What factors are driving the evolution of the golf industry today? How has female participation in golf changed in recent years? What demographic segments are contributing most to the growth of golfing in the United States? How is technology influencing consumer preferences in the golf market? In what ways do projections for Amer Sports, Inc. compare to other golf stocks in terms of financial growth?
We recently published a list of 10 Best Golf Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Amer Sports, Inc. (NYSE:AS) stands against other best golf stocks to buy according to analysts. Golf stocks are publicly traded firms that are part of the golf industry. These companies include businesses that manufacture golf equipment, operate golf courses, and provide associated services, giving investors a chance to engage in the golf market.
The golf industry continues to evolve with women, social play, lessons, and online bookings driving key developments. According to a report by NBC Sports Next, female engagement has grown by 15%, with 800,000 more women golfers joining between 2020 and 2022, compared to a 2% rise among male golfers. Women now account for one-third of junior players and 49% of surveyed golfers. Golf remains a strongly social activity, with 49% of surveyed golfers primarily playing with friends. Business-related golf is also growing, notably among GolfNow users. While 36% of golfers took a lesson in the previous year, the number rose to 67% among GolfNow customers, with many preferring a combination of on-course and facility-based training. Moreover, younger golfers are frequently booking online, with 43% of those aged 18 to 34 reserving at least one round by 2023. Speed and convenience are essential, with 55% citing online booking as the quickest option. These developments point out expansion prospects for courses that cater to women, social golfers, and digitally aware players.
According to the National Golf Foundation’s research, the golf business in the United States is still expanding rapidly, with 45 million Americans (aged 6 and up) playing golf in 2023, including 26.6 million on-course and 18.4 million in off-course venues like simulators and Topgolf. The business has seen nearly 2 million new golfers each year for the past ten years, with 3.4 million first-time players projected in 2023 alone. The largest consumer age group is still young adults (18-34 years old), with 6.3 million participants on the course and 5.8 million off. Since 2019, juniors (3.5 million) have shot up by 40%, with girls accounting for 37%. Female involvement has climbed to 7 million, making up 26% of on-course golfers. In 2023, rounds played reached a record high of 531 million, beating the pre-pandemic average by more than 10%. The US offers 16,000 courses at 14,000 facilities, with 75% open to the public. Despite a 12% drop in course supply since 2006, demand remains high, with 22.4 million people expressing a desire to play.
Finally, TGL, the golf league that began playing matches in January 2025, is combining digital and physical components to create an entirely new hybrid golf experience. Teams of golfers compete in a specially created venue across a set of custom-made holes. They begin by hitting a large-screen simulator of real terrain, then shift to a transformable turntable as the green. Broadcasting innovations aimed at bringing golfers’ experiences closer to home viewers were deemed crucial from the start. The 2025 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando showcased the golf industry’s strong momentum.
Marc Simon, Vice President of PGA Golf Exhibitions, stated: “The show is a reflection of the industry, and golf is thriving right now. With the surging popularity of golf, we saw the largest number of exhibitors and largest occupied space since 2009, which is encouraging to see.”
The exhibition included over 1,000 exhibitors spread across 1.1 million square feet, showcasing golf’s continuous development in the $102 billion industry. More than 1,200 VIP buyers from 770 golf courses and mass merchandisers attended, totaling $810 million in purchasing power and roughly $2 billion in retail sales potential. The event has progressed beyond typical golf equipment and gear to include fitness, health, and wellness areas, as well as racquet sports and club facilities. The Clubhouse exhibition space was doubled in size, mirroring the trend in golf facilities toward broader member experiences.
Technology was a major focus, with AI-powered golf simulators, effective ball-flight data, and next-generation golf carts catering to growing personal cart ownership. Golf’s trends are shifting, with a record 200 influencers in attendance and robust clothing growth fueled by Gen Z consumers. The PGA Show’s reinvention is in line with industry trends, stressing experiential marketing and innovation. Looking ahead, organizers intend to continue responding to changing company needs in order to ensure long-term industry success.
