Golf clubs catering to Asians gain popularity

Sudibyo M. Wiradji, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

New golf club models with Asian specifications are gaining popularity among Indonesian golfers because they can better accommodate Asian postures compared with those built to American specifications.

"Top golf brands from the United States, including Callaway, Taylor Made and Cleveland, which used to focus only on American or European golf club models, have also produced an Asian version of their clubs due to the growing market for golfing equipment in Asia, including Indonesia," said Raja Sports spokesman Jimmy Singh.

The U.S.-based golf producers have included Japanese technology, especially shafts, in their products. "The new clubs are now preferred among local players," he said.

Compared with American golf clubs, the Asian versions are slightly shorter and lighter and therefore are more suited to Asian or Indonesian players.

"The new models, with improved head and shaft, allow a player with an Asian posture to produce longer and more accurate shots without having to expend too much energy," he said.

According to golf shops, the entry of more Asian golf clubs available in different brands gives players more options at relatively affordable prices. The price of golf clubs for beginners ranges from Rp 2 million (about US$235) to Rp 5 million, while for an average player it is from Rp 5 million to Rp 10 million or more.

Regular buyers of the new models include lady and junior golfers, whose numbers have been on the rise over the last two years. It is small wonder that major golf shops in town, such as Golf House, Hari Bros and Raja Sports, provide Asian or Japanese versions of golf clubs in addition to those with American specifications. Golf clubs in an Asian version are available in various brands, including Callaway, Taylor Made, Cleveland, Mizuno and Onesider.

In addition to size, players also consider the technology adopted in manufacturing golf equipment and accessories. Even though new models of golf equipment and accessories enter the market periodically, they always attract players, whether they be beginners, amateurs or professionals, to try because "every new model has improved benefits and design," said Golf House general manager Ratih D. Gianda.

Golfers whose hobby is to collect new models of golf equipment or accessories will also rush to local golf shops when new models enter the market, she said.

"The technology used in manufacturing golf clubs, for instance, is designed to help improve players' game performance and therefore, the technology in golf develops from time to time as reflected in every new model launched," she said.

The new-type golf clubs, whose head is made of titanium, are now popular with players because the club is lighter and easier to use, she said.

Golf equipment producers launch a new product at least once a year. In 2003, Mizuno, for instance, launched the Intage Driver series and will launch the Mizuno Driver MP 001 this year. Other new items to be launched in 2004 include the Adams Ovations driver, Adam Idea iron, Wilson Deep Red II irons, Callaway ERC Fusion driver and Taylor Made 500 series XD type driver.

Hari Bros provides a wide range of golf accessories such as swingers, putting practice sets, driving mats, gloves and tees in a variety of new models. At the golf shop, customers are allowed to test new models of axels and onesiders before purchase. "We lend new models of golf clubs to customers for a free trial. They can use them in three or four games before deciding whether to buy or not," he said.

Also available in the market are new models of golf equipment for training. One of them is the Laser Trainer. The model is also popular among golf beginners who are still learning how to tee off. The item is equipped with a laser trainer system that enables players to improve their game by eliminating flaws in their swing because the system provides immediate visual feedback to perfect a player's swing plane through laser guidance. "The model is very useful for those who are learning to strike the ball with the right swing," said Murali of Hari Bros.

Meanwhile, new models of golf accessories, starting from hats, apparel and shoes to gloves, are also available on the market. According to providers of golf items, the current trend in golf apparel is a sporty and bright fancy look. "This is in line with the increasing number of young golfers," said Ratih of Golf House.

"Golfers with new models of golf accessories like apparel, shoes, gloves or bags will feel more comfortable and confident when playing golf," she said.

From the technology viewpoint, new types of apparel adopt "Play Dry" technology. "This enables the cloth to absorb sweat, keeping wearers feeling fresh and comfortable, even though they have played for four hours," she said.

Murali, of Hari Bros, said that players can now find new types of golf gloves, whose material combines lycra and leather. "The combination material allows users to feel more comfortable when compared with gloves made from 100 percent leather," he added.