Golf

Golf is characterized as a sport played with clubs and balls on a standard golf course. A standard game of golf is generally comprised of nine or eighteen holes on a course that are mapped out and numbered so as to be played in a certain order. Typically, golfers play at having the lowest number of strokes needed per game to successfully hit a ball into the hole; this is known as stroke play. The other form of golf play involves a golfer having the lowest score on the majority of holes; this is known as match play.

Golf requires specialized equipment in order to play the sport effectively. Equipment typically includes golf clubs, golf balls, tees, golf shoes, and a golf bag.

Golf courses may be operated as a private sector of a country club, or may be open to the public for a daily fee and can include commercial and municipal courses. Courses often offer food and drink services, golf instruction classes, and equipment rental services. These services, combined with potential membership dues and daily fees, result in the majority of revenue golf courses generate.

Demand in the golf industry is dependent upon personal income of consumer, as well as population trends. Competition in the golf industry exists between on-course retailers and off-course retailers, both of which attempt to offer a wide array of products, brand names, and superior customer service. The profitability of the golf industry is reliant upon several factors: creative product design, compelling marketing strategies, excellent merchandising ideas, and effective inventory management.