The sport also remains a past-time for the more senior age groups, with only an estimated 6% of the golfing population under the age of 21. Austrian youth is somewhat short of golfing role models, with relatively low-profile players Markus Brier and Martin Wiegele the country’s leading names on the European Tour. Brier became the first Austrian ever to win on the European Tour, in 2006.
Golf imports into Austria were valued at €11.9 million in 2008, three quarters of which were clubs and balls. The UK was the biggest exporter of golf products to Austria, accounting for a third of the total value.
Three Austrian companies produce golf apparel, Masters Golf Fashion by Alaska Sport-Dress, Sportalm and Pink Ribbon Golf. The golf apparel market in Austria is valued at €30 million a year at retail. The market-leading apparel brands in Austria are Golfino, followed by Chervo, with a strong presence for the likes of Backtee from Denmark, Puma, Rohnisch, Abacus, adidas, Brax trousers, Cross, Hugo Boss and Nike.
Further information on the golf retail trade is available in the BGIA report.
The BGIA’s three-part study into the European Golf Apparel and Footwear Market is available to purchase either in full, by individual volume or by individual country. Please email info@bgia.org.uk or call 02476 414 999 x207 for full information on the recently discounted report prices and to request executive summaries.
