Golf balls

	These golf balls from mainland China's Hangzhou Everich Houseware Co. Ltd come with a Surlyn cover. Various colors are available.

The selection of golf balls from Taiwan and mainland China is becoming more diverse as suppliers employ various strategies to differentiate their models from counterparts. Through this, they hope to keep sales on a growth track, even with US demand continuing to weaken due to the economic downturn. The country is currently the largest market of the line, accounting for more than 50 percent of overseas shipments.

Upgrades on the latest designs involve the use of high-grade materials to enhance durability, distance, velocity, control and other performance parameters. Several companies are also trying out different constructions and dimple patterns to improve aerodynamics.

At a number of businesses, particularly those offering golf balls primarily as gifts and premiums, novelty functions and other add-ons are being employed to boost product value. Among the most popular of these are fluorescent colors and LED flashing lights, features that allow players to find models easily, even in the dark.

In Taiwan, Foremost Golf Mfg Ltd has released three-layer pieces that can travel five yards farther than conventional designs. The latter are typically capable of covering 280 to 290 yards.

LED-fitted golf balls are also available from the company. Compliant with USGA and R&A requirements, these products light up after being hit, making them suitable for competitions scheduled at dusk, dawn or in the evening.

At Scanna Co. Ltd, the best-sellers are two-piece soft spin models with a dual-diameter, icosahedral dimple pattern. The configuration is designed to minimize drag, increase lift, and enhance spin, distance and control.

The company has also developed golf balls specifically meant for women, beginners, children, senior citizens and low-speed swing players. One of these is the E-Z Swing 1.92 series, which is marketed primarily as a teaching or training tool.

Two-layer floaters are available from Scanna as well. These products adopt a lithium-Surlyn blend as the cover, which protects them against water penetration and cuts.

South Canal International Co. Ltd is offering distance balls with a two-layer construction designed to improve velocity and bounce. These have a specially formulated rubber core, which is covered with Surlyn.

The company has also released three-piece balls with a titanium-enhanced core that enables long driving distances. The other two layers are made of a polyonomer, which improves consistency and durability.

At Hi Mark International Co. Ltd, the selection includes three-piece designs that flash their LED lights 7.2 times per second for five minutes after being hit. The products come with ICs and 5V lithium batteries.

In the mainland, Elans Sports & Leisure Co. Ltd is manufacturing LED-fitted models with three-layer constructions. Two-piece designs come with rubber cores and Surlyn covers in fluorescent hues for increased visibility.

Meanwhile, at A-Tex Industries Co. Ltd, the latest models include two-color balls on which logos can be printed. Designs with inserts of butterfly, flower, shells and other prints are available as well.
Expanding markets

Besides releasing high-value models, many suppliers are insulating themselves against a further weakening of US demand by expanding into or strengthening their footholds in other regions.

Europe and Asia are among the areas considered as having high growth potential. Together, these two regions accounted for more than 30 percent of exports in 2007.

Canada, Australia and New Zealand are regarded as key markets as well. The value of products sent to these countries exceeded $2 million last year.

In the mainland, Hangzhou Everich Houseware Co. Ltd will be boosting shipments to the EU in coming months. At present, the company’s main export markets are the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.