I guess with any billion-dollar industry there are some scumbags trying to get a piece of it. I came across some stories straight out of the counterfeit capital of the world…China. For some reason you can buy a Rolex, Louis Vuitton bag, Gucci shoes, a bottle of Viagra and…Callaway Golf Clubs? All for around $250. Amazing, I know! What deals they have…
In March of 09,the Beijing Chaoyang Administration for Industry and Commerce (AIC) and the Chaoyang Public Security Bureau (PSB) jointly conducted raids against an assembly and warehouse facility of the Sunshine Golf Store located at Shangxinpu, Huanggang Village, Chaoyang District, Beijing.The owner and seven other persons were arrested by the PSB after the raid. The raids resulted in the seizure of nearly 10,000 pieces of counterfeit golf equipment, including more than 740 assembled golf clubs, 1,500 club heads, 4,700 golf grips, 2,300 shafts, 280 headcovers and assorted golf towels, golf bags and apparel.
The seized goods were illegal copies of authentic products made by all six (comprised of Acushnet Company, Callaway Golf, Cleveland Golf, Nike Golf, PING and TaylorMade Golf Company) of the Group’s members. It is anticipated that Chinese authorities will pursue criminal prosecutions in this case.*
You know, this really chaps my ass. Not only do I have to worry about playing poorly, now I have to worry about using bunk clubs. I guess that could be a good out for those players that will blame their grandmother’s cooking from last week as to why they’re playing like crap. “Hey man, I don’t suck, these clubs are counterfeit!” It never ends.
Is that why you were late too…because you’re Faux-lex watch wasn’t working and that Niagra you took last night had you going to the bowl more times than the University of Alabama’s football team? Oh man, the nerve…now where’s my faux iron…?
*http://ir.callawaygolf.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=68083&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1272414&highlight=
Related Posts: Counterfeiting Golf Clubs (Follow-Up)