Golf Gloves Market

Market Overview

The global golf gloves market size had a revenue share of USD 299 million in 2021, presumed to reach USD 392 million, expanding at a CAGR of 3.45% during the forecast period. 

Golf is an individual sport performed by striking the ball with a club from a tee into a pit. The goal is to use the fewest possible swings or club strokes to place the ball into the hole. Although golf is frequently played in a competitive setting, it can also be enjoyed for leisure and to take in the outdoors. Golf gloves are used when playing the game of golf. Golfers often wear gloves to increase comfort. The improved grip is the main advantage of wearing a golf glove, especially for drives and long iron shots. When playing outside in warm weather, they also assist in regulating moisture.

A high-quality glove will also aid in reducing slipping and maintaining a grip on the club. Golfers of all skill levels are advised to use gloves; however, they are unnecessary. On the "lead" hand, which is the hand at the top of the grip, the glove is typically worn. Gloves are often worn on the left hand by right-handed players and the right hand by left-handed players. A golf glove will help keep the club from slipping in a player's writing since it is thicker than the skin, especially in hot conditions.

Recent improvements to the sport, such as the adoption of GPS and Bluetooth-enabled gloves, have further raised its profile and increased participation. Additionally, more people are playing golf, with about 35.0% of new players being women and 26.0% coming from non-Caucasian backgrounds.

The market for golf gloves has recently been expanding due to this scenario. Golf has evolved into a lifestyle sport in recent years by turning into a pastime. Golf has become increasingly popular due to the growth and development of new courses and increased government efforts to encourage golf tourism. This has increased the demand for accessories like golf gloves. A growing number of upscale resorts and hotels have also started to include recreational activities like golf in their hospitality offerings. The development of miniature golf courses to draw in more players and promote it as a healthy form of recreation is a factor in the increased demand for golf gloves.

Market Dynamics

Global Golf Gloves Market Drivers

• The Growing Number of Golfers 

In recent years, golf involvement has increased as individuals play, watch, and immerse themselves in various ways. In 2015, there were almost 2.5 million new golfers, a growth of nearly 14.0 %, according to research by the NGF or the National Golf Foundation. The population of golf lovers increased to around 20.1 million, which comprised individuals for whom golf was either their favorite activity or one of many recreational activities. Increasing involvement in the game is anticipated to have stimulated the market for golf gloves, which create friction between the grip and the gloved hand to produce a balanced short.

Recent data indicated that 34.2 million individuals aged six and older played golf on a course in the United States in 2019. Such an increase in the population of golfers is projected to propel the demand for golf gloves in the coming years. Additionally, the growing popularity of golf in Europe and Asia has increased the need for cutting-edge golf equipment, such as gloves. Leading market competitors have been concentrating on developing gloves with a breathable design and an improved grip after observing a rise in the product's demand.

• The Increasing Trend of Building Golf Courses by Hotels

The hospitality industry consistently focuses on improving and extending its facilities to attract more customers. Hotels in western nations are putting more of an emphasis on marketing different sports, golf included. For instance, the Prukljan venture in Europe comprises a tourism zone for hospitality, a recreation area, and a golf course in addition to other lodging options. Mexico has been a well-liked tourist destination in North America, leading to many new hotel developments in 2019. Given the increasing popularity of golf as a leisure activity, it is anticipated that the following hotel development plans will incorporate golf facilities for its visitors. For instance, Atelier & Estudio Playa Mujeres planned to construct an 18-hole golf course on its land in addition to several lodging options. Over time, such advancements are anticipated to enhance the demand for golf gloves.

Global Golf Gloves Market Restraints

• Tight Schedules Propelling the Adoption of Indoor Games

Games including table tennis, chess, cards, snooker, and billiards are becoming increasingly popular indoors due to young adults' hectic lifestyles. Many businesses, including Google, YouTube, and Facebook, have set up numerous indoor recreational activities for their employees, including cue sports like pool, to provide respite from their long work hours. A pool table at the office was ranked as the second-most wanted perk among 100 alternatives in a 2018 Perkbox study of 2,315 persons working either part-time or full-time. Innovative and captivating video games suitable for PCs, smart TVs, and other smart devices like phones and tablets have been produced due to numerous board games and developments in digital media. In indoor gaming, virtual and augmented reality have also improved the user experience. These technologies offer cutting-edge abilities that enhance the gaming environment, increasing player attractiveness and retention. As a result, the demand for golf gloves decreases.

• High Cost

The increasing price of golf equipment and membership dues is projected to reduce consumer demand among middle-class and lower-class income groups. Typically, golf apparel may run you several hundred dollars, especially if you purchase numerous tops, pairs of pants, and pairs of shoes. You'll require golf shorts, pants, and additional equipment like belts, caps, and gloves. Gloves shield your hands from blisters and keep your grip from being hampered by perspiration. They may cost between $10 and $15. As a result, the market's expansion is constrained.

Global Golf Gloves Market Opportunities

• Growing Number of Female Golfers and Changing Consumer Preferences

Golf has a broad international audience, and a variety of young people, particularly women, are helping it to expand. Using sophisticated marketing tactics by businesses, combined with various endorsement occasions and campaigns, affects consumer preferences for golf-related products. Additionally, these occasions help raise customer awareness of the different brand options available in the golf glove market. Further, it is anticipated that a combination of golf associations and government-supported public sports marketing would present prospective growth opportunities for the golf gloves industry. The popularity of golf tournaments and events and rising involvement in the sport are further factors that are anticipated to affect golf equipment sales. The future of the golf glove market is expected to be paved by improving the American economy and admitting new players through unusual channels.