A professional golf player on the green, demonstrating the brand’s quality in golf products. For this list, we compiled an initial list of 12 golf stocks, which included companies that are involved in the golf industry. Then, we selected the 10 stocks that had the highest upside potential as of April 9, 2025. We have only included stocks in our list with an upside potential of 10% or higher. The stocks are ranked in ascending order of the upside potential.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
Analysts’ Upside Potential as of April 9: 35.37%
Amer Sports, Inc. (NYSE:AS) oversees a wide portfolio of ten outdoor and action sports brands, with a combined turnover of $4.4 billion in 2023. Despite being primarily controlled by the Chinese business Anta Sports, the firm functions independently. Its rapidly expanding China business is subject to more intense scrutiny, although its activities outside of China are managed with considerable independence.
The company’s Ball & Racquet Sports division provides golf and other professional and recreational sports equipment, as well as functional athletic gear. Its brand Wilson, in particular, is a significant golf equipment manufacturer, providing high-quality clubs, balls, and accessories. Although the firm manufactures golf equipment, it is most known for its tennis goods, among others. Amer Sports, Inc. (NYSE:AS) stock has generated a return of more than 56% over the past year, making it among the Best Golf Stocks.
Amer Sports, Inc. (NYSE:AS) reached record sales in 2024, with a rise of 23% in the fourth quarter of 2024 and an 18% growth for the year, totaling $5.2 billion. The company’s adjusted operating margin went up significantly, rising by more than 300 basis points in Q4 and 130 basis points for the year, reaching 11.1%. Key brands did well, with Arc’teryx exceeding $2 billion in sales and achieving 29% omni-channel growth in Q4, Salomon footwear exceeding $1 billion in sales, and Wilson regaining the top U.S. market share for Performance Racquets. The business also experienced strong growth in Greater China and APAC, with rises of 54% and 52%, respectively, strengthened by the establishment of new outlets. It earned $425 million in operating cash flow and lowered its net debt to $600 million by the end of the year, thereby improving its leverage.
Overall, AS ranks 5th on our list of the 10 best golf stocks to buy according to analysts. While we acknowledge the potential of golf companies, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. There is an AI stock that went up since the beginning of 2025, while popular AI stocks lost around 25%. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than AS but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires.
Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Is Amer Sports, Inc. (AS) Among the Best Golf Stocks to Buy According to Analysts?
The golfing industry has witnessed a significant resurgence in recent years, driven by an influx of new players attracted to the sport and a renewed interest among seasoned golfers. As avid golfers dust off their clubs and tee off on pristine courses, the companies that manufacture and distribute golf equipment, apparel, and accessories are capitalizing on this growth. One such company that has garnered attention is Amer Sports, Inc. (AS), a global sporting goods company that owns a range of established brands, including Wilson, Atomic, and Salomon. But is Amer Sports among the best golf stocks to buy, according to analysts?
A Snapshot of Amer Sports, Inc.
Amer Sports, headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, operates in various categories of sports and outdoor equipment. Though it provides a portfolio of brands catering to multiple sporting disciplines, Wilson, known for its golf equipment, has remained one of the company’s standout segments. In 2019, Amer Sports was acquired by Anta Sports, a Chinese sportswear giant, which has since aimed to expand its presence in global markets.
The company’s revenue streams mainly come from its wide range of sports apparel, equipment, and accessories, and golf has continually represented a substantial portion of its overall business model. Despite the ownership change, Amer Sports continues to prioritize innovation and has committed to investing in brand development.
Analyzing Market Sentiment
As of late 2023, market analysts have expressed mixed sentiments about Amer Sports. On one hand, the company’s strategic initiatives to enhance its golf segment could potentially lead to increased market share and profitability. On the other hand, concerns about rising production costs, supply chain disruptions, and competition from both established and emerging brands pose challenges for growth.
