Getting Neophytes to the Green

China, a nation of 1.4 billion people, has only about 1 million golfers, and sporting-goods companies think that figure could rise exponentially. As golfers multiply, annual spending on apparel and equipment in China should jump more than 40% over the next three years, to $650 million, says researcher Frost & Sullivan. These companies could cash in:

  • Nike

    Already a sports-apparel leader in China, its biggest growth market. The company sold $706 million worth of golf goods last year; it’s getting out of the equipment business, but its golf apparel and shoes would benefit from a Chinese surge.

  • Honma

    A Japanese brand that forges the world’s most expensive clubs, Honma got 19% of its $215 million in sales last year from China. It listed its stock in Hong Kong in October.

  • Acushnet

    Based in Fair­haven, Mass., it makes the most popular premium ball in China, the Titleist Pro V1. It’s a subsidiary of sportswear firm Fila Korea but is expected to file for a U.S. IPO as soon as this week.