Golf Rangefinder Market (2019 - 2025)

Golf Rangefinder Market Summary

Moreover, an increasing number of golf courses around the world is expected to expand the product’s scope over the forecast period.

Over the past few years, golf has gained popularity like other sports including tennis and soccer around the globe. Moreover, increasing acceptance of these sports among men and women of any age has increased the number of golf courses across the globe. This game has increased popularity in the countries including U.S., Scotland, Ireland, and Denmark.

The growing trend of golf leads to an increase in the demand for a rangefinder as it is a crucial tool for players to scale distance and improve their shots. This tool is also very essential for unprofessional golfers and amateurs as it allows them to gauge the distance between the target hole and them. This device has several benefits including assisting both professionals golfers as well as newcomers to improve their games and increase the shot accuracy.

According to a report ‘Golf around the world 2017’ published by the R&A, a global golf sport governing body, there were a total of 33,161 golf facilities present in 208 countries around the globe till the end of the year 2016. Also, 74% of these facilities were geographically concentrated in the top 10 golf enthusiast countries including U.S., Canada, Scotland, England, Sweden, Germany, France, Australia, Japan, and South Africa.

According to the statistics provided in the ‘Golf Industry Report’, in 2017, an estimated 23.8 million people played on-course golf and 8.3 million people played off-course, which was increased by 7%. The overall population who played golf was about 32 million. Such an increase in participation in sports is likely to propel the demand for the rangefinder over the forecast period.

Product Insights

Laser rangefinder was the prominent product segment with a share of exceeding 60.0% in 2018. The segment is expected to maintain its lead over the forecast period. These products are very accurate as compared to their counterpart GPS rangefinder, which is much helpful for the beginners to make accurate shots as well as to find the flag and ball’s exact position. Major manufacturing companies including Bushnell Corporation, Nikon Corporation, SkyHawke Technologies, LLC, and Callaway are launching new products to cater to the increasing demand for rangefinder across the globe.

For instance, in January 2019, Bushnell Corporation launched one of the technologically advanced laser rangefinders under the brand name ‘Pro XE’. The product has improved optics, coupled with longer ranging. Moreover, the company has updated the slope algorithm, which adds more precision to the product. These features expected to fuel the demand for the technologically advanced product over the forecast period.

Distribution Channel Insights

Offline channels dominated the market with more than 85.0% share in 2018. In developed countries including Scotland, England, Germany, Japan, and the U.S., a large chain of sports stores has been catering to the consumers’ requirements. For instance, in April 2019, Decathlon S.A., one of the leading French sporting goods retailers, inaugurated its new store in Emeryville, California. The company is planning to gain the maximum customer base through its wide product offerings across the U.S.

An online distribution channel is projected to expand at the fastest CAGR of 9.8% from 2019 to 2025 as a result of convenience offered to the consumers. Moreover, online retailers including Amazon and AMERICAN GOLF (TRADING) LIMITED are adding this category as the main focus area. Furthermore, the presence of high-speed internet and smartphone availability in developed countries such as the U.K., Scotland, Ireland, and Denmark are expected to fuel the expansion of the online market over the forecast period. Companies including Bushnell Corporation and AMERICAN GOLF (TRADING) LIMITED are launching their exclusive online portals, where the customers can buy genuine products directly.

Regional Insights

North America emerged as a major consumer in 2018, accounting for 45.4% share owing to the increased popularity of golf in the U.S. and Canada. In the U.S., 29^th April is celebrated as ‘National Golf Day’. Furthermore, since 2009, the continuation of the coalition ‘WE ARE GOLF’ in the U.S. is expected to increase product awareness among the buyers. This, in turn, will have a positive impact on the golf rangefinder market growth over the next few years.

Major manufacturers include Bushnell Corporation, Nikon Corporation, SkyHawke Technologies, LLC, and ZEISS International are launching new products in the U.S. For instance, in September 2018, Bushnell Corporation launched brand new rangefinder with laser and GPS technologies in-built under the brand name ‘Bushnell Hybrid Laser Rangefinder & GPS’. The product is one of its kind with integrated GPS and Laser display.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is consolidated in nature as a result of the high concentration of strong players in the countries including the U.S., the U.K., and Scotland, where golf has increased popularity. Moreover, some strong players including Bushnell Corporation; Nikon Corporation; Laser Link; Callaway; Leupold & Stevens, Inc.; SkyHawke Technologies, LLC; and ZEISS International are offering technologically advanced products to cater to the increasing demand from amateurs and professional players.

Additionally, the companies are adopting strategies such as new product launch and brand alliance formation, to gain the maximum customer base. For instance, in March 2019, Nikon Corporation announced to launch a new and portable Laser rangefinder under the brand name ‘COOLSHOT 20 GII’. The product is equipped with 6x multicoated lenses, coupled with a measurement range from 5 meters to 730 meters with full accuracy. Some of the prominent players in the golf rangefinder market include:

• Bushnell Corporation

• Nikon Corporation

• Laser Link

• Callaway

• Leupold & Stevens, Inc.

• Skyhawk Technologies

• LLC

• ZEISS International

Golf Rangefinder Market