TGM INVESTIGATION

real or

FAKE?

A disturbing, growing counterfeit market has emerged in golf's equipment space and it has extended to South Africa. Here we flag the problem and how to handle  it 

BY KEN BORLAND​​​​​​​ 

Golf is a tough enough game without having to stand on the tee-box trying to figure out whether the precision-adjusted, carbon-infused clubhead of your shiny new driver is going to detach and fly further than the ladies tee.


And no-one wants to approach an island green wondering whether those are really tungsten microspheres in your six-iron, or lumps of steel that will see your ball flight turn from fading the ball gently into the heart of the putting surface to slicing it into the miserable dark depths of the water hazard.


And, speaking from experience, a putter head that falls off as you make your stroke does not improve your chances of getting the ball in the hole.


All of those embarrassing perils come into play when golfers use counterfeit clubs.


The previous sentence will understandably draw howls of outrage from most golfers, who would never knowingly use knock-off clubs. The problem is most of them are unaware just how many fake clubs are out in the market.

According to the US Golf Manufacturer's Anti-Counterfeiting Working Group, as many as two million counterfeit clubs are produced each year. On top of that are the fake balls, clothing and other golfing apparel that is created to rip off golfers.


This group brings together six of the biggest golf manufacturers in the world – Acushnet Company, whose brands are Titleist, FootJoy, Vokey Design and Scotty Cameron; Callaway-Odyssey; Srixon, Cleveland Golf and XXIO; Ping; PXG and TaylorMade Golf. They work internationally with law enforcement and government agencies to identify and eliminate counterfeit operations, while also working to raise consumer awareness of the issue.

'The issues with counterfeit clubs can range anywhere from a loss of distance and accuracy to a safety issue'

Andrew Masterson, a representative for the US Golf Manufacturer's Anti-Counterfeiting Working Group, explains the scope of the problem.


'Since The Golf Group's formation, we have conducted over 300 raids that have resulted in millions of counterfeit products seized, but there is more work to be done. In 2026 alone we have already conducted eight raids with over 214 780 counterfeit golf products confiscated and are continuing to crack down on counterfeit sellers across the globe.


'The number one thing to understand about counterfeit equipment manufacturing is that there is no true standard for technological specification. Fake clubs are made without the technical specifications and quality standards of professionally manufactured clubs. Counterfeit clubs are not only inauthentic, they're inferior.


'The issues with counterfeit clubs can range anywhere from a loss of distance and accuracy to a safety issue – with clubs breaking down and ultimately harming consumers who purchase them.


'We have several examples of shafts breaking in consumer's hands, or heads flying off and harming individuals. When we go to the PGA Show we always showcase a shattered shaft that was brought in from someone who had it explode while they were playing a round of golf.

'Other than that, I do know of some who have bought counterfeit grips that have stained their hands from the fake dyes. So we encourage all consumers to buy from authorised retailers for their safety and overall performance,' Masterson says.


So going to the manufacturer's website and finding nearby authorised retailers is the way forward to avoid problems, and Masterson has other recommendations as well.


'Beware of clubs that ship directly from China. If the clubs you are purchasing claim to be from a US golf manufacturer but are shipping directly from China, the chances are high it may be from a counterfeiter and fake.


'Also avoid phony URLs. Just like with internet hackers or other scammers, counterfeit golf equipment is often sold on URLs that do not match real equipment companies' websites. Avoid these at all costs!


'You should even be cautious when purchasing from auction sites. When buying from sites like Alibaba, Temu, eBay, Facebook Marketplace or Amazon, be careful. Sellers list fake equipment here too.'


And of course the Golden Rule:


'If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Manufacturers do not sell 'seconds' or discounted items due to any product flaws. Purchasing from a manufacturer's website or through an authorised retailer is the best way to ensure you have the real thing,' Masterson says.

Luke Peterken from Replay Golf tells how hard it can be spotting counterfeit products. 'We have had a handful of attempts to trade counterfeit clubs into our store, with many customers unaware they were even in possession of fake clubs.'


He recalls one instance where a fake putter was so realistic he had to check the serial code with the manufacturer, during which it confirmed his initial suspicion that the club was not genuine – another simple way to check if you are unsure about any product you may have your eye on, although not all manufactures can verify product through this process.


The scammers are also getting better and better at passing off their fakes as the real deal, which is why getting your golfing equipment from a verified source is so important.


If you suspect you have been a victim of receiving counterfeit clubs, what are some of the giveaways?


Inferior paintwork or poor engraving are two signs, as are different screws being used or cheap weights. Colour mismatches are also a tell-tale indicator. But sometimes the counterfeiting is done on the inside, out of sight. For instance, irons that are not hollowed out properly, or golf balls which have a low-quality core.


And no, South Africa is not exempt from this scourge.

AI – CHATGPT.COM | FACEBOOK.COM | US GOLF MANUFACTURERS ANTI-COUNTERFEITING WORKING GROUP