Golf Pride
Golf Pride is a golf grip manufacturer, founded 1949 and now a subsidiary of Eaton Corporation, that designs and sells rubber swing and putter grips through direct-to-consumer e-commerce, authorized retailers, OEM partnerships with club manufacturers, and a Pinehurst, NC Retail Lab, serving golfers from beginners to Tour professionals.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1949
- HeadquartersPinehurst, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Golf Pride does
Golf Pride is a golf grip manufacturer founded in 1949 in Akron, Ohio, by Thomas Fawick, Bill Junker, and Jim Karns, and currently operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eaton Corporation. The company designs, produces, and distributes a comprehensive portfolio of rubber golf grips spanning two core categories — swing grips (drivers, irons, wedges) and putter grips — organized into technology families including ZGRIP, MCC, Tour Velvet, CP2, CPX, Zero Taper, Reverse Taper, Pro Only, and Classic Putters. Underlying technology is anchored in proprietary rubber compounding and grip architecture, with notable platforms such as ALIGN MAX (raised ridge for hand placement consistency), Plus4 (reduced taper simulating four extra wraps of tape), hybrid MCC construction (brushed cotton cord upper hand combined with performance rubber lower hand), and a range of grip sizes from undersize to jumbo.
The business model is unit-priced hardware sales: swing grips retail from $6.99 to $15.99, putter grips from $14.99 to $39.99, and regripping accessories (solvent, tape, kits) from $4.99 to $14.99, with free shipping on DTC orders above $75. Golf Pride monetizes across four channels: direct-to-consumer e-commerce via golfpride.com (US and International/UK sites), a global authorized retailer and pro shop network, OEM partnerships with golf club manufacturers who spec Golf Pride grips as original equipment, and a proprietary Retail Lab fitting and installation facility in Pinehurst, NC. Customers range from beginners seeking soft comfort grips to PGA/LIV Tour professionals, with the company claiming over 80% organic Tour Professional adoption and self-identifying as the '#1 Grip in Golf' and '#1 Grip Worldwide.' The R&D function is concentrated in the Global Innovation Center in Akron, Ohio, and the company also produces a Grip Academy educational resource and a Grip Finder sizing tool to support conversion.
Golf Pride firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Golf Pride
- Legal name
- Golf Pride
- Website
- https://golfpride.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1949
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Golf Pride is a golf grip manufacturer, founded 1949 and now a subsidiary of Eaton Corporation, that designs and sells rubber swing and putter grips through direct-to-consumer e-commerce, authorized retailers, OEM partnerships with club manufacturers, and a Pinehurst, NC Retail Lab, serving golfers from beginners to Tour professionals.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Golf Pride industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Golf Grips and Equipment Accessories
- NAICS
- Sporting Goods Retailers (45911)
- SIC
- Sporting & Athletic Goods, Nec (3949)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Golf Grips, Shafts & Components Retail (CRAMAGAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Golf Equipment Repair, Regripping & Customization Services (CRAMAGAK), Golf Equipment, Apparel & Pro Shop Retail (CRAMABAG)
Keywords
Where Golf Pride is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Pinehurst
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Golf Pride business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Golf Club Grips (Swing Grips): Core revenue from selling rubber golf grips for drivers, irons, and wedges. Products sold individually at price points ranging from $6.99 to $15.99. Includes various technologies (ALIGN, Plus4, cord, hybrid) and sizes (undersize, standard, midsize, jumbo).
- Putter Grips: Specialized putter grips including Zero Taper, Reverse Taper, Pro Only, and Classic designs. Price points range from $14.99 to $39.99 for specialty designs.
- Regripping Supplies: Accessories including grip solvent, grip tape strips, and complete regripping kits for DIY installation.
- OEM/Equipment Partnerships: Revenue from OEM partnerships where Golf Pride grips are spec'd as original equipment by golf club manufacturers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Tour Velvet - Basic performance grip |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | MCC Collection - Hybrid grips |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | ZGRIP Collection - Firm performance |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | CP Collection - Soft comfort |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Specialty and Limited Edition |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Pro Only Putter Grips |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Regripping Supplies |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Golf Pride product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Golf Pride manufactures and sells rubber golf grips for swing clubs (drivers, irons, wedges) and putters. The company offers grip collections spanning firm feedback (ZGRIP), hybrid (MCC), popular performance (Tour Velvet), soft comfort (CP2, CPX), corded (V55), and specialty putter grips (Zero Taper, Reverse Taper, Pro Only, Classic). Complementary offerings include regripping supplies (solvent, tape, kits) and a proprietary Retail Lab fitting experience.
