Callaway club fitting, and full-service hospitality. More information on the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year can be found here.
Srixon has announced that Nick Bonilla, the creative force behind Bev Boys, has joined its ambassador team. Since launching Bev Boys in January 2023, Bonilla has built a following of over 250,000 across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube by blending comedy, music, and authentic golf culture. As an official brand ambassador, he will spotlight Srixon’s performance equipment, starting with content around the new Q-STAR ULTISPEED golf ball. More on the partnership is available through the press release on The Golf Wire.
5. MUST READS
RORY MCILROY REMOVED THE MONKEY FROM HIS BACK WHEN HE CAPTURED THE GREEN JACKET, WON THE MASTERS AND COMPLETED THE GRAND SLAM. There are many great major champions past and present who didn’t triumph at Augusta National, and The First Call’s Gary Van Sickle takes a look through history to add to the current crop of stars who don’t have a green jacket in their wardrobe to go along with their other major titles.
CLUB PROFESSIONALS' ROLES HAVE ADVANCED BEYOND GIVING GOLF LESSONS, REPAIRING GRIPS, AND RUNNING THE MONTHLY COMPETITIONS. As the role has evolved, those looking for a career as a club professional have more facets to their role than ever before. Seamus Rotherick’s article in The Golf Business examines how club professionals can drive their business to new heights.
DOES BEING A SIGNATURE PARTNER FOR AN EVENT LIKE THE U.S. MASTERS PAY OFF? Michael LoRe’s article in Forbes breaks down the benefits for Mercedes-Benz, which has been a Champion Partner with the Masters since 2008.
6. FOR SUBSCRIBERS:
Global Golf Club Manufacturing: Navigating a Changing Landscape
The golf equipment industry is deeply global, relying on factories across Asia and North America. As renewed tariffs bite in 2025, manufacturers face hard decisions, and consumers may soon feel the impact.
Global Hubs of Golf Club Production
Golf clubs are predominantly made in China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Thailand, with China producing about 40% of the world’s supply (Golf Digest). Japan, known for its premium forged irons, holds around 16% of global production, while Vietnam has seen double-digit growth in manufacturing output over the past five years.
Diversification away from China has accelerated. Vietnam, for example, increased its share of golf manufacturing exports by nearly 25% between 2020 and 2024, driven by lower labor costs, improved logistics, and favorable trade agreements with the U.S.