Are the new brand name golf clubs that you bought online actually authentic, or could they be counterfeit? That’s a scary question for many golfers who’ve purchased new golf clubs recently, thinking their investment was authentic. Recently there has been a significant increase in the number of online golf stores selling fake counterfeit golf clubs.
To help protect consumers and stop this disturbing trend, some of the top names in the golf club business are working are working together through an anti-counterfeiting group. The Golf Anti-Counterfeiting Group was formed in 2004 and consists of five of the top golf club manufacturers in the world — Callaway-Odyssey and Top-Flite; TaylorMade-adidas Golf and Ashworth; PING; Cleveland Golf, Srixon and Never Compromise; and Acushnet Company whose brands are Titleist, FootJoy and Scotty Cameron.
This organization works with international law enforcement authorities to crack down on counterfeit operations. Last year, the Golf Anti-Counterfeiting Group helped police seize more than 80,000 counterfeit golf products.
This past week, the Golf Anti-Counterfeiting Group announced that a preliminary injunction issued in Florida will shut down over 175 websites that are currently selling counterfeit golf products. In January, the Group also helped close an additional 60 counterfeit websites, helping to protecting consumers from unknowingly purchasing fake golf equipment.
Counterfeit merchandise sold has included golf clubs, golf balls and golf accessories. The Golf Anti-Counterfeiting Group is also working to help educate those who purchase golf equipment on how to spot and avoid fake golf products through its website, www.keepgolfreal.com.