GBR Friday | Golf Ball Market to Hit $5.97 Billion by 2034: What's Driving the Growth?
Every Tuesday and Friday We Bring You the Ten-Minute Summary of What's Happening in the Golf Industry. Grab Your Favorite Beverage and Catch Up With Everything You Need to Know.
Good morning, GBR community!
In today’s edition, we present an exclusive analysis of the next decade in the golf ball market—exploring new technologies, key players, emerging opportunities, and regional trends. [Actually, this exclusive content is only available for paid subscribers, subscribe here to keep reading.]
But first, let’s catch up on everything the industry has brought us since last Tuesday:
Industry
Circuits
Equipment
People To Watch
Must Read
Paid Content
1. INDUSTRY
UPPER DECK GOLF EXPANDS TO 25 STADIUMS WITH PXG PARTNERSHIP FOR 2025 TOUR
Upper Deck Golf has announced its 2025 tour schedule, bringing its stadium golf experience to 25 Major League Baseball (MLB), National Football League (NFL), and college stadiums across the United States. The company has also revealed a multi-year partnership with PXG. Beginning with the tour’s first stop at Houston’s Daikin Park, participants will have the opportunity to use PXG clubs on every hole, as well as take part in a signature PXG hole-in-one challenge, where winners will receive a custom fitting and a full set of PXG golf clubs.
Beyond offering a unique golf experience, Upper Deck Golf and PXG have committed to giving back to military veterans through their partnership with PGA HOPE, a flagship initiative of PGA REACH. Each tour stop will feature a dedicated veterans' hole, where participants can donate to the cause in exchange for mulligans. All proceeds will support programs designed to enhance the well-being of veterans and active-duty military personnel through golf. Full press release available at First Call Golf.
NEW REPORT REVEALS HOW GOLF CLUBS IN UK AND IRELAND UTILIZE SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY
A comprehensive new report examining the use of golf software technology across the UK and Ireland has been released, providing valuable insights into how clubs leverage digital tools to enhance operations and improve member experiences. The study, commissioned in July 2024 by key trade organizations—including the Golf Club Managers Association, The Golf Club Secretary, the Scottish Golf Club Managers Association, the UK Golf Federation, and the Club Management Association of Ireland—surveyed 134 golf club managers on their experiences with software implementation, service quality, and value for money. Developed by golf survey specialists Players 1st, in collaboration with software provider Golf Genius, the research highlights a strong demand for improved digital infrastructure, ensuring clubs can optimize efficiency and decision-making.
One key takeaway from the report is that suppliers need to improve their support for golf clubs by refining their software offerings and customer service. Other findings include average implementation times for new software, supplier responsiveness to feedback, and overall value for money. With the findings now available, the report aims to guide golf clubs and software vendors in fostering a more effective, data-driven approach to club management technology. The full report can be downloaded here.
GREEN LIGHT FOR CONTROVERSIAL NEW MULTIMILLION-POUND GOLF RESORT NEAR ST ANDREWS
Plans for a major new golf resort at Feddinch Mains, near St Andrews, have been approved, with American firm Alvarez & Marsal securing permission to proceed with the long-awaited development. After more than two decades of proposals and planning hurdles, the company’s ambitious master plan includes an 18-hole championship course, a par-3 short course, practice facilities, a 250-metre-long clubhouse, and a luxury hotel with six guest cottages. The decision, backed unanimously by Fife Council’s North East Planning Committee, paves the way for transforming the derelict site into a premier golf destination.
Despite the green light, the development has faced criticism from some local residents, who argue that the private members-only resort will offer little benefit to the public while infringing on greenbelt land. Alvarez & Marsal, which purchased the land for £7 million in 2022, has maintained that the project will provide jobs and economic growth for the St Andrews area. Councillors have acknowledged the scale of the undertaking but remain optimistic about its potential. With construction now set to begin, the Feddinch Mains site is poised to become one of Scotland’s newest golf tourism hubs. Full report by Ben Parsons in Bunkered.
HSBC ELEVATES ELITE CLIENT ENGAGEMENT WITH THIRD EDITION OF HSBC GOLF LEAGUE
HSBC has launched the third edition of the HSBC Golf League for High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNI) and Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNI) through a blend of golf and premium banking experiences. Now one of India’s premier golf events, the league spans five major cities, bringing together top business leaders, CXOs, and industry influencers who share a passion for the sport. By integrating golf with high-end financial services, HSBC fosters an elite networking environment while expanding its client base. The league is bolstered by strategic partnerships with luxury automobile brands such as Mercedes, Audi, and BMW, offering participants enhanced privileges and seamless tournament integration through the HSBC Golf League app. The app allows real-time score tracking, networking opportunities, and access to exclusive benefits like complimentary course access, discounts on golf accessories, and premium guest privileges.