Product overview
Golf Pride is a golf grip manufacturer offering a comprehensive portfolio of swing grips and putter grips designed for all golfer skill levels and preferences. The swing grip lineup includes multiple technology families: ZGRIP (firmest grip for full feedback), MCC (hybrid grips for all conditions), Tour Velvet (most popular grip in golf), V55 Cord, Tour Wrap, CP2 (soft comfort), and CPX (softest performance). The putter grip portfolio features Zero Taper (parallel design for consistent feel), Reverse Taper (larger lower hand), Pro Only (maximum feedback), and Classic Putters. Key technologies include ALIGN (hand placement consistency), Plus4 (reduced taper for lighter grip pressure), and various sizes from Undersize to Jumbo. The company also offers regripping supplies, a Grip Finder tool, Grip Academy educational resources, and the Retail Lab for in-person fittings. Golf Pride was founded in 1949 in Akron, Ohio, and is now part of Eaton, celebrating 75 years of innovation in 2024.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- ZGRIP Collection Golf Pride's firmest grip line for golfers seeking full feedback. Includes ZGRIP Patriot, ZGRIP Cord, ZGRIP Cord ALIGN, ZGRIP Cord ALIGN MAX, and ZGRIP Plus2 variants. Pricing ranges from $9.49 to $15.99.
- MCC Collection Hybrid grip collection designed for both hands and built for all conditions. Features brushed cotton cord in upper hand and performance rubber in lower hand. Includes MCC, MCC Plus4, MCC ALIGN, MCC Plus4 ALIGN MAX, and MCC ALIGN MAX variants. Pricing ranges from $12.99 to $15.99.
- Tour Velvet Collection Golf Pride's most popular grip offering combining ultimate comfort and performance. Includes Tour Velvet, Tour Velvet 360, Tour Velvet 360 Lite, Tour Velvet 360 Soft, Tour Velvet ALIGN, Tour Velvet Cord, Tour Velvet Plus4, and Tour Velvet Tour Tack variants. Pricing ranges from $6.99 to $12.99.
- V55 Cord A corded rubber grip originally released in 2004 in honor of Golf Pride's 55-year history. Merges modern Tour Velvet performance with iconic Victory grip design featuring the classic 'Grip Rite Swing Rite' pattern for consistent hand placement. Priced at $14.99.
- Tour Wrap High-tack rubber grip in simulated wrap style emulating classic leather grip aesthetics with modern traction. Features ultimate tacky feel and classic wrap texture for a stylish grip. Priced at $10.99.
- CP2 Collection Soft outer feel with engineered interior built for comfort without sacrificing control. Includes CP2 Pro and CP2 Wrap variants, designed to absorb vibrations for added comfort. Priced at $10.99.
- CPX Collection Golf Pride's softest performance grip featuring EXO diamond-quilted pattern for ultimate comfort in high-pressure moments. Available in standard and jumbo sizes. Priced at $10.99.
- ZGRIP Patriot A firm rubber grip with uniquely textured surface pattern including strategically placed pebbled bands and tri-colored rubber construction. Features deep Z-shaped texture for increased control and traction. Designed for players of all skill levels with exceptional durability. Priced at $10.49.
- MCC Plus4 ALIGN MAX The #1 hybrid grip featuring a larger lower hand with maximum raised ridge ALIGN technology. Combines brushed cotton cord in the upper hand for moisture control with performance rubber in the lower hand. Plus4 technology simulates four extra wraps of tape for less tension and more power. Priced at $15.99.
- Zero Taper Collection Putter grips designed for golfers who prefer the same feel in both hands. Features parallel-style shape for even feel in top and bottom hand, providing consistent stroke regardless of distance. Priced at $34.99 for standard and $39.99 for Stars & Stripes limited edition.
- Reverse Taper Collection Modern putter grip style with larger lower hand to help optimize both hands in the stroke. Includes Reverse Taper Flat, Pistol, and Round variants. Priced at $34.99.
- Pro Only Collection Designed to provide maximum feedback through ultra-firm rubber compound and streamlined shape. Available in standard and corded versions with Red Star (Pistol), Blue Star (Angled), and Green Star (Oval) options. Pro Only Star grips priced at $19.99, Pro Only Cord Star grips at $24.99.
- Classic Putters
Quantifiable outcome
- Decreases dispersion rate by 10-15% compared to worn grips
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Golf Pride
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Golf Pride technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Golf Pride partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Golf Club Manufacturers (OEM Partners)coreGolf Pride grips are spec'd as original equipment by major golf club manufacturers. The company maintains an OEM Partners page and wholesale distributor directory for these relationships.
