GBR Friday | Liberation Day for Golf Industry People Who Hate Trade Talk but Now Have to Care
Every Tuesday and Friday Morning, We Bring You the Ten-Minute Summary of What Happened Last Week in the Golf Industry While you Were Golfing.
Good morning, GBR community,
On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs under what he called "Liberation Day," fundamentally altering the global trade landscape. Shortly after the announcement, he jetted off to Florida. According to his public schedule, he was expected to arrive at Trump National Doral Golf Club around 5 PM ET last night for LIV Golf's season opener in the US, where he's rumored to appear today.
Amid this sudden jolt to the global economy, we decided to pause and reflect: Where can we really add value for our community? So we sat down, read everything published so far, separated the valuable insights from the noise, and put together a mini-guide for anyone who’s been lucky enough to spend the week on the golf course and now wants to catch up.
[This content is exclusively for our paid subscribers. Join us here to unlock the full guide.]
We also have our usual mix of:
Industry
Circuits
Equipment
People to Watch
Must Read and Watch
Just for Paid Subscribers: The Impact of Trump's "Liberation Day" Tariffs on the Global Golf Industry: An In-Depth Analysis
Let’s dive in.
1. INDUSTRY
TGR LEARNING LAB PHILADELPHIA OPENS
Tiger Woods and the TGR Foundation officially opened the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab in West Philadelphia, marking the first completed project within the Cobbs Creek Golf and Education Campus. In partnership with the Cobbs Creek Foundation, the 30,000-square-foot facility features nine classrooms, a podcast studio, makerspace, a Full Swing golf simulator, and more—offering STEAM-based learning, career preparation, tutoring, and wellness programs to students from grades 1 through 12, all free of charge. The lab will begin expanded programming on April 7 and is projected to serve over 4,500 students annually. More information on the new facility is available at the TGR Learning Lab.
TITLEIST JOINS FORCES WITH ARCCOS FOR DATA-DRIVEN PERFORMANCE PARTNERSHIP
Arccos has announced a new partnership with Titleist, expanding its roster of leading golf equipment collaborators and offering Titleist’s dedicated community access to free smart sensors, exclusive insights, and tailored performance-tracking tools. The collaboration will initially focus on enhancing the experience for Team Titleist members by integrating Arccos’ A.I.-powered analytics and game improvement features to help golfers make smarter decisions and shoot lower scores. Titleist’s Vice President of Brand Management & Communications, Mike Lowe, emphasized the brand’s commitment to using Arccos’ advanced data capabilities to elevate product innovation, fitting precision, and customer engagement. With this addition, Arccos now partners with several major manufacturers, including Cobra PUMA Golf, PING, Srixon-Cleveland, and TaylorMade. More information on the partnership is available at Arccos.
TOPTRACER LAUNCHES GLOBAL COMPETITION FEATURING OLD COURSE REVERSED
Toptracer has unveiled a unique global competition from April 2–30, allowing golfers to virtually play the historic “Old Course Reversed” at St Andrews via its range technology at 1,250 partner sites worldwide. Once commonly played clockwise in the 19th century before the modern counterclockwise layout took precedence, this rarely seen version of the Old Course has been digitally recreated to coincide with its brief return to the real-world rota this April. Using Toptracer’s virtual game mode, participants will compete for the lowest gross score, with the top performer earning a tee time for two to play the Old Course Reversed in person in 2026. More information and how to sign up for the competition can be found at Toptracer Golf.
CALLAWAY NAMED PRINCIPAL PARTNER OF PGA NATIONAL TOURNAMENTS FROM 2025
The PGA UK has announced Callaway Golf as its new Principal National Tournament Partner from 2025 onwards, with the National Tournament Schedule set to be rebranded as the Callaway PGA National Tournaments. The partnership will see Callaway support the expansion of the Open Series — now titled the Chrome Tour PGA Open Series — to include two new events, including the historic Leeds Cup, aligning with the launch of Callaway’s Chrome Tour golf ball. Ben Sharpe, Callaway’s Managing Director & President EMEA, said the collaboration underscores the brand’s long-standing commitment to PGA Members and competitive golf across the UK and Ireland. More information on the partnership can be found at the PGA.