Regional Analysis

The region-wise segregation of the global golf gloves market includes North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Central & South America, Middle East & Africa.

North America will command the market with the largest share while expanding at a CAGR of 3.6%. One of the main factors influencing the market growth is the rising consumer enthusiasm for golf as a sport, combined with the existence of established infrastructure in industrialized nations, notably the US According to information provided by Golf Around the World, in North America, 99 golf courses were planned for development in 2017 and 57 were already in operation. The region's robust economic growth and rising consumer spending power have fueled the sport's rapid expansion. The area's golf gloves market is being driven by product improvements that satisfy consumer demand for customized items due to the development of several technologies.

Younger generations are playing golf more frequently, and people's interest in it as a leisure activity is growing, opening up chances for manufacturers and boosting the region's growth potential. In addition, many players have chosen golf as their sport from a young age thanks to supportive institutions and groups like Professional Golfers Career College and Next College Student Athlete. Because of the spike in newcomers, there has been a faster-than-average demand for gloves and golf equipment in the region.

Europe will expand at a CAGR of 2.8% and hold USD 67 million. Europe has seen a rise in golf's popularity, especially in the last three decades. According to several sources, official golf courses increased from 3,000 to 6,800 between 1985 and 2018. The rise in golf's popularity among Europeans is reflected in the increase in golf courses. The sustained desire for golf equipment, including gloves, throughout numerous European markets during the same period is also indicated by this factor. The growing number of female golfers in the UK is responsible for the market growth for golf gloves. However, as Ireland and Portugal are two of Europe's most well-liked foreign golfing destinations, product demand is expected to be more considerable.

Over the forecast period, Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR. The product's rising availability and affordability in nations like Japan and India are the main factors driving demand for it in this region. Given the comparatively low production costs and accessibility of inexpensive labor inside China, golf glove makers worldwide have always considered the nation a lucrative market. The growing number of women playing Golf in the Asia Pacific area is one of the main factors driving the market there. According to a Congressional Golf Association survey, there are 5.66 million prospective women in South Korea who are not currently golfers but are interested in taking up the sport in the next two years. Further expected to support the region's product earnings is the growing customer demand for golf equipment for regular golfing demands in nations like Australia, South Korea, and Japan. For instance, the Japanese company Golf Digest Online Inc. reported a 9.7% increase in golf equipment sales from April 2018 to March 2019, reaching USD 53.63 million over the prior fiscal year that ended on March 31, 2018.

Segmental Analysis

The global golf gloves market is classified based on type, distribution channel, and region.

By Type

Segregation based on type includes Individual Golf Gloves, Institutional Golf Gloves, and Promotional Golf Gloves.

The promotional golf gloves section is projected to advance at a CAGR of 13.2% and hold the largest market share. Golf gloves for promotion are hybrid varieties that are frequently personalized. Promotional golf gloves, as their name implies, are used to advance a brand or message for a business. These gloves are more pricey than the individual and institutional models because they are meant to be used for promotional purposes. They come in various colors and artwork possibilities and have personalized logos and features. Well-known brands generally buy these gloves in quantity to receive a considerable discount. Makers of promotional golf gloves have recently concentrated on lowering the price of their products to appeal to a broader range of customers worldwide.

The individual golf gloves section will hold the second-largest market share. The expansion of this category can be attributed to the rising global individual golfer population. Individual golf gloves are made specifically for use by individuals. Gloves were previously thought of as merely a piece of practical golf gear. Individual golf gloves have become a trendy accessory as the sport increasingly embraces a passion for uniqueness. Many businesses are anticipated to profit from this expanding trend soon.

By Distribution Channel

Segregation based on the distribution channel includes Online and Offline.

The offline section is projected to advance at a CAGR of 3.2% and hold the largest market share. The accessibility of all golf equipment brands, including gloves, in one location, facilitates price and feature comparisons, which drives consumers to offline places to buy golf gloves. The large share can also be ascribed to increased sports stores and specialty shops, leading to more product-market shelf space. Customers frequently buy gloves from brick-and-mortar retailers to get the perfect fit and better understand the product's workings. Additionally, many stores in the market have sales professionals who assist customers in selecting the best product for their needs.

The online section will hold the second-largest market share. Consumers are increasingly favoring online buying due to its ease, attractive deals and discounts, choices for home delivery, and wide selection of goods. The online market's expansion is also fueled by amenities like a simple replacement, cash-on-delivery, and one-day delivery for Prime members from Amazon. Online stores allow customers to purchase goods that are difficult to find at close-by retail establishments. Some websites even offer an option for international delivery, luring clients from all over the world.

Recent Developments

• In January 2023, SRIXON®, a market leader in innovative and high-quality golf equipment, announced the release of the new ZX Mk II Woods. Discover how your power travels farther with the brand-new ZX Mk II Woods, which delivers tour-level performance and groundbreaking energy transfer to the tee box.
• In February 2023, The Performance Leader in Golf Travel, Club Glove Brand, was acquired by Acushnet Holdings Corp.