February 11, 2011
Bridgestone Golf Reports Unprecedented Golf Ball Market Share Gains Despite Bleak Economy
Proprietary Ball Fitting Initiative and Cutting-Edge Technologies Drive Retail Demand
COVINGTON, GA - Bridgestone, the #1 ball-fitter in golf, has revolutionized
the ball selection process with the Bridgestone Golf Ball Fitting Challenge, which
scientifically shows golfers the best ball for their swing characteristics, based
on launch monitor testing. The Bridgestone Golf Ball Fitting Challenge is approaching
its one hundred thousandth personalized ball fitting and as that number increases,
so too does Bridgestone's golf ball market share.
In 2008, Bridgestone fully launched its comprehensive, nationwide ball-fitting campaign.
Since that time, according to Golf Datatech, Bridgestone Golf has experienced an
increase of more than 50% in on-course and off-course (combined) golf ball dollar
share - representing greater overall category-share growth than any other golf ball
manufacturer during that period. Bridgestone currently boasts an impressive
11.5% combined dollar share in the on/off category. Much of the share gains
can be attributed to an increase in distribution, particularly at green-grass retailers.
Since 2008, Bridgestone experienced a 25% increase in the number of on-course
retailers carrying their golf ball line. The increased distribution, powered largely
by on-course ball-fittings, has led Bridgestone golf ball sales to increases of
2.25% in Unit Share and 1.84% in Dollar Share among on-course retailers since 2009.
"Ball-Fitting has been the single largest factor in our growth as it has opened
many doors for us where we were previously shut out," said Dan Murphy, Vice President
of Marketing - Bridgestone Golf, Inc. "It's tremendously appealing for a golf professional
because, almost without exception, after a ball-fitting the retailer sees a significant
uptick in ball sales. In addition, ball-fitting gives PGA professionals just one
more opportunity to provide a unique and valued service to their members."
In 2011, Bridgestone Golf will have 25 teams of ball-fitting experts actively fitting
golfers for the ideal ball for their swing characteristics around the country. As
the Bridgestone Golf Ball Fitting Challenge continues to expand, the company has
also implemented some dynamic new technologies geared at delivering the ball selection
message to millions more consumers. For those that are not able to attend an in-person
ball-fitting, Bridgestone now offers several convenient options to help find the
right ball for your game. Bridgestone's multiple convenient options include: Click
(go.bridgestonegolf.com), Call (877.411.BFIT) or Text (BFIT to 55678). More information
is available at bridgestonegolf.com/bfit.
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Editor's Note: High-Res images of all Tour Staff and all new Bridgestone equipment are available upon request.
Bridgestone Golf, Inc., based in Covington, GA, manufactures and markets premium
golf balls, clubs and accessories under the Bridgestone and Precept brand names.
Bridgestone is represented on a world stage by a number of internationally famed
golfers including
Fred Couples, Matt Kuchar,
Davis Love III, Brandt Snedeker,
Paula Creamer, Nick Price,
and Lee Trevino.
Bridgestone Golf, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bridgestone Sports Co. Ltd.,
whose headquarters are in Tokyo.
Bridgestone Golf, Inc. is proud to be the #1 Ball Fitter in Golf as the industry
leader in live launch monitor fittings. Bridgestone provides three ways for golfers
to find the ball that best fits their game: live fittings through the
Bridgestone Ball Fitting Challenge, live online
chats with ball fitting
experts through its B-FIT service, and an easily accessible
Online Ball Selection Guide. For more
information on ball fitting, including a complete schedule of Ball Fitting Challenge
events, visit www.bridgestonegolf.com.
