As the Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex gets under way this week at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, one company already reaping the benefits of the event is Caerphilly-based golf accessory brand, Asbri Golf, who were awarded a contract as the Official Supplier to the Championship.
Supplying official merchandise to some of the biggest tournaments in golf is nothing new for Asbri Golf following their successful licence to supply The 2010 Ryder Cup at The Celtic Manor Resort. That success story then led to an agreement to supply one of their best- selling products at the 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach.
Asbri Golf has been going from strength to strength. Since their first sales in 2003 the company has experienced year on year growth and currently 2014 sales are 25% up on 2013 with export equating to 35% of turnover. The rapid growth called for a relocation four years ago to 8,000 sq ft offices and warehouse in Caerphilly. The team now comprises nine internal staff plus an additional eight sales agents.
Eryl Williams, managing director of Asbri Golf, said: “The fact that a Major championship is coming to Wales is incredible alone, but to be involved and supplying official merchandise is the icing on the cake for us and all of our staff. The Senior Open contract has generated additional business and once again rubber stamps great credibility onto our brand name and company. To be Official Suppliers and managing the official merchandise retail at the Senior Open is another great success story for us after supplying the Ryder Cup in 2010.”
Economy Minister Edwina Hart, said:” This is the first Major Championship to be held in Wales and it reinforces Wales’ reputation as a world-class events destination and that we are golf destination with big ambitions. I’m delighted that Asbri are playing such a key part in the championship and wish them every success for further growth.
“Golf tourism is a key part of the tourism economy, worth £38 million in 2013. We have great courses across Wales with some outstanding links golf including Ashburnham, Southerndown, and Pyle and Kenfig, which hosted the qualifying tournaments for the Senior Open. I wish the organisers and players well for a successful tournament.”
Asbri Golf, formed in 2003, currently supplies over 600 golf clubs through the UK and many more worldwide exporting to over 25 different countries. Their attendance at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida for nine consecutive years has certainly been key to the company’s growth and success, partnering Visit Wales and the Welsh Government at golf’s largest trade event.
