The U.S. Golf Manufacturer’s Anti-Counterfeiting Working Group Announces Largest Awarded Criminal Fines Against Counterfeiters in Group’s History

The U.S. Golf Manufacturer’s Anti-Counterfeiting Working Group Announces Largest Awarded Criminal Fines Against Counterfeiters in Group’s History

The Golf Group Also Offers Tips to Avoid Counterfeits This Holiday Season 

PHILADELPHIA, PA – November 17, 2025 – The U.S. Golf Manufacturers Anti-Counterfeiting Working Group (The Golf Group) today announced the largest criminal fine against a group of golf product counterfeiters in China in the organization’s 20+ year history. In the court proceedings, four suspects were found guilty of selling commodities with counterfeit registered trademarks and sentenced to a combined 12 years of imprisonment, along with being ordered to pay criminal fines of $890,000 (RMB 6,350,000).

“The Golf Group has worked tirelessly to support law enforcement’s prosecution of all counterfeit sellers, and this decision continues to reinforce that if you break the law, you will be punished both monetarily and with criminal prosecution,” said Lisa Rogan, Director of Trademarks & Brand Protection, Acushnet Company. “As we prep for a busy shopping season, we encourage all golfers to beware of counterfeit activity, and we will continue to work to stop these counterfeiters at the source.”

For over 20 years, The Golf Group has continued to fight against counterfeit activity. To date, The Golf Group has obtained court orders shutting down thousands of illegal websites and participated in more than 300 raids leading to the seizure and confiscation of more than 3 million counterfeit products.

Tips to Avoid Counterfeit Golf Equipment During the 2025 Holiday Season

As the world prepares for the most pivotal shopping time of the year, counterfeiters are eager to continue to deceive the buying public and to harm golfers across the world. To protect your game, The Golf Group is sharing the following tips to help shoppers stay safe this holiday shopping season:

·       Purchase Equipment from an Authorized Retailer: The best way to ensure what you are buying is real is to buy from an authorized retailer. You can find a list of authorized retailers near you by looking at the equipment manufacturer’s website.

·       Beware of Clubs that Ship directly from China: If the clubs you are purchasing claim to be from a U.S. Golf Manufacturer but are shipping directly from China the chances are high it may from a counterfeiter and fake. 

·       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!

·       Be Cautious When Purchasing from Auction Sites: Even when buying from sites like Alibaba, Temu, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Amazon, be careful. Sellers list fake equipment here too.

·       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 authorized retailer is the best way to ensure you have the real thing.

For information on how to avoid counterfeit golf products, how to report suspected counterfeit golf equipment sellers, and updates on The Golf Group’s efforts to protect golfers, consumers are encouraged to visit www.KeepGolfReal.com and to follow The Golf Group on Facebook Instagram & TikTok.

About the US Golf Manufacturers Anti-Counterfeiting Working Group

The US Golf Manufacturers Anti-Counterfeiting Working Group consists of six of the most well-known golf companies in the world—Acushnet Company, whose brands are Titleist, FootJoy and Scotty Cameron; Callaway-Odyssey; Dunlop Sports Americas whose brands are Srixon / Cleveland Golf / XXIO; PING; PXG; TaylorMade and Adams Golf. Formed in 2004, The Golf Group has supported the efforts of international law enforcement and government agencies to conduct raids and investigations of counterfeit operations, as well as raise public awareness of the issue. Since its inception, The Golf Group’s efforts led to the shutdown of thousands of websites and authorities have seized nearly three million counterfeit golf products.