You're not alone. The Insurance Institute of America estimates that more than $120 million in claims are made against stolen golf equipment annually. Some recent surveys show that seven of 10 golfers either have had their clubs stolen or know of someone who has experienced club theft.
"Items in a golf bag, including high-investment drivers, favorite putters, jackets, fancy head covers and collectible ball markers, are all precious," said Terry Andre, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Burton Golf. "There is a monetary attachment to these goods, but there is also a strong emotional attachment. Unfortunately, most golfers have an 'it can't happen to me' attitude when it comes to club and bag theft."
If you're one of those golfers who worries that it can happen, then worry no more: Burton Golf is addressing your concerns.
Burton, which has been making golf bags for nearly 100 years, is introducing a new golf club and bag theft-prevention system called Club-Lok.
Club-Lok is fully integrated with Burton's Sherpa golf bag. It is a lever-based locking system that quickly and easily locks all 14 clubs in a golf bag into place. A retractable, sturdy steel cable allows the bag to be secured to bag-drop racks, golf carts and automobile trunks and hatches. A keyless combination lock on the bag's upper-front side anchors the Club-Lok system.
In addition to its anti-theft qualities, Club-Lok also features a graphite-friendly club organizing system to guard against scratches and damage that result from everyday use.
The black market dealing in golf equipment is growing all the time, and as it does, Burton says, theft becomes a greater concern.
Club-Lok is specifically designed to reduce the number of golf-club and bag thefts at bag drops, cart staging areas and residential garages, as well as smash-and-grab thefts in parking lots and retail shops. According to the company, traveling golfers also greatly benefit from the Club-Lok because Transportation Security Administration rules do not allow passengers to lock their travel covers. Club-Lok keeps the traveling golfer's equipment secure from check-in at the ticket counter to retrieval at baggage claim.
"The problem-solution reaction has not prevailed itself yet upon the industry or the golfing public," Andre says. "We intend to change that through education and offering a product that addresses the issue."
The Club-Lok carries an MSRP of $189 plus shipping and handling. The bag is currently being introduced in 60-second commercial spots on The Golf Channel, with availability in green-grass and off-course golf shops to follow.
For more information about Club-Lok, call 800-633-4630.