Following the success of its first two seasons, which saw increased participation and expanded events in key cities like Delhi and Mumbai, HSBC has continued to refine the experience for its elite clientele. Winners from each handicap category have been rewarded with all-expenses-paid trips to prestigious international tournaments, such as the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore. More information is available through Event FAQs.
WEST NAUTICAL PARTNERS WITH ALBATROSS GOLF HOLIDAYS FOR SCOTLAND AND DUBAI TOURNAMENTS
Luxury yachting specialists West Nautical have announced a new partnership with Albatross Golf Holidays to sponsor two prestigious golf tournaments in 2025, further strengthening their presence in Scotland and Dubai. The collaboration will kick off with the Gleneagles Pairs 2025, taking place on March 30-31 at the world-renowned Gleneagles Resort, a venue that has hosted both the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup. Known for its golf courses, luxury accommodations, and top-tier amenities, Gleneagles provides the perfect setting for West Nautical to align with high-end golf experiences.
The partnership extends to The DP World Tour Final Tournament Experience Pro-Am, held from November 16-22 in Dubai, where professional and amateur golfers will compete at Yas Links, Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis Course, Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, and Dubai Creek Yacht & Golf Club. Full press release available at Super Yacht News.
2. CIRCUITS
MONAHAN PUSHES FOR PGA TOUR-LIV GOLF UNIFICATION, CALLS TRUMP A “DEALMAKER”
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan reaffirmed his vision for a unified professional golf landscape, stating his goal is to have all top players competing under one tour. Speaking at Torrey Pines ahead of the relocated Genesis Invitational, Monahan addressed ongoing negotiations between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), stressing that “fans want reunification.” His comments, which hinted at a potential dissolution of LIV Golf, come days after he and player representative Adam Scott met with former U.S. President Donald Trump. Monahan described their discussion as a “productive visit” and emphasized Trump’s familiarity with both the PGA Tour and the PIF, calling him “the ultimate dealmaker” in efforts to bring professional golf back under one umbrella.
Monahan’s remarks suggest an intensified push to resolve the sport’s divide, with speculation that U.S. antitrust concerns might still necessitate separate entities. However, the commissioner repeatedly insisted that a singular tour is the best outcome for the sport. When asked if LIV players would be welcomed back, Monahan remained vague but suggested that a structured resolution would emerge naturally. Regarding Trump’s involvement, Monahan highlighted the former president’s passion for golf and extensive ties to both organizations, given LIV Golf’s past events at Trump-owned courses. While Monahan remained noncommittal on a timeline for finalizing an agreement, he indicated that negotiations are progressing with urgency, stating, “Everything is moving forward with pace, and there’s a general enthusiasm for getting this done.” Read Joel Beall’s full article in Golf Digest here.
LIV CEO SCOTT O’NEIL PRAISES GREG NORMAN, HOPES HE REMAINS INVOLVED
Newly appointed LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil has spoken about Greg Norman’s departure from the league, praising the Australian’s leadership while expressing his hope that Norman remains involved “forever.” Norman, who spearheaded the launch of the Saudi-backed circuit in 2022, officially stepped down last month after nearly three years at the helm. While his exit had been widely anticipated, O’Neil confirmed that Norman will continue to play a role in LIV’s future, including serving on its board. “It’s quite a gift to have him as part of LIV,” O’Neil said ahead of LIV Golf Adelaide. “I feel like he was the right person at the right time, and I hope I can stand on the shoulders of giants and move the league forward.”
O’Neil, who comes from a background in American sports rather than golf, acknowledged that he has leaned heavily on Norman’s experience while transitioning into his new role. “Greg is an icon. He is a friend. He is the reason I’m here today,” he said, adding that he spent significant time with Norman leading up to his appointment. While Norman has stepped back from day-to-day operations, he has also taken on a new role as a board member for the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane. Reflecting on his time leading LIV, Norman stated that the league had “changed the game forever” and expressed confidence in its future direction under O’Neil. Read John Turnbull’s full article in Bunkered.
