The Case Against The Costco Kirkland Signature Ball

By: Tony Covey

Sufficed to say our recent test of Costco’s Kirkland Signature Golf Ball has raised product awareness. So much so, Costco struggling to keep the balls in stock online. A refresh is expected on December, 20^th, but if you’re lucky, your local store may still have some inventory.

If you're just hearing about the Costco Kirkland Ball for the first time; to recap, the K-Sig, is a Four-Piece Urethane cover golf ball that offers legitimate tour-level performance.

We tested it. It’s true.

If It’s So Good, Why Is It So Cheap?

Costco can sell for significantly less than conventional ball producers because its business model is built on retail margins of 15% (excluding membership fees). Most anyone running a brick & mortar retail business, or even a direct to consumer business, will tell you that those margins are so thin they border on insane.

Costco's 15% margins means upwards of 70% more money in your wallet. For consumers looking to maximize performance along with their golfing dollar, that makes the K-Sig a no-brainer.

The Case Against the K-Sig

The best case, and arguably the only case relevant to the amateur golfer, against buying the K-Sig twitter follower Scotty Payne. The conversation started with what I’m reasonably certain was a sarcastic reply to a tweet.

@MyGolfSpy makes perfect sense to support @Costco after all they do for golf

— Scott Payne (@scottryanpayne) December 6, 2016

Fair point. It’s true, wholesale giant, Costco, isn’t what we’d classify as a huge supporter of the industry. Arguably it’s barely in the industry. But still, a $30-$35 per/dozen savings is no small thing.

You could use that extra money (what a concept, amiright?) any number of ways that do, in one form or another, support the golf industry.

• Put the extra money towards a new club, apparel, footwear, or golf accessory purchase.
• Donate it to the First Tee or other organizations that foster growth.
• Donate it MyGolfSpy and help support our unbiased testing program.
• Book a tee time at a local course and treat yourself to a round golf (which is what I suggested to Scott).

Ultimately the money is yours to use as you see fit, but my point was that there’s no mutual exclusivity between buying a Kirkland ball and supporting the golf industry.

His reply, however, got me thinking a bit more:

@MyGolfSpy and not purchase golf balls from the course I'm playing at and supporting the hard working @pgaofcanada professional.

— Scott Payne (@scottryanpayne) December 6, 2016

 

Simply put: Spend more and help support your local PGA Professional.

Hmm.

At many, if not a majority of courses (particularly private ones), the Pro owns the shop. That is to say; it’s his responsibility to purchase the inventory (with his money). He benefits if it sells, but he’s the guy on the hook if it doesn’t.

While you’d expect that the fate of a well-run shop doesn't hinge on golf ball sales, there’s a case to be made that a good pro shouldn’t suffer the consequences when one brand is given the ammunition to undercut an entire market, but then again, neither should the consumer.

If your pro works hard, takes care of his customers, and maintains a brand agnostic shop…if he turns down pricing incentives that come with brand exclusivity in favor of offering you, his customer, a variety of golf ball brands from which to choose, you absolutely should support him.

But if the pro isn't offering you a choice of golf ball brands, does he really deserve your ball dollars? In those cases, why wouldn't you consider the Costco Kirkland Signature ball or a Snell ball, or any number of other brands that aren't available at your course? Take your savings and put it towards something else golf-related.

In either case, you’re supporting the game.