One critical point analysts examine is consumer behavior. The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a massive interest in outdoor and recreational activities, significantly boosting golf participation. Golf, being a socially distanced sport, enjoyed increased popularity, resulting in higher equipment sales. Furthermore, the trend of incorporating technology into sports equipment has led to innovations in golf clubs, balls, and training aids, which align with Amer Sports’ commitment to R&D.
Performance Metrics
When evaluating Amer Sports as a potential investment, analysts consider key financial performance metrics. The brand’s sales growth over the last few quarters indicates a robust recovery from pandemic-induced fluctuations. For instance, Amer Sports reported a substantial increase in golf equipment sales, especially in drivers and putters—categories that Wilson excelled in.
Moreover, the company has also unveiled several new products that cater to the evolving needs of modern golfers, such as adjustable clubs and smart golf balls with tracking technologies. These innovations not only appeal to the growing population of tech-savvy golfers but also position Amer Sports as a forward-thinking player in the market.
Analyst Recommendations
In a recent survey, various financial analysts shared their insights on Amer Sports as a potential golf stock investment. While some analysts have positive to bullish projections, recommending the stock as a buy due to growth potential and brand strength, others have adopted a more cautious stance, advising investors to monitor economic conditions and production challenges closely.
Much of the positive sentiment stems from Amer Sports’ initiatives to expand its global footprint and engage in sustainable business practices. The company’s commitment to sustainability has attracted environmentally conscious consumers, enhancing its brand reputation and market appeal.
Competition and Market Dynamics
Despite the potential upswing, Amer Sports faces stiff competition from other major players in the golf equipment sector, such as Callaway Golf, TaylorMade, and Titleist. Brands like PXG and smaller boutique firms are also making inroads into niche markets, offering unique products targeting specific consumer preferences. This diversity creates a competitive battleground that influences pricing strategies and brand loyalty.
Analysts emphasize that to maintain its standing as a leading golf stock, Amer Sports must stay agile, continually adapt to market trends, and prioritize consumer engagement strategies. Investments in marketing and brand awareness, especially through digital channels, will be pivotal for capturing the interest of emerging golfer demographics.
Conclusion
In summary, Amer Sports, Inc. (AS) demonstrates promise as a potential investment within the golf sector, with analysts divided on its attractiveness. While it holds a notable position, buoyed by strong brand recognition, innovative products, and favorable market conditions, investors should remain vigilant regarding the operational headwinds facing the industry.
Ultimately, those considering Amer Sports as a golf stock should weigh the company’s long-term growth prospects, competitive landscape, and macroeconomic factors influencing consumer behavior. With the golf industry’s future appearing bright, Amer Sports remains a relevant player deserving of attention—not just for its established market position but also for its strategic endeavors to evolve within a dynamic and growing segment. Always consult financial experts or conduct thorough research before making investment decisions.
Amer Sports, Inc. (AS) has garnered attention among analysts, especially in the context of its performance and growth potential in the golf equipment segment. Analysts often evaluate several factors when determining whether a stock is a “buy,” including financial performance, market position, brand strength, and overall industry trends.
Amer Sports is known for its strong portfolio of brands, including Wilson, which is a well-respected name in golf. The company has been focusing on innovation and expanding its product offerings, which could appeal to investors looking for growth opportunities in the golf sector. Additionally, the overall trend in sports and outdoor activities, including golf, has seen a resurgence, particularly post-pandemic, which could benefit companies in this space.
Investors should consider the financial health of Amer Sports, including revenue growth, profit margins, and cash flow, as well as broader market conditions affecting the golf industry. Analyst ratings and price targets can provide insights, but it’s essential for individual investors to conduct thorough research and consider their investment strategies before making decisions.
While Amer Sports has the potential to be considered a good investment in the golf sector, it’s crucial to look at a variety of factors and recent analyst opinions to form a comprehensive view.