GENESIS INVITATIONAL FINDS TEMPORARY HOME AT TORREY PINES AMID LOS ANGELES WILDFIRES
The Genesis Invitational has successfully relocated from The Riviera Country Club to Torrey Pines' South Course in San Diego following the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, which displaced an estimated 50,000 people and caused $275 billion in damages. The move, a logistical challenge rarely seen in professional golf, was made smoother thanks to the close collaboration between The Genesis Invitational and the Farmers Insurance Open. With both tournaments sharing key operational partners, the transition has been remarkably seamless. Despite the unexpected venue shift, tournament organizers have ensured that Genesis branding is prominently displayed throughout the course, replacing the Farmers’ signature blue with Genesis black.
While the tournament will be played on the same course that hosts the U.S. Open and Farmers Insurance Open, subtle adjustments will be made to distinguish it from its predecessor. Course officials have adjusted the rough height due to anticipated wet weather, and pin placements will be different, including a likely shift in the Sunday pin position on the 18th hole from its traditional Farmers front-left to the famous front-right spot where Tiger Woods holed a dramatic putt to force a playoff in the 2008 U.S. Open. Despite the short turnaround time, event organizers have managed to execute what would normally take months in just a matter of weeks, turning an emergency relocation into a smooth transition. Tournament director Mike Wong and his team continue to work from an operations hub near the ninth tee, ensuring that the Genesis Invitational maintains its status as a premier event despite its temporary home. More details of the logistical transition from the Farmers Insurance Open to the Genesis Invitational can be found on the PGA Tour’s website.
TOUR PROS ADJUST CLUB SETUPS TO TACKLE MIDDLE EAST SWING CHALLENGES
As DP World Tour professionals navigated the demanding conditions of the Middle East swing, strategic club selections proved crucial in adapting to the unique challenges of each venue. Data insights from SMS on Tour revealed key trends in equipment setups, with players opting for higher-lofted fairway woods and hybrids to combat the thick rough at Emirates Golf Club during the Hero Dubai Desert Classic while switching to utility irons and lower-flight options to handle the strong winds at the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship. Throughout the four-week stretch, the number of wedges remained consistent across the field, but there was a notable shift in long-iron and fairway wood usage depending on course conditions.
Maintaining consistency in club setups played a vital role in the success of the top performers. Laurie Canter, who leads the International Swing rankings, adjusted between a Ping G430 hybrid and a Ping I Crossover 3 utility iron based on course demands, while Spain’s Ivan Cantero stuck with the same 14 clubs across his three starts, securing two top-five finishes. With the DP World Tour Playoffs set to return to the Middle East in November, it remains to be seen how the region’s conditions will again influence club selections among the tour’s elite. Full data on club selections can be found on the DP World Tour’s website.
RIPPER GC PARTNERS WITH GREYSON CLOTHIERS FOR 2025 LIV GOLF SEASON. Ripper GC, LIV Golf’s all-Australian team, has announced a new apparel partnership with Greyson Clothiers, bringing a fresh blend of technical innovation and bold style to the team’s 2025 season. The partnership will see Greyson outfit Captain Cam Smith and teammates Matt Jones, Marc Leishman, and Lucas Herbert in an exclusive collection of travel wear, polos, outerwear, and pants. Known for merging performance-driven design with sophisticated aesthetics, Greyson’s apparel will be available at LIV Golf events and online at www.greysonclothiers.com. The partnership comes on the heels of a strong 2024 season for Ripper GC, which included victories in Adelaide, Singapore, and Dallas. The team opened 2025 with a runner-up finish in Riyadh and is now set to defend its title in Adelaide this weekend at The Grange Golf Club. More information on the deal at LIV Golf.
PIF BECOMES TITLE PARTNER OF SAUDI LADIES INTERNATIONAL, ELEVATES PRIZE MONEY TO MATCH MEN'S EVENT. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has been named the new title partner of the PIF Saudi Ladies International, boosting the tournament’s stature and prize fund. The event will now offer $5 million in prize money, making it the largest purse in women’s golf outside the majors and select LPGA Tour events. The tournament will also introduce a new format featuring individual and team competitions, further enhancing its appeal and competitive depth. The move aligns with PIF and Golf Saudi’s broader ambition to promote inclusivity, foster local talent, and develop golf tourism across the Kingdom. The event, being played at Riyadh Golf Club, boasts a world-class field of 112 players, including world No.3 Ruoning Yin, Solheim Cup standout Charley Hull, and defending champion Patty Tavatanakit. In a landmark step for gender parity in golf, the tournament’s prize money now equals that of the PIF Saudi International presented by SoftBank, its men’s counterpart on the Asian Tour. The competition will begin with a team event over the first two days, where drafted squads will vie for a $500,000 prize before transitioning into an individual battle for the remaining $4.5 million among the top 60 players. More information on Golf Business News.
