Sales in Golf

Watching The Masters Tournament this weekend sparked the idea to write a blog post on how selling and sponsorships have emerged and changed throughout the years. Sponsoring players is a huge part of income that famous golfers receive. This can come in many forms, some simply from the polos they wear or the golf balls and clubs they use, but can also come in more subtle ways. After reading an article from Golfer’s Digest, I was able to better understand the trends and how sponsorship has changed throughout the years.

The article used Arnold Palmer as the prime first example of how sponsorships emerged in golf and how companies of all kind used his name and image for their brand. Whether it was to sell luxury Rolex watches or a chiropractor machine, his name was used for many years. His name will even be carried forever when someone orders a half lemonade-half tea drink, aka an Arnold Palmer.

In more recent years every sports gear brand sponsors a golfer by wearing their clothes. Nike is the most prominent game in recent years, with many notable golfers wearing their polos, pants, or hats during major tournaments. Off the course, Rory sponsored Bose with their wireless headphones. Banking companies have also started to sponsor golfer by giving them memorabilia with their company’s name. The list goes on and on when it comes to sponsoring players, and it can come in many more shapes and sizes that aren’t just golf clubs and balls.