Callaway Golf India, subsidiary of the US-based golf equipment manufacturer and retailer, expects the golf scene in India to see a significant traction in consumer interest with increased corporate sponsorships, real estate developers setting up golf courses in their projects and also inclusion of the game in Olympics.

The company says all the factors along with a burgeoning middle class will reflect positively on the golf equipment market.

Positive outlook “As the game is progressing, we are seeing huge growth opportunity for us as well,” Oliver Chip Brewer, President & CEO, Callaway Golf Company told Business Line .

He said real estate developers like DLF, Lodha, Prestige and M3M were among those who were including infrastructure like golf course in their residential projects.

As per available data, the number of golf courses across the country has increased to 250 from 50 a decade back. Brewer said his company expects real estate developers to add another 50-60 golf courses in two years.

He said the market for golf and related equipment in India is growing at 20 per cent annually for the company. The industry is growing at 13 per cent, he added.

Subsidiaries The company, which set up its Indian subsidiary in 2010, said it was seeing good traction for its products. Its subsidiaries outside the US are in Europe, Japan, Canada, Korea, Australia and China.

On whether the company intends to set up its own mono-brand retail outlet, Brewer said it is still evaluating the possibility. Currently, Callaway sells its range of goods through on-court shops and golf specialty stores and has about 50 point of sales.

Callaway manufactures and sells golf clubs, balls and accessories under Callaway Golf, brands.

Brewer said that his company was seeing interest in the sport not just from the top eight metros but also tier-2 cities. He, however, declined to divulge details of investments made in India.

Asked if the company planned to set up a local manufacturing base, Brewer said that it was not looking at one in near term.

Competitors The brand in India competes with Adidas-owned TaylorMade, Nike Golf and Ping Sell Golf among others.

Brewer said Callaway is tying up with various golf academies, premier driving ranges and golf courses to promote the brand. He said the inclusion of golf in the 2016 Olympics would have a great impact on the market.

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