Golf business ethics issues?

pargolfer · March 8, 2006

Hey all,

I've got to write an essay for a Business Ethics course I'm taking. The program I'm in made this course madatory this year and it's been a waste of time. They added it to say that we have a manadartory ethics class, I've learned exactly nothing.

Anyway, I'm searching for a topic for a the essay. Have there been any recent issues with regards to business ethics in the golf industry? Any sketcky actions by the companies? I'm looking for anything that's got something to it. It doesn't have to be something horribly corrupt, just an issue where someone may have made a wrong choice. I'd prefer writing about that then Tyco or other business scandal.

I'm not looking for opinions, just the issues. I've been given a random format the prof came up with to deal with the issue.

Any help would be appreciated. Send me a PM if you'd like to avoid anything that might stir the pot a little too much.

Gxgolfer · March 8, 2006

This is a loaded question on this board. Might be better off asking people to PM you cause this thread might get locked quick... :)

pargolfer · March 8, 2006

This is a loaded question on this board. Might be better off asking people to PM you cause this thread might get locked quick... :)

Fair enough, I think I'll reword it to make it a little more straight forward.

Asleep · March 9, 2006

There was/is an issue with Ping Golf terminating golf retailer accounts if the retailer discounted their clubs. Ping purportedly sent secret shoppers into a store to see if they could get a discount on a Ping club. If discount was given, even if it involved "throwing in" a dozen free balls with an iron set purchase, the account was terminated. Some retailers got their accounts reinstated 6 months/year later, some did not. A local retailer I know lost his account on a mis-marked club---$10.00 off correct price.

Not sure if there is anything there for you to use, but.....do a search on golf boards and you should come up with informative threads posted during the initial "frenzy."

pargolfer · March 9, 2006

There was/is an issue with Ping Golf terminating golf retailer accounts if the retailer discounted their clubs. Ping purportedly sent secret shoppers into a store to see if they could get a discount on a Ping club. If discount was given, even if it involved "throwing in" a dozen free balls with an iron set purchase, the account was terminated. Some retailers got their accounts reinstated 6 months/year later, some did not. A local retailer I know lost his account on a mis-marked club---$10.00 off correct price.

Not sure if there is anything there for you to use, but.....do a search on golf boards and you should come up with informative threads posted during the initial "frenzy."

Thanks, that's an interesting one. I've heard of the same thing with Ping being really anal with regards to pricing.

lars · March 9, 2006

isnt there a patent infringement issue w/ titliest and callaway golf balls right now? that might be interesting. i dont know many of the details.

I heard about the ping thing.

pinseeker · March 9, 2006

I know of some but will need help from others for more details. There have and maybe still are scams going on with fly by night golf companies contacting golfers to market their special brand clubs. They convince the person they will send him/her a set of clubs to try and report on it's playability then retun back to the manufacturer. However, the trick is, for good faith that the clubs will be returned. The manufacturer wants your credit card number as insurance of not returning the clubs. Regardlee of what happens. The fly by night golf company places the the charge/order for these clubs against the person. The cost of the clubs are far more than what you pay for PING, Titleist, etc.

Placebo · March 9, 2006

I've got to write an essay for a Business Ethics course I'm taking. The program I'm in made this course madatory this year and it's been a waste of time. They added it to say that we have a manadartory ethics class, I've learned exactly nothing.

Now thats not entirely true. You've learned a few ways to butcher the word, "mandatory". :)

I'm not so sure airing out major manufacturers dirty laundry on this site is a good idea, but thats just my opinion. How about something on the fake clubs people try to pass off on ebay as either name brand or tour? Not sure if that would meet the criteria but it certainly is a safer topic for discussion here.

My $.02

lars · March 9, 2006

i read an article a few months ago about the knock-offs created in asia pacific area by obviously violating patents. that could be a good research topic on how the big name companies are dealing with this.