U.S. Golf Manufacturers Anti-Counterfeiting Working Group Celebrates 20 Years in the Fight to Stop Counterfeits; Launches New Tik Tok and Instagram Account
The U.S. Golf Manufacturers Anti-Counterfeiting Working Group (The Golf Group) is thrilled to celebrate 20 years in the fight to eliminate the production, sale and distribution of counterfeit golf equipment. In honor of the milestone, The Golf Group will be expanding its social media presence by opening accounts featuring exclusive new content on Instagram and TikTok.
With the launch of the new Instagram and Tik Tok accounts, golfers will gain a special inside look at the dangers of counterfeit golf equipment, how it performs versus authentic equipment, interviews, tips and more. Additional updated features will include live Q&A sessions, enhanced counterfeit equipment video series and partnerships with outside golf influencers and entities to develop and share knowledge in an interactive way.
“We are so proud of the success we have achieved in the past 20 years to stop the production of fake golf equipment, and our efforts are only growing stronger,” said Stephen Gingrich, Vice President, Global Legal Enforcement, Dunlop Sports Americas (Srixon / Cleveland Golf / XXIO) “Counterfeit activity continues to evolve, and we will use the next 20 years to educate more consumers of the dangers of this equipment and bring these offenders to justice.”
Two Decades of the Golf Group: By The Numbers
Formed in 2004, The Golf Group, consisting of six world renowned equipment manufacturers, has worked with law enforcement and government agencies to fight counterfeit activity around the world. The Golf Group’s efforts have led to investigations, raids and seizures of counterfeit products each year since inception. These include:
· 300 Raids
· Nearly 3 million counterfeit products seized by law enforcement
· Thousands of counterfeit websites removed
· 200 counterfeiters convicted
· 400 years of jail time
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 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; 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.