The golf equipment manufacturing industry in the US is pivotal for golf enthusiasts, comprising companies that design, produce, and distribute essential gear such as clubs, balls, and accessories. This sector caters to players of all skill levels, reflecting varying trends from traditional products to innovative tech-enhanced solutions. Companies like Callaway and TaylorMade dominate with a robust focus on both performance and lifestyle items. Future prospects point towards increased integration of technology, like smart golf accessories, and sustainability initiatives in manufacturing processes. As the game evolves, so too does the equipment, paving the way for exciting advancements.


The list of investors in the golf equipment manufacturing sector showcases a mix of venture capital, private equity, and corporate investors based in key locations across the US, including California and New York. With company sizes ranging from small firms to major corporations, they have varying strategies and focuses. The year 2024 saw notable deal-making activity, with investors like Platinum Equity and Callaway Golf reporting significant transactions. Founded between 1974 and 1995, these investors reflect a broad spectrum of experience and approach in cultivating growth within the golf equipment market.


Top 11 Golf Equipment Manufacturing Investors in the US


1. Advantage Capital


Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1992. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt financing to small businesses, with a particular focus on agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. They aim to support entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities by offering flexible capital solutions to help them grow and thrive. Notably, Advantage Capital has been involved in transactions such as the debt financing of Gator Made Golf, which indicates their engagement in the golf equipment manufacturing sector. Additionally, they have provided debt financing to Thurston Manufacturing and Century Boats, showcasing their broader investment strategy while still maintaining a connection to the manufacturing industry.


2. Callaway Golf

  • Website: callawaygolf.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Carlsbad, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: callaway-golf

Callaway Golf Company, founded in 1982 and based in Carlsbad, California, is a prominent manufacturer of golf equipment, focusing on clubs, balls, and accessories designed to enhance performance for golf enthusiasts. The company has made significant strides in the industry through strategic acquisitions, including Toulon Design, a putter company, which strengthens their position in the putter market. In 2017, Callaway acquired TravisMathew, LLC for $125.5 million, expanding their brand portfolio and expected revenue. Additionally, the acquisition of OGIO International for $75.5 million further enhances their presence in the golf market and lifestyle category. Callaway's acquisition of Topgolf Entertainment Group in 2020 for $2 billion also reflects their broader strategy to engage with the golf community beyond traditional equipment manufacturing. These transactions highlight Callaway's active role in the golf equipment manufacturing sector, reinforcing their commitment to growth and innovation in the industry.


3. Platinum Equity

  • Website: platinumequity.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Beverly Hills, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: platinum-equity

Platinum Equity is a private equity firm based in Beverly Hills, California, specializing in mergers, acquisitions, and operations management. Founded in 1995, the firm manages over $48 billion in assets and has a diverse portfolio of approximately 50 companies across various industries. Notably, Platinum Equity acquired Club Car, a leading manufacturer of golf cars and utility vehicles, for $1.68 billion in 2021, highlighting their engagement in the golf equipment sector. Additionally, their acquisition of GSM Outdoors, which operates in the outdoor recreation market, further demonstrates their interest in sectors related to outdoor activities, including golf. Their strategic approach to enhancing growth and profitability through operational expertise positions them as a potential player in the golf equipment manufacturing industry.


4. KPS Capital Partners

  • Website: kpsfund.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1991
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: kps-capital-partners

KPS Capital Partners is a private equity firm based in New York, specializing in investments in manufacturing and industrial companies. Founded in 1991, the firm focuses on enhancing the competitiveness and profitability of its portfolio through strategic investments and operational improvements. Notably, KPS Capital Partners acquired TaylorMade Golf Company from Adidas for $425 million in 2017, marking a significant investment in the golf equipment manufacturing sector. This acquisition highlights their commitment to the industry, alongside their broader focus on various manufacturing sectors. Additionally, KPS has been involved in other notable transactions, such as the acquisition of Life Fitness and Briggs & Stratton, showcasing their expertise in managing and revitalizing manufacturing businesses.


5. Hax

  • Website: hax.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 55
  • LinkedIn: hax

Hax is a venture capital firm and startup incubator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in supporting hard tech startups by providing funding, engineering support, and access to manufacturing resources. Hax aims to accelerate the growth of early-stage companies through a collaborative environment and extensive networks. Among their notable transactions, Hax has invested in Carv, a company that raised significant funding in multiple rounds, including $5.1 million in a Series A round in June 2022 and $2.3 million in another Series A round in October 2020. Carv's focus on technology that enhances golf performance positions Hax as a relevant player in the golf equipment manufacturing sector, despite their broader investment strategy.


