How are equipment manufacturers dealing with the coronavirus outbreak?
So far the coronavirus outbreak has led to dozens of professional and amateur events being postponed or cancelled and we’re still waiting to see the full effect it will have at club level. But what about on the equipment side of things? Will you be receiving that new driver you ordered? Are manufacturers going to be able to keep producing equipment at all? How is coronavirus affecting golf manufacturers? We contacted the biggest brands in golf to find out…
What are the brands saying about coronavirus?
So far it very much seems like business as usual with most situations looking very similar to normal. Brands have a stock of product already built for the coming season that is likely to be available for the foreseeable future. Below is a list of the companies I’ve contacted and their response, if there is any at all. I’ll keep it updated as I hear back from them.
Adidas: No comment yet.
American Golf: “All American Golf stores will remain open for as long as we can provide a safe environment for our staff and customers alike. We aim to keep you informed as much as possible by means of emails to our database, through our website and on social media.
“We have taken steps to keep our people healthy and safe by implementing CDC recommended guidelines, most of our stores will open from 10am in order that appropriate and recommended cleaning can take place to safeguard our colleagues and our customers. We apologise if this should cause any inconvenience.
“To date our supply of products remains on track and available to support you into the 2020 season. Whilst we aim to continue to trade, our focus will be to keep people safe.
“American Golf are closely monitoring the situation to ensure we are taking all necessary precautions to protect customers, colleagues and their families at this time.”
- Related: Fresh kicks? New golf shoes for 2020
Arccos: “It’s an unfortunate situation, but we have plenty of inventory in our global warehouses, our factories are running on schedule and [we] don’t foresee any impact to Arccos as a business.”
Bushnell: “All the main products including the new V5 and V5 Shift lasers are widely available in the UK through high street and Golf Pro Shop outlets.”
Callaway: “We’re closely following the coronavirus developments. Our recently reported guidance reflected our best estimate of the impact of the coronavirus at that time. As we work through this challenging situation, our thoughts and prayers are with the people of China,Iran, South Korea, Venezuela and Italy including our employees, customers and their families in that region as well as those affected by the virus globally.”
Cleveland/Srixon: No comment yet.
Cobra/Puma: “Business as usual currently, build centres and factories are open as normal.”
Duca del Cosma: No comment yet.
Ecco: No comment yet.
FootJoy: No comment yet.
Galvin Green: “We are not experiencing any major delays on production.”
Lynx: “We are on a good footing as regards stock of all products, so we will be able to carry on as normal.”
Mizuno: No comment yet.
Motocaddy: “In these increasingly uncertain times, the thoughts of everyone at Motocaddy go out to those who have been affected by the Coronavirus. In the face of this pandemic, we do hope golf may be a place of respite and positivity in the coming weeks or months.
We are doing everything we can to help our customers and our team to stay healthy and safe; whether that’s through the products we sell, the experience through our retail partners, or the support we provide to our employees.
We are doing everything possible to keep our business functioning as normally as possible, while following the latest advice and guidance from the UK Government & Public Health England.
We have wide-ranging plans in place to minimise disruption and maintain our normal high levels of service as much as possible during this current global situation.
We were well prepared for early season product launches which allowed us to provide stock to Motocaddy retailers and online partners earlier than ever and before the more recent escalations.
When it comes to our team, we’re keeping all colleagues updated with advice and information on how to stay safe, whether that’s at work or at home. Our customer service team will continue to be on hand to answer any questions you may have as quickly as possible with increased capacity added to the LiveChat feature on our website, in addition to our email case system and social media channels. These will be escalated at the earliest opportunity should they need to be.
For more information on steps you can take to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, please visit the Department of Health & Social Care website.
We will keep you informed of relevant developments during these unprecedented times and thank you for choosing Motocaddy, your continued trust and loyalty means a lot to us.”
Nike: No comment yet.
Ping: “No official comment on this from Ping as the situation could change any minute.”
PowaKaddy: No comment yet.
Scotty Cameron: “With respect for the health and well-being of our staff and customers, and based on health concerns regarding the Covid-19 situation, we are temporarily closing the Scotty Cameron Golf Gallery in Encinitas, California, until at least March 31. We apologise for any inconvenience. As of now, our regularly scheduled Wednesday online Gallery store releases will continue.
“Regarding anticipated Studio Store online releases, we will from time to time be offering new limited release items online first for Club Cameron members. We are all in this together and plan to keep spirits positive as we collectively attempt to stay healthy in anticipation of returning to normal activities. Thank you for your continued support.”
So it begins….. unfortunately there will be no Cameron events in the UK for the next few weeks! If you have any questions on the Special Select line ask away #ScottyCameron #SpecialSelect #PhantomX @TitleistEurope @ScottyCameron
— Nick Sharples (@1Sharpy7) March 17, 2020
Shotscope: No comment yet.
Skechers: “Skechers 2020 collection is available through high street retailers and Golf Pro shops throughout the UK and we look forward to announcing the arrival of a new shoe in the very near future. We would like to re-assure golfers that Skechers will be fully available through our extensive network of golf retailers.”
TaylorMade: No comment yet.
Titleist: No comment yet.
Under Armour: No comment yet.
Wilson: No comment yet.
Hannah Holden
Hannah Holden is the Equipment and Instruction Editor here at National Club Golfer. If you’re looking to improve your game, by changing your golf swing or upgrading your golf equipment she’ll have the answers.
As well as writing lots of features and reviews you can find her on our YouTube channel giving you insights on the latest rules, clubs and tips to improve your golf game.
Hannah is a member at Alwoodley golf club. You will either find her here or driving up and down the country playing in a variety of elite amateur events.
