Of that total, KPMG says e1.9 billion is down to golf's retail sales market, with Europe accounting for 96% of that business sector. Although these figures can be hard to relate to in isolation, KPMG is to be congratulated on the publication of the report and for providing us with an in-depth overview of the market in which we all operate (see more details in our news story on page 6).
I look forward even more to a follow-up report, if and when that may appear. I understand KPMG is not planning to make this an annual endeavour, but let's hope it is not too many years before they update the figures. These vast monetary sums and market-share percentages will be all the more valuable if they can be put into context, alongside figures from other years. It would be revealing, for example, to see the progress the golf trade has made in the Middle East since 2006. I doubt Europe will hold anything like 96% of the EMA market next time.
Andrea Sartori, head of KPMG's Golf Advisory Practice EMA, claims the report shows golf in the EMA "is booming". That may have been the case in 2006 but it is arguable whether it remains the case in 2008, in Europe anyway. I just hope he finds justification for a similarly positive opinion if his team ever does publish another report.
As for the Bionic Man, well, $6 million might not stretch to a full internal makeover like it did in 1973, but there are a few people in 2008 who would pay a small fortune for a tracksuit like his.
Robin Barwick