6. Vista Outdoor Inc.


Vista Outdoor Inc. is a corporate investor based in Anoka, Minnesota, founded in 1916. The company designs, manufactures, and markets a diverse range of sporting and outdoor products, catering to outdoor enthusiasts with high-quality and innovative offerings. Notably, Vista Outdoor has made significant strides in the golf equipment sector by acquiring Foresight Sports for $474 million in September 2021. This acquisition enhances Vista's portfolio with advanced golf technology, focusing on performance analysis and game enhancement. Additionally, Vista Outdoor has a history of strategic acquisitions across various outdoor markets, including fishing and water sports, demonstrating its commitment to diversifying its offerings while also establishing a foothold in the golf industry.


7. North Castle Partners


North Castle Partners is a private equity firm based in New York, specializing in investment management and consulting services for consumer brands in the Healthy, Active, and Sustainable Living sectors. Founded in 1997, the firm partners with entrepreneurs to scale their businesses through strategic guidance and operational support. Notably, North Castle has made significant investments in the golf equipment sector, including Full Swing Golf, which raised funds in 2017, and Five Iron Golf, which secured seed funding in 2020. These transactions highlight their engagement in the golf industry, showcasing their commitment to supporting brands that promote active lifestyles.


8. Upfront Ventures

  • Website: upfront.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: upfront-ventures

Upfront Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Santa Monica, California, founded in 1996. The firm specializes in early-stage investments across various sectors, including consumer goods and technology. Notably, Upfront Ventures led a $13.2 million Series A funding round for Ping, a prominent golf equipment manufacturer, which highlights their engagement in the golf equipment sector. They have also invested in Dick's Sporting Goods, a major retailer that offers a wide range of sporting goods, including golf equipment. This diverse investment portfolio showcases Upfront Ventures' commitment to supporting companies that enhance consumer experiences in various markets, including golf.


9. El Toro Inc

  • Website: toro.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Springfield, Ohio, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1974
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: el-toro-inc

El Toro Inc, founded in 1974 and based in Springfield, Ohio, specializes in manufacturing landscaping and irrigation equipment. The company offers a wide range of products aimed at homeowners, professional contractors, and organizations involved in golf course and sports field maintenance. Their business model includes direct sales through their online store, providing efficient solutions for lawn care and resource management. Notably, El Toro has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its market position, including the acquisition of Hayter Limited, a UK manufacturer of mowing products, which aligns with their goal of expanding in the turf market. Additionally, the acquisition of Exmark Manufacturing further solidifies their commitment to providing high-quality turf care solutions. These transactions highlight El Toro's active role in the golf course maintenance sector, making them a relevant player in the golf equipment manufacturing landscape.


10. Pnc

  • Website: pnc.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1852
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: pnc-bank

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. is a prominent banking institution based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, founded in 1852. PNC offers a comprehensive range of financial services, including asset management, wealth management, and loan servicing, catering to individuals, small businesses, and institutional clients. Among their notable transactions, PNC provided debt financing of $225 million to TaylorMade Golf in January 2018, highlighting their engagement in the golf equipment manufacturing sector. Additionally, PNC has participated in various other financing activities, such as supporting acquisitions in different industries, but their direct involvement with TaylorMade Golf underscores their potential interest in the golf market.


11. Gaingels

  • Website: gaingels.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Burlington, Vermont, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 60
  • LinkedIn: gaingels

Gaingels is a venture capital firm founded in 2015, based in Burlington, Vermont, dedicated to investing in companies with diverse leadership. The firm provides capital and support to startups, particularly those led by underrepresented groups, to foster diversity and inclusion in the innovation economy. Gaingels has been involved in various transactions, including a notable investment in Graff Golf, which raised $1.4 million in a Pre-Seed round in December 2022. This investment highlights their engagement in the golf equipment manufacturing sector. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for companies like Ergatta and Strive, which, while not directly related to golf equipment, showcase their active role in the sports and tech industries. Gaingels also offers scholarship programs and advisory services to enhance board diversity, further emphasizing their commitment to supporting diverse leadership across various sectors.



Golf Equipment Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
Callaway GolfCarlsbad, California, United States (USA)1001-500019820
Platinum EquityBeverly Hills, California, United States (USA)201-500199520
KPS Capital PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-20019915
HaxSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201255
Vista Outdoor Inc.Anoka, Minnesota, United States (USA)1-1019160
North Castle PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-5019970
Upfront VenturesSanta Monica, California, United States (USA)11-50199610
El Toro IncSpringfield, Ohio, United States (USA)1-1019740
PncPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)10001+185213
GaingelsBurlington, Vermont, United States (USA)11-50201560


Want to find more investors focusing on the golf equipment manufacturing industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the golf equipment manufacturingindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

  • Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
  • Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
  • Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
  • ...and much more!