LIV GOLF ADELAIDE SET TO SHATTER ATTENDANCE RECORDS AS DEMAND SURGES. According to the Adelaide Advertiser and picked up by Sports Business Journal, LIV Golf Adelaide is poised to welcome more than 100,000 fans over its three-day event this week, solidifying its status as LIV Golf’s flagship tournament. The Australian leg has surpassed expectations, leading organizers to expand elevated grandstands and corporate areas to accommodate the surge in spectators. Sources have also indicated that sponsorship revenue for the event is projected to triple compared to last year. The Sports Business Journal story can be found here.
3. EQUIPMENT
PXG EXPANDS BLACK OPS LINE WITH NEW ULTRA LITE DRIVER
PXG has unveiled the PXG Black Ops Ultra Lite Driver, a lightweight, high-performance addition to its Black Ops Collection aimed at amateur golfers with slower swing speeds. The new driver weighs 189 grams, making it 14 grams lighter than the standard PXG Black Ops Driver, with adjustable weight settings ranging from 179 to 196.5 grams using PXG’s Precision Weighting Technology. Designed with a single rear weight port, the Ultra Lite model features a deeper center of gravity (CG) to enhance forgiveness, consistency, and stability, making it easier for golfers to generate faster swing speeds and greater distance off the tee.
PXG has integrated Advanced Material Face (AMF) Technology, optimizing variable thickness and robotic polishing to fine-tune horizontal and vertical curvatures for greater forgiveness on off-center hits. A high-strength carbon fiber composite body, manufactured through compression moulding, allows for improved weight distribution, increasing moment of inertia (MOI) and lowering CG to maximize launch and accuracy. With this latest addition, PXG’s Black Ops Driver Collection now offers three options—the original Black Ops Driver for high launch and low spin, the Black Ops Tour-1 for better players seeking a penetrating ball flight, and now the Black Ops Ultra Lite, specifically designed to add speed and forgiveness for amateur golfers.
RRP $699 (£549, €660). The Black Ops Ultra Lite driver is fully customizable through PXG’s website and selected stores.
GOLF PRIDE INTRODUCES ALIGN MAX
Golf Pride is pushing the boundaries of grip technology with the launch of ALIGN Max, a more aggressive version of its popular ALIGN grip, designed to enhance hand placement consistency and feedback. ALIGN Max introduces a pronounced rib that runs completely through the grip, offering golfers a more noticeable and structured hand placement guide than the original ALIGN. A key improvement with ALIGN Max is its simplified installation process. By making the rib more prominent and self-correcting, Golf Pride ensures proper alignment with the shaft, leading to better grip consistency and repeatable swings.
Available in MCC and MCC +4. RRP is $14.99 (£11.99, €13.99) per grip. Available from 15th February. More information at Golf Pride.
4. PEOPLE TO WATCH
Youth on Course, the nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding golf access and opportunities for young players, has appointed Rick Paschal, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of TaylorMade, as the new Chair of its Board of Directors. Paschal, who has been a board member since 2022, will serve a two-year term, helping to drive the organization’s mission of providing affordable golf experiences and career opportunities for youth. Press Release available at The Golf Wire.
The PGA Tour Policy Board has named former Citigroup CEO Mike Corbat and AutoZone Executive Chairman Bill Rhodes as independent directors, strengthening its leadership with two highly accomplished business executives. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan emphasized their “substantial professional accomplishments and exceptional leadership qualities,” noting their shared passion for the game as a key factor in their appointment. Corbat, who spent 38 years in financial services, including nearly a decade as Citigroup’s CEO, brings extensive global management experience. At the same time, Rhodes, who led AutoZone through a period of transformative growth, adds strategic expertise from his tenure overseeing a Fortune 500 company. Full announcement is available on the PGA Tour’s website.
5. MUST READ
Jim Nugent’s conversation with KemperSports CEO Steve Skinner highlights golf’s post-pandemic surge, emphasizing retention strategies for new players and the need for accessibility. While some courses reach capacity, Skinner remains optimistic about long-term participation. Read the full story from Global Golf Post.
Charlotte Ibbetson explores the future of women’s golf, stressing the importance of flexible formats, relaxed traditions, and greater media coverage. As always, we shine a light on Women & Golf, championed by our admired Emma Ballard. Read the full story from Women & Golf.