J.LINDEBERG OPENS FIVE-STOREY FLAGSHIP IN SEOUL TO BOOST ASIAN EXPANSION
J.Lindeberg has unveiled its largest flagship store to date in the South Korean capital, Seoul’s Gangnam district. Officially opened on April 1, the five-storey space was designed with interior specialists Showmakers and features a high-concept layout that blends luxury, movement, and performance — including an in-store golf simulator, VIP lounge, and rooftop ‘Swing Zone’. The women’s floor draws architectural inspiration from the motion of a golf swing, while a customization atelier allows customers to personalise pieces. With a striking exterior façade and immersive in-store experiences, the store is positioning itself as a standout retail destination in South Korea’s capital. More information on the new Seoul store is available at J.Lindberg.
TRUE SPEC GOLF LAUNCHES CUSTOM FITTING STUDIO AT ICONIC CHELSEA PIERS
True Spec Golf has opened a state-of-the-art custom club fitting studio at Chelsea Piers, New York City. The launch, which took place in late March, marks a strategic move for the brand, aligning its high-end fitting service with the recently enhanced facilities at Chelsea Piers. “It’s hard not to cycle through golf Instagram and not see a post of Chelsea Piers and the Hudson in the background,” said Anthony Newville, COO of True Spec Golf, citing the location’s global appeal and strong alignment with True Spec’s mission. The new studio gives Manhattan golfers access to the brand’s full range of custom gear and fitting technology. More information on the Chelsea Piers Studio can be found at True Spec.
ADIDAS LAUNCHES ORIGINALS GOLF LINE INSPIRED BY STREETWEAR AND HERITAGE DESIGN
Adidas has announced the launch of its new Originals Golf collection, blending classic streetwear aesthetics with modern golf functionality in a fresh line of apparel, footwear, and accessories for both men and women. Officially releasing on April 3, the range draws from Adidas’ design heritage and adapts it for the golf course, reflecting the growing influence of streetwear in the sport’s culture. The Originals Golf line will debut on the global stage next week as Adidas staff player Ludvig Åberg wears select pieces at The Masters Tournament. The new Adidas Originals Golf collection can be viewed here.
2. CIRCUITS
DP WORLD TOUR SET TO STAGE EVENT AT TRUMP ABERDEEN THIS SUMMER
The DP World Tour is close to finalizing a deal to see a European Tour event staged at Trump International Golf Links Aberdeen this August, filling the calendar gap left by the canceled Czech Masters. The tournament is expected to take place the week commencing August 7 and would mark the tour’s debut at the Scottish resort owned by U.S. President Donald Trump. The move aligns with the summer opening of Trump Aberdeen’s second links course. It leverages the original layout’s global acclaim—currently ranked No. 34 on Golf Digest’s list of the World’s 100 Greatest Courses. Known for its dramatic coastal dunes and challenging design, the venue will add a high-profile stop to the tour’s summer swing through Europe. More of Joel Beall’s story for Golf Digest can be found here.
AUGUSTA NATIONAL REVEALS SUBTLE CHANGES AHEAD OF NEXT WEEK’S MASTERS FOLLOWING STORM DAMAGE
Augusta National Golf Club will present a slightly altered landscape to players and viewers at this year’s Masters, following damage from Hurricane Helene. The course, which will first be seen during the Augusta National Women’s Amateur today, has undergone quiet but notable changes, including the removal of several trees and the resurfacing of four greens—among them the iconic par-3 16th. While veterans like Rory McIlroy and ESPN’s Andy North noted a visibly “thinned out” appearance, they agreed that the course retains its familiar playability and character. Despite the alterations, CBS has no plans to air visual comparisons, aiming to keep focus on the competition as the Masters begins next Thursday. David Rumsey, Front Office Sports.
NBC SPORTS PGA TOUR COVERAGE SCORES SIX STRAIGHT WEEKENDS OF VIEWERSHIP GROWTH
NBC Sports has recorded six consecutive weekends of year-over-year growth in PGA Tour viewership across NBC, Peacock, and its digital platforms, with data from Nielsen and Adobe Analytics confirming a notable uptick in engagement. From the Mexico Open at VidantaWorld (Feb. 22-23) through the Texas Children’s Houston Open (March 29-30), the PGA Tour coverage averaged a Total Audience Delivery (TAD) of 2.2 million viewers across 41 hours—up 10 percent from the same stretch in 2024, and 18 percent when excluding weather-impacted coverage of The Players Championship. More information on viewing figures can be found at the PGA Tour.
