Sports Marketing Surveys Inc. reveals an upsurge in golfing numbers
S
ports Marketing Surveys Inc. has announced increased figures in its Golf Rounds Played study for 2014 compared
with the previous two years. With temperatures above average for the
duration of Q4, and no other major sporting events, the number of golf rounds played in the final (three) months of 2014 were up 4.5% on the same period in 2013. This resulted in a year-on- year growth of 3.5%. The fourth quarter began as Q3 had ended,
with all regions retaining positive golfing numbers, with the exception of Scotland. This anomaly was eliminated in November when the same region boasted greatly increased statistics, as did all other regions in England and Wales. The end of year pressures, coupled with the
varied and oſten wet weather, generated a mixed month in December, in terms of the amount of golf being played.
At the end of the third quarter, the amount of
golf played in the UK exhibited encouraging progression versus 2013. This positive growth continued in the fourth quarter, and resulted in year-end numbers which were up on 2013 (3.5%) and 2012 (1.4%) respectively. Richard Payne, senior manager of Sports
Accounts at SMS INC. commented: “Aſter announcing the positive Q3 numbers (5.3% up vs. Q3 2013), we knew that unless the weather turned dramatically in Q4, that we would be able to publicise some positive news to the UK golf industry. Hopefully this intelligence gives golf a boost going into the 2015 season.”
www.sportsmarketingsurveysinc.com F
Introducing theHyperflex from FootJoy The FlexGrid exoskeleton is strong enough
ootJoy has introduced the Hyperflex. Featuring materials like the new FlexGrid exoskeleton, Hyperflex is said
to deliver lightweight support and cushioning. The most striking feature of the new Hyperflex golf shoe is the upper. Most athletic shoes are constructed with soſt, mesh upper materials that are ideal for running and activities that don't require a great deal of lateral movement. However, for FJ’s research and development team, the key was to keep those comfort qualities in place but also deliver the support, stability and waterproof characteristics required for golf. Through extensive testing, this balance was achieved utilising a material never before used in golf shoes, called FlexGrid. The FlexGrid upper was
inspired by the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge in Boston, Massachusetts. When viewing this type of cable-stayed bridge at different angles, the cables create a grid offering strength and support, all while maintaining a lightweight and technical appearance – similar to FlexGrid.
to keep the foot from rolling laterally during the golf swing but also conforms to the foot and allows it to flex. The base layer that supports the exoskeleton consists of a tight- knit, lightweight, soſt, flexible, waterproof mesh, which allows for maximum comfort, breathability, flexibility and airflow. The combined layers produce a golf shoe that wraps the foot in the comfort you expect from an athletic shoe with the additional support of a high-performance golf shoe. “Our designers have
carried out research in civil engineering and construction to create the distinguishing aesthetics of Hyperflex which are also fundamental to
its performance,” said Doug Robinson, FootJoy vice president of Design
and Development Worldwide. “Every area of this shoe has been
carefully considered, incorporating exceptional craſtsmanship and innovative componentry to create an incredibly flexible and lightweight, yet stable, platform from which to swing.”
www.fotjoy.co.uk
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