Canadian journalist Scott Stinson outlines why Mexico is now a better winter escape for Canadians than Florida. With a weaker Canadian dollar making U.S. trips costly, Mexico offers affordability, culture, and luxury—provided travelers stay in safe areas. Read the full story from the National Post.
Joey Hadden takes us inside Jackson Hole’s ultra-exclusive Shooting Star Golf Club, a Tom Fazio-designed course blending luxury and nature. Membership is invite-only, with homes reaching $14 million. Read the full story from Business Insider.
6. JUST FOR PAID SUBSCRIBERS
THE FUTURE OF THE GLOBAL GOLF BALL MARKET: NEW TECHNOLOGIES, KEY PLAYERS, EMERGING OPPORTUNITIES AND REGIONAL INSIGHTS
The golf ball market is poised for steady growth over the next decade, driven by increasing participation in the sport, technological innovations, and the expansion of premium product offerings. According to recent market research, the industry, valued at $3.80 billion in 2024, is expected to reach $5.97 billion by 2034, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% from 2025 to 2034. But beyond the numbers, what are the key factors shaping the future of this essential segment of the golf industry?
Key Drivers of Market Growth
Several factors are fueling the expansion of the golf ball market:
Rising Popularity of Golf:
Increased participation among younger demographics and women
Growth in casual and recreational golf, particularly in urban and suburban areas
Expansion of golf courses and training facilities worldwide
Technological Advancements in Golf Ball Design:
Development of multi-layer and aerodynamic designs for enhanced performance
Introduction of smart golf balls equipped with GPS tracking and impact sensors
Use of advanced materials such as graphene and polymer blends to improve durability and spin control
Health and Wellness Trends:
Golf as a low-impact sport attracting fitness-conscious individuals
Increased corporate interest in golf as a social networking and wellness activity
Government-backed initiatives promoting golf tourism and accessibility
Market Segmentation: Composition, Construction, and Performance Insights
The core composition of golf balls is a critical differentiator in the market.
The materials used in golf balls significantly impact their performance, longevity, and cost. The market breakdown is as follows:
Surlyn-Covered Balls (75.5%) – Known for durability, affordability, and a balance of distance and control.
Cast Urethane Balls (16.8%) – Premium choice for professional and advanced players seeking higher spin rates and a softer feel.
Balata Balls (4.2%) – Traditional choice among professional golfers, though declining in market share due to lower durability.
Ionomer Balls (2.3%) – Offer low spin rates and a piercing trajectory, ideal for beginners and high-handicap players.
Metallic and Liquid Core Balls (1.2%) – Niche products with unique flight characteristics, used by specialized markets.
Construction Type
Different ball constructions cater to distinct golfer needs:
Multi-Layer Balls – Leading the market due to their versatility, offering a combination of distance and control.
Multi-Piece Balls – Preferred by intermediate players for their balance of spin, feel, and shot precision.
Solid Core Balls – Favored by professionals and low-handicap golfers for their consistent flight and shot-shaping capabilities.
Spin Rate & Swing Speed
The spin rate and swing speed segmentation reflect the diversity of golfer preferences:
Low Spin Rate (USD 1.23 billion market value) – Best for golfers seeking extra distance with minimal side spin.
Medium Spin Rate (USD 1.09 billion market value) – A popular choice for balanced all-around performance.
High Spin Rate (USD 0.87 billion market value) – Designed for short-game precision and greenside control.
Swing Speed Categories:
Below 90 mph – Golfers requiring maximum forgiveness and distance.
90-110 mph – Players looking for a mix of distance and spin control.
110+ mph – Skilled golfers prioritizing control, precision, and workability.
Regional Market Dynamics
The golf ball market’s regional distribution provides insights into varying demand trends:
North America – The dominant market due to:
A well-established golfing culture and infrastructure
High levels of disposable income among golfers
Presence of major golf equipment manufacturers
Europe – Strong market performance driven by:
High demand from golf-centric nations like the UK, Germany, and France
Competitive golf leagues and professional tournaments
Increasing appeal of recreational golf
Asia-Pacific (APAC) – Rapidly expanding due to:
Growing middle-class population taking up golf
Government investment in sports infrastructure
Rising interest in golf tourism, especially in China, Japan, and South Korea
South America & Middle East/Africa (MEA) – Emerging markets with:
A growing number of golf courses
Investment in golf tourism in Brazil, South Africa, and the UAE
Expanding golf communities among expatriates and corporate professionals