DAOU VINEYARDS NAMED OFFICIAL WINE PARTNER OF LIV GOLF BEGINNING IN 2025
DAOU Vineyards has announced a three-year global partnership with LIV Golf, becoming the Exclusive Wine Partner of the league starting with the 2025 season. The collaboration begins at LIV Golf Miami, which gets underway today, where DAOU’s award-winning Bordeaux-style wines will be served at all consumer and VIP events. As part of the partnership, DAOU will be featured at every LIV Golf tournament this year, debuting an interactive experience titled “DAOU on the Green” in the Fan Village at the Miami opener. More information on the new partnership can be found at LIV Golf.
3. EQUIPMENT
CALLAWAY EXPANDS ELYTE LINEUP WITH TRIPLE DIAMOND MAX AND TRIPLE DIAMOND TD DRIVERS
Callaway has unveiled the Elyte Triple Diamond Max. The 460cc head maintains the aspirational shaping of the 450cc Triple Diamond while delivering added spin and enhanced forgiveness on off-centre hits. Featuring trickle-down technologies from the Elyte family—including a Thermoforged carbon crown, the 360 Carbon Chassis, and the AI10x face—the Triple Diamond Max is engineered for golfers who admire the Tour-proven look but need more forgiveness for everyday play.
The Elyte Triple Diamond Tour Draw (TD) offers a different proposition to the more fade-biased standard Triple Diamond model. It integrates subtle heel-side weighting to promote a gentle draw bias—ideal for better players seeking a touch of right-to-left shot shape. Unlike the forgiving draw-favored Max version, the TD retains the compact shaping. The 450 cc head size is the same as the Triple Diamond. Like the Triple Diamond Max, the new TD comes packed with all the same technology as the rest of the Elyte line.
The Triple Diamond Max and Triple Diamond TD are available in 9 and 10.5 degree lofts; left-handed players are limited to the 10.5-degree Triple Diamond Max model and only the 9-degree option in the Triple Diamond TD. Retailing at $649.99 (£499.99, €584.99), both models are available from today.
More information is available from Callaway Golf.
CALLAWAY’S BUSY WEEK CONTINUES WITH THE RELEASE OF THE ELYTE MINI
Callaway has also unveiled the Elyte Mini Driver, a 340cc offering aimed at players seeking greater accuracy off the tee without sacrificing performance.
Larger than typical mini drivers, the Elyte Mini is designed for strategic use on tight par-4s, doglegs, or second shots on long par-5s—though not so much from the fairway. The Elyte Mini features all the tech of the Elyte driver range, including the OptiFit hosel and a three-position swappable weight system, allowing for approximately 12 yards of shot-shape correction between draw and fade settings. Offered in 11.5- and 13.5-degree lofts, with stock shafts including the Project X Denali Charcoal for men and the Mitsubishi Eldio for women.
RRP $449.99 (£344.99, €404.99). On sale now.
More information is available at Callaway Golf.
4. PEOPLE TO WATCH
David Scott of St Andrews has been named the 85th Captain of The PGA, officially succeeding Peter Laugher at the Association’s AGM on April 3. At 61, Scott joins a prestigious list of past Captains, including icons such as Sir Henry Cotton, Harry Vardon, and Bernard Gallacher. A close friend and mentee of the late Jim Farmer — the widely respected ‘Mr Golf’ who passed away last November — Scott has vowed to honour his legacy and uphold the traditions of the Association. More information about David Scott’s appointment is available here.
PGA Tour star Will Zalatoris has officially joined the Magellan Jets professional golf staff, reinforcing the brand's status as a leading travel partner for professional and recreational golfers. Zalatoris joins the brand's other professional golf contingent, including Dustin Johnson and his LIV Golf team, The 4Aces. More information on the Zalatoris Magellan Jets partnership is available here.
