Golf Datatech (GDT) reported that golf apparel sales were down over 10 percent in on-and off-course specialty stores in March 2024, with first quarter sales trend down in the mid-teens.

Every product category was lower in March of 2024 vs. the March 2023, with double-digit declines across five of the nine segments tracked by the market research firm.

March golf apparel sales declined 10.5 percent year-over-year in on-and off-course specialty stores, but still maintained a nearly 30 percent increase against the last pre-pandemic March period in 2019.

First quarter golf apparel sales declined 15.3 percent year-over-year in on-and off-course specialty stores, but still maintained a nearly 25 percent increase against the last pre-pandemic first quarter period in 2019.

“Golf apparel spending remains significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels,” offered Golf Datatech Co-Founder John Krzynowek. “However after peaking in June of 2023, the category has been trending sharply down in Q1 of ’24. The green grass sub-channel, which accounts for the bulk of golf apparel sales, is almost 19 percent down YTD, while off-course specialty stores fell by 6 percent.”

Image courtesy Adidas Golf