Golf equipment manufacturers have over recent years had to realign the cost structures of their business to remain competitive, raising the question…which golf clubs are made in the USA?
Just like Automotive and many Global manufacturers, China has “dangled the carrot” of low manufacturing costs, to every industry.
Labor in China is abundant and low-cost. The multitude of people seeking work in China, and the work ethic, make it a manufacturer’s dream.
Most golf club manufacturers have taken the option to use Chinese facilities in some form or another.
It would be fair to say that many parts are manufactured in Asia, but some companies still do the final assembly in the USA.
We reviewed 7 manufacturers of golf clubs.
- Titleist
- TaylorMade
- Callaway
- Ping
- Cobra
- Tour Edge
- Wilson
1. Titleist
An all-American brand that manufactures equipment and apparel in the USA.
Its headquarters are in New Haven Massachusetts, where it produces golf balls.
Titleist has a golf club plant in Carlsbad, California, but research reveals the following:
Irons are forged in Japan, finished in China, and then assembled in the USA.
Does this classify their product as made in the USA?
2. TaylorMade
TaylorMade has been through a series of takeovers and acquisitions and KPS Capital bought TaylorMade in 2017.
Adams golf was resuscitated and Ashworth included.
TaylorMade parts are made in China and assembled in the USA.
Does this classify their product as made in the USA?
3. Callaway
Callaway also has a manufacturing facility in Carlsbad, California where approximately 40% of their clubs are assembled for the North American and Latin American markets.
All the golf club components are manufactured in China as well as apparel and other equipment.
The 60% balance is completed in Asia for worldwide distribution.
The latest development from Callaway sees the assembly now moving to Monterey in Mexico.
The distribution has been outsourced from Carlsbad to Dallas.
Callaway will retain club assembly and distribution capabilities in Carlsbad.
Are their products classified as made in the USA?
4. Ping
Like many of the club manufacturers, Ping moved its manufacturing facilities to China.
Where the irons and drivers are assembled is still not clear, but either way, the product remains a top-class performer.
What is clear is the original Phoenix manufacturing facility still operates.
All Ping putters are assembled at this plant and the history behind the Ping Anser range is deeply embedded in Phoenix.
The legendary putter has achieved over 500 major tournament wins.
5. Cobra
Cobra components also come from Asia and although the company has a plant in Carlsbad, California, it would be used for assembly.
Cobra is a subsidiary of German-based Puma SE.
Their rise to fame came with graphite shafts and oversized iron heads.
6. Tour Edge
Tour Edge manufacture golf clubs under 3 different brands.
Exotics are the flagship of the range and are in play on the PGA Tour.
Hot Launch is game-improvement sets for the player wanting to lower their handicap.
Bazooka is the entry-level range for new players.
The Exotic and Hot Launch Range are handcrafted in the USA plant in Batavia, Illinois.
This proudly American company is one of the very few manufacturers that offer a lifetime guarantee on their products.
To quote their founder and current owner David Glod; “we spend money on materials not marketing”.
It goes without saying that to offer that kind of guarantee, the production, and quality of the product have to be world-class.
7. Wilson
Wilson golf clubs were mass-produced in Tullahoma, Tennessee.
It is a fair bet they too have sourced club components out of Asia, to stay competitive.
Takeover talks between a Chinese-owned sporting goods company and Wilson have been ongoing.
Shafts
Japan leads the way in graphite shaft manufacture and most top brands offer these products in their sets.
True Temper still leads the way in steel shaft manufacture out of their facility in Amory, Mississippi.
Final Thoughts
Out of the 7 manufacturers, we investigated it is true to say only one can claim to be ‘Made in the USA!’
Tour Edge seems to be the only true full-blooded club manufacturer within the USA.
They source their own materials and develop, design, and assemble the final product.
It must be very satisfying for the owner David Glod to hold this mantle in the face of the big brands.
However, it could just be a matter of time before a large corporation in or out of the sporting goods business, makes a bid to buy Tour Edge.
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- Where Are Titleist Golf Clubs Made?
- Where are PING Golf Clubs Made? Are They Still All American?
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Nick is the founder of GolfSpan and an avid golfer. He's not quite a pro but has over 15 years of experience playing and coaching golfers worldwide. His mission is to bring the golfing community a better experience when it comes to choosing the right golf gear and finding the right setup for your game.