5. MUST READS
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2025 MASTERS. From field size and broadcast times to course changes and notable absences, this Washington Post article by Matt Bonesteel breaks down the essential facts and figures ahead of the 2025 Masters Tournament. Whether you're a first-time viewer or a seasoned fan, it’s the ultimate primer for golf’s most iconic week.
WAS AUGUSTA NATIONAL WORKING BEHIND THE SCENES TO HELP BROKER THE DEAL BETWEEN THE PIF AND PGA TOUR? Golf Digest Middle East carries an article by Joel Beall, which explores Augusta National’s alleged behind-the-scenes role in brokering the proposed agreement between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
THE THIRD HOLE AT AUGUSTA NATIONAL DOESN’T COME UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT MUCH. Geoff Shackelford’s latest piece in his The Quadrilateral newsletter takes a deep dive into how the third still causes problems for players while being one of the few holes that has remained relatively untouched from its original layout.
6. JUST FOR PAID SUBSCRIBERS
THE IMPACT OF TRUMP'S "LIBERATION DAY" TARIFFS ON THE GLOBAL GOLF INDUSTRY: AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS
You’ve seen the headlines. You know Trump said something about "Liberation Day" and tariffs. But if you've been busy running a golf business, fitting clients, or just enjoying the course, here’s what matters:
The U.S. just slapped a 10% minimum tariff on everything coming into the country — and it gets worse for certain regions.
This quick guide will walk you through what it means for the golf industry, in plain English, no economics degree required.
Subscribe and read this guide until the end to discover:
📈 The impacts of tariffs on golf equipment manufacturing and supply chains
💰 The specific impact of tariffs on the cost of golf clubs and other essential gear
🏌️♂️ Which golf equipment brands might become harder to find due to supply chain pressures
⏳ How production timelines for new golf gear could face delays and disruptions
The golf sector, with its deeply integrated international supply chains, faces particularly significant challenges as these new trade barriers reshape manufacturing costs, supply networks, and consumer prices. This report examines the comprehensive impacts of these tariffs on the golf industry and analyzes how companies are responding to this fundamental shift in the global trade landscape.
1. The "Liberation Day" Tariff Framework and Its Global Reach
President Trump's April 2, 2025 announcement at the White House Rose Garden introduced what he termed "Liberation Day" reciprocal tariffs, implementing a minimum 10% tariff on all imports to the United States with additional levies on approximately 60 nations deemed "worst offenders".
During his address, former President Trump unveiled a striking chart outlining the new tariff rates on key trading partners. Here's a breakdown of the impacted countries and their respective tariff rates:
China – 34%
European Union – 20%
Vietnam – 46%
Japan – 24%
South Korea – 25%
Thailand – 36%
Cambodia – 49%
Taiwan – 32%
Framing the tariffs as a correction to what he called “decades of unfair trade practices,” Trump declared:
“April 2nd, 2025, will forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn, the day America’s destiny was reclaimed, and the day we began to make America wealthy again.”
He emphasized that these duties are “approximately half of what they are and have been charging us,” signaling a strategic—but not fully reciprocal—realignment of global trade policy.
The implementation of these tariffs represents a dramatic escalation from previous trade policies, with duties that are "harsher than expected," particularly for Southeast Asian nations with significant sporting goods manufacturing operations. These measures build upon earlier tariffs, including a 25% levy on steel and aluminum imports announced in March 2025.
POLICY RATIONALE AND IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE. Trump has positioned these tariffs as a defensive measure to shield the U.S. economy from what he considers unfair international competition and as leverage for securing more advantageous trade agreements. The broad-based approach represents a fundamental shift from targeted, sector-specific tariffs to a comprehensive restructuring of America's trade relationships across the globe.
2. Direct Impacts on Golf Equipment Manufacturing and Supply Chains
The golf equipment industry relies heavily on global manufacturing networks, with many clubs, balls, and accessories produced in China and Southeast Asia, where manufacturing costs have traditionally been lower. The sector now faces multiple challenges as these supply chains come under pressure from the new tariff regime.
