GOLFZON Partners with Golfsmith International to Open Golfsmith Stores in Korea

AUSTIN, Texas — Golfsmith International, the world’s largest golf specialty retailer, announced that it has signed a licensing agreement with GOLFZON Co., Ltd. (KOSDAQ: GOLFZON) to develop a premium retail chain based on the Golfsmith brand in Korea. Through this partnership, multiple Golfsmith-branded stores are scheduled to open in Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan area over the next five years, with the first store set to open later this year.

Similar to Golfsmith International’s North American stores, the Korean stores will offer an extensive product assortment spanning all of golf’s major brands. In addition to essential golf equipment such as clubs, balls, golf shoes, and tees from leading brands including Titleist, PING, Callaway, TaylorMade, Cobra, Puma, Nike Golf, and Mizuno, the stores will also feature a diverse selection of authentic golf apparel brands and fashion products that have previously been difficult to find in Korea.

According to Yonhap News, despite having a land area smaller than the state of Pennsylvania, Korea is home to approximately 3 million golfers and more than 400 golf courses. Korea’s golf-related market is estimated at over USD 15.7 billion.

Sue Gove, President and CEO of Golfsmith International, said, “We are delighted to expand the Golfsmith brand into Korea, a market where golf has been growing rapidly in recent years on the strength of a vibrant golf culture and the success of numerous Korean stars on the PGA and LPGA Tours. By combining GOLFZON’s outstanding understanding of the local market with Golfsmith’s deep industry expertise and OEM partnerships, we will be able to deliver a distinctive retail experience to Korean golf consumers.”

Based in Korea, GOLFZON is a rapidly growing global golf simulation company. Building on its simulation technology and operational experience, GOLFZON is expanding into a range of golf-related business areas, including golf course operation and golf equipment sales.

Kim Young-chan, CEO of GOLFZON, said, “GOLFZON combines golf and technology to bring fun and enjoyment to golfers of all levels. Our direction — making golf an enjoyable experience for everyone and growing global golf culture — aligns closely with the Golfsmith brand.” He added, “We look forward to sustaining a long and successful partnership and delivering a distinctive experience to our customers.”

Under the agreement, Golfsmith will grant the rights to use the store brand and provide advisory services and support related to distribution, product assortment, and retail operations. GOLFZON will be responsible for the day-to-day execution of store operations and overall operational management. Through this collaboration, the two companies plan to build a close working relationship, mutually supporting one another across the design, marketing, and development of the golf retail business in Korea.