Golf club leasing

Golf club leasing is the practice of leasing golf equipment, from drivers to putters. The idea was initiated in France in 2003 by two french guys, and the industry has grown to 20,000 plus leases annually. The appeal for the golfer is the ability to sample new technology while avoiding the cost of purchasing new equipment. Companies in this industry include Top Swing Leasing, Edwin Watts, Styx Leasing and Clubs FORE Lease, LLC www.clubsFORElease.com

The increasing trends of shorter product cycle, new beneficial technology, and high cost in golf clubs are making leasing an attractive option. The overall trend in golf club manufacturing is to shorten product life cycles and push higher priced clubs. The shelf life for new drivers proves this trend. Titanium drivers unveiled in 1999, 2000, and 2001 averaged 17 months at their original retail price. Drivers introduced in 2002 and 2003 lasted an average of only 10 months at full retail, which is a significant decrease from the previous three years. This is a direct result of the improvement technology has on golfers’ performance. On average, PGA Tour players hit the ball one foot farther per year from 1968 to 1995. After titanium drivers came on the market in 1995, however, that rate jumped to 7.5 feet per year. Once again, this proves the dramatic effect of technology on golfer’s performance. Additionally, the cost of equipment is at an all time high. Prices are forecast to drop due to strong competition for market share in a very mature market, but it could still cost in excess of $3,000 to get the best clubs available on the market.

References

*cite news|title=Lease to drive|publisher=USA Today|url=http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/sports/20041104/c2mike04.art.htm
*cite news|title=LOCAL GOLF NOTEBOOK: Leasing offers way to play best clubs|publisher=Houston Chronicle|last=Pike|first=Doug

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