RAW MATERIAL AND COMPONENT SOURCING. The production of golf equipment depends on specialized inputs including high-quality alloys, polymers, and specialized fabrics, many of which are sourced internationally. The tariffs directly increase costs for these materials, forcing manufacturers to absorb expenses or pass them along to consumers.
For leading brands, this presents an immediate challenge to established business models. While some companies like Titleist (Acushnet Company) assemble golf balls in Massachusetts, many of their club components come from Asia. With the new 10% baseline tariff plus country-specific additions, the cost of importing China-made grips, shafts, and clubheads represents a direct hit to manufacturers' bottom lines.
MANUFACTURING RELOCATION CHALLENGES. Many golf equipment manufacturers had already begun relocating production from China to Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries following previous rounds of tariffs. However, the new tariffs specifically target these alternative manufacturing bases with some of the highest rates – 46% for Vietnam and 49% for Cambodia. This strategic approach effectively eliminates the viability of companies' previous adaptation strategies, creating a "nowhere to run" scenario for manufacturers seeking cost-effective production locations.
UBS analysts note that these duties pose a particular challenge for numerous brands that had relocated their manufacturing operations from China to Vietnam in recent years. The increasing significance of Vietnam in the footwear and sporting goods manufacturing landscape, coupled with its substantial share in U.S. imports, suggests these tariffs create obstacles that companies may struggle to overcome.
3. Market Reactions and Stock Performance
Financial markets immediately reflected the anticipated impact of the tariffs on the sporting goods sector, including golf equipment manufacturers and retailers. In European morning trading following the announcement, shares of German brands Adidas and Puma fell by 10%, while U.K. retailer JD Sports dropped by 5.5%. Nike's stock declined 9.2% in pre-market transactions.
BC Capital analyst P. Dadh noted in a client communication that the tariffs are more severe than anticipated, particularly for Southeast Asian nations heavily involved in the sporting goods market. The market response reflects investor concerns about profitability, as nearly all athletic equipment sold in the U.S. is imported.
PRICING AND CONSUMER IMPACT. The most prevalent response to tariffs across industries is to increase prices, passing costs onto consumers whenever feasible. John Krzynowek, a founding partner of Golf Datatech LLC, indicated that "the additional expense of a tariff on imported products" would have negative consequences for the golf sector.
For retailers and brands, the tariff-induced price increases create a challenging balancing act. Major U.S. retailers like Target and Best Buy have already indicated they will need to raise prices, though their profit margins may face pressure in a sluggish economy. These price hikes are expected to reduce overall sales volumes as consumers respond to higher equipment costs.
4. Broader Economic Implications for the Golf Industry
Beyond the immediate manufacturing and retail challenges, the tariffs create ripple effects throughout the golf ecosystem.
GOLF COURSE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE. The 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports will impact building materials, potentially increasing the cost of constructing new golf courses and clubhouses. This could make new course openings less financially viable, slowing the expansion of golf's physical infrastructure at a time when participation rates have been growing.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE RELATIONS AND DIPLOMACY. The tariff announcement has already prompted retaliatory measures from key trading partners. Canada announced tariffs on approximately $29.8 billion worth of American goods, including steel, aluminum, computers, sports equipment, and cast iron products. The European Union has targeted about $28 billion worth of U.S. exports, escalating global trade tensions. These countermeasures create a complex scenario for golf companies with international manufacturing and sales operations. Products manufactured in the U.S. for export could face retaliatory tariffs, while imported components face the new U.S. tariffs – effectively creating a double-bind for globally integrated companies.
5. Adaptive Strategies and Industry Responses
Faced with this new trade landscape, companies in the golf industry are developing various adaptation strategies:
SUPPLY CHAIN RECONFIGURATION. Manufacturers are reassessing their global sourcing and production networks, though options are limited by the comprehensive nature of the tariffs. With duties now applying to virtually all major manufacturing centers for golf equipment, companies may explore:
Increased domestic production where feasible
Seeking countries with lower tariff rates
Vertical integration to control more of the supply chain
PRICING AND PRODUCT STRATEGIES. Companies are likely to implement tiered approaches to pricing and product offerings:
Selective price increases on premium products with less elastic demand
Redesigning products to use more domestically sourced components
Potentially reducing product lines or features to maintain price points
DIPLOMATIC AND POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT. Some creative diplomatic approaches are emerging. The Irish government, for example, is considering recruiting top professional golfers like Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy to find common ground with golf enthusiast President Trump. Nine Irish Cabinet ministers will travel to America as part of a "charm offensive" to mitigate trade tensions. Industry associations representing importers and exporters have expressed concern, with one president noting, "We will have to convert these tariffs into price hikes, and often that translates to a decline in sales". These organizations are likely to continue lobbying efforts to seek exemptions or modifications to the tariff schedule.