- Authorized Wholesale DistributorscoreGlobal network of authorized wholesale distributors serving golf retailers and pro shops worldwide. Golf Pride maintains a wholesale directory for trade partners.
- Glove Manufacturers (Golf Gloves)minorBlog mentions a 'first-of-its-kind grip and glove collection' collaboration - a partnership with a glove manufacturer for a combined grip and glove product line.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Golf Pride competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- GolfWorks: Major golf equipment retailer and regripping supplier that stocks Golf Pride (and competitor) grips. Comparable as a channel partner and adjacent player in the regripping consumables category, where Golf Pride also sells directly.
- Eaton Corporation (parent): Diversified industrial conglomerate that wholly owns Golf Pride. Comparable as the corporate parent providing capital and global scale, but operates in entirely unrelated verticals (power management, aerospace, vehicle).
Emerging players
- Pure Grips: Emerging grip brand with a focused Tour-adoption strategy and premium positioning. Comparable as a competitor for share-of-mind in the performance swing-grip segment, though smaller scale than Golf Pride.
Direct peers
- SuperStroke: Direct competitor in the golf grip category, particularly dominant in putter grips (a segment where Golf Pride also competes with its Zero Taper, Reverse Taper, and Pro Only lines). Both brands serve Tour players, OEM partners, and recreational golfers with performance-oriented grip technology.
- Winn: Direct competitor specializing in polymer/synthetic golf grips (vs. Golf Pride's rubber dominance). Winn is particularly strong in the soft, all-weather grip segment, overlapping with Golf Pride's CP2/CPX comfort line.
- Lamkin: Long-standing direct competitor in rubber and synthetic golf grips, with comparable Tour validation, OEM partnerships, and product breadth across swing grips and putter grips. Lamkin's Sonar and Crossline series compete head-to-head with Golf Pride's Tour Velvet and MCC lines.
- Iomic: Japanese golf grip manufacturer with proprietary elastomer material science competing across Tour, OEM, and consumer channels. Comparable to Golf Pride as a brand-led grip specialist, though focused primarily on the Asia-Pacific region.
Others
- Callaway Golf: Major OEM golf club manufacturer that specs Golf Pride grips as original equipment on many of its clubs. Comparable as a customer/channel partner rather than a competitor, but a key commercial dependency for Golf Pride's OEM revenue.
- TaylorMade Golf: Major OEM club manufacturer and OEM partner for Golf Pride. Comparable as a channel partner; also a potential competitor as OEMs increasingly develop proprietary grip lines for their own clubs.
Regional players
- Golf Galaxy: Large North American multi-brand golf retailer carrying Golf Pride's grip lineup alongside competitor brands. Comparable as a downstream retail channel for Golf Pride's authorized retailer/distributor network.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Golf Pride social profiles
Digital presenceGolf Pride financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Golf Pride leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Golf Pride funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Golf Pride M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Golf Pride
What does Golf Pride do?
Golf Pride manufactures and sells rubber golf grips for swing clubs (drivers, irons, wedges) and putters. The company offers grip collections spanning firm feedback (ZGRIP), hybrid (MCC), popular performance (Tour Velvet), soft comfort (CP2, CPX), corded (V55), and specialty putter grips (Zero Taper, Reverse Taper, Pro Only, Classic). Complementary offerings include regripping supplies (solvent, tape, kits) and a proprietary Retail Lab fitting experience.
Is Golf Pride a public or private company?
Golf Pride is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Golf Pride founded?
Golf Pride was founded in 1949. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Golf Pride based?
Golf Pride is headquartered in Pinehurst, United States, in the North America region.
How does Golf Pride make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Golf Club Grips (Swing Grips) is the primary driver. The others are putter Grips, regripping Supplies and OEM/Equipment Partnerships.
Who are Golf Pride's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are GolfWorks and Eaton Corporation (parent). Pure Grips is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are SuperStroke, Winn, Lamkin and Iomic. Others are Callaway Golf and TaylorMade Golf. Golf Galaxy is listed as a regional player.
Does Golf Pride have an API?
No public API is recorded for Golf Pride.
What industry is Golf Pride in?
Golf Pride's product category is Golf Grips and Equipment Accessories. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAMAGAJ, Golf Grips, Shafts & Components Retail, with a secondary code of CRAMAGAK, Golf Equipment Repair, Regripping & Customization Services. Its NAICS code is 45911 and its SIC code is 3949.