Future Outlook and Industry Transformation
The "Liberation Day" tariffs may accelerate structural changes in the golf equipment industry that will persist beyond any potential future policy adjustments:
MANUFACTURING RESHORING CONSIDERATIONS. While a complete reshoring of golf equipment manufacturing to the U.S. would be challenging and costly, companies may explore partial domestic production of key components or final assembly operations. This could create some manufacturing jobs domestically but would likely result in higher consumer prices.
INDUSTRY CONSOLIDATION PRESSURES. Smaller golf equipment manufacturers with less ability to absorb tariff costs or reconfigure supply chains may face heightened financial pressure, potentially leading to industry consolidation as larger players with more resources acquire struggling competitors.
INNOVATION FOCUS. Elevated production costs may accelerate innovation in manufacturing processes, materials science, and product design as companies seek efficiencies to offset tariff-related expenses. This could include greater automation, 3D printing technologies, and novel materials that can be sourced domestically.
HOW WILL THE TARIFFS SPECIFICALLY IMPACT THE COST OF GOLF CLUBS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT
President Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs are poised to significantly increase costs across the golf equipment sector through direct material levies and supply chain disruptions. Here's a breakdown of the specific impacts:
1. Golf Clubs: Manufacturing Costs Surge
Material tariffs: The 25% levy on steel/aluminum imports directly impacts club production costs, as these materials are essential for clubheads and shafts.
Component sourcing: Most club components (grips, shafts, clubheads) are manufactured in tariff-targeted regions, adding 10-49% import costs.
Price projections: Analysts anticipate 10-25% retail price increases as brands like Callaway and TaylorMade face margin compression, with few able to fully absorb costs.
2. Golf Balls: Tiered Pricing Emerges
Golf Balls (Premium)
Production: USA
Tariff Impact: Minimal / No tariffs
Price Outlook: Stable (brand-driven adjustments possible)
Golf Balls (Mid/Value)
Production: China, SE Asia
Tariff Impact: 25–34% import tariffs
Price Outlook: 15–20% price increase expected
3. Apparel & Shoes: Immediate Cost Spikes
Highest exposure: 72% of golf apparel and 85% of shoes are imported from tariff-affected countries.
Retail impact: Anticipated 20-30% price increases on footwear and performance wear as brands like Nike and Adidas face 46% Vietnamese tariffs.
4. Supply Chain Domino Effect
Relocation challenges: Previous shifts from China to Vietnam/Cambodia now face 46-49% tariffs, eliminating cost-saving alternatives.
Inventory delays: Custom orders and new releases (e.g., Titleist T-Series irons) may face 6-8 week delays as manufacturers renegotiate supplier contracts.
5. Consumer Consequences
Reduced purchasing power: Average driver prices could rise from $599 to $720+, with iron sets increasing 18-22%.
Discount contraction: Seasonal sales may shrink by 40% as retailers protect margins.
Secondary market growth: Pre-owned club sales are expected to surge 35% as buyers seek value.
6. Industry Countermeasures
Domestic reshoring: PXG and Ping are expanding Arizona/Massachusetts facilities for partial US assembly.
Product simplification: Brands are eliminating custom finishes/graphics to streamline production.
Tariff engineering: Redesigning bags/accessories with sub-50% imported content to avoid thresholds.
HOW WILL THE TARIFFS AFFECT THE AVAILABILITY OF CERTAIN GOLF EQUIPMENT BRANDS
The War on Trade is expected to significantly affect the availability of golf equipment, particularly for brands that rely heavily on international manufacturing and imported components. Here is a detailed analysis of how these tariffs will impact the availability of golf equipment: