Equipment
GolfWRX exclusive: The story behind the new Costco KS1 putter
Costco, together with its Kirkland Signature brand, is one of the biggest forces in retail. Once again, it is disrupting the golf equipment space with the introduction of the company’s very first original golf club: the KS1 putter.
In an exclusive interview with GolfWRX, Tim Farmer, Costco vice president and general merchandise manager, dug into the details behind the putter. Farmer also spoke at great length about Costco’s other golf products, including the wildly popular Kirkland Signature four-piece golf ball and the current Kirkland three-piece urethane ball, which upon the time of publication has over 17,000 reviews and a 4.5/5 star rating.
The Costco Golf story
“The approach to creating the KS1 putter was no different than creating any other Kirkland Signature product – to work with a manufacturer to create something that offers exceptional value to our customers”
-Tim Farmer
First, some background on the Kirkland Signature brand, from Costco
“By taking the lead in sourcing and formulating new products, co-branding with premium national and international brands, and partnering with top manufacturers around the world, we’ve created an exclusive range of (Kirkland Signature) products that reflect our members’ tastes and exceed their expectations.”
The approach, from a Costco’s perspective, is to capitalize within a market where they believe an opportunity exists to be a price disruptor to other products currently available. The research includes talking with venders, working with Costco’s long list of approved suppliers, and visiting trade shows—including the PGA Merchandise Show.
The original golf breakthrough came with the introduction of the Kirkland Signature Tour Performance four-piece ball in late 2016. The story goes, Costco was approached by a manufacturer with its own IP on a golf ball design and the opportunity to produce a ball under the Kirkland brand. Independent testing conducted by a third party and Costco’s own internal testing proved the four-piece ball offered exceptional performance. The ball was then approved and shortly after arrived in warehouses. “That’s when things went a little crazy,” says Farmer.
The price of $29.99 for two dozen four-piece urethane balls seemed too good to be true, but in the age of social media and launch monitors, golfers were buzzing, and the balls sold out almost immediately company-wide. Demand and buzz even created a secondary market where the golf balls were selling for 4-5 times their initial price including on eBay. Costco was both shocked and excited, and the ball became the proof of concept that its own line of golf products could be in high demand by members.
The Costco KS1 putter story
Considering the number of options Costco had for potentially producing a golf club, a putter was selected for its relative simplicity and the knowledge that of all the clubs in the bag, golfers love to experiment and test putters the most.
Farmer admitted that he, (a 9 handicap) along with a lot of other employees and members of the board of directors at Costco, are golf nuts themselves, and the putter was an exciting product to develop. It was an attractive product because the company knew it was a category where it could offer the best value and performance comparable to other products on the market.
The Costco buyers approached a well-respected manufacturer in China that also produces putters for a number of well-known OEMs to help develop the KS1. After working through initial prototypes and multiple designs, the wide-body plumbers neck was the final choice based on its popularity and mass appeal.
Farmer made the point that mass appeal is a huge part of the Costco merchandising philosophy because the average Costco Warehouse is 160,000 square feet, and at most, merchandises only 3,700 items per store. When you compare that to other big box stores of similar size, they could carry upwards of 120,000 different items. Fewer products create more value, which at the end of the day, is Costco’s biggest goal.
Costco KS1 putter specs
The specs of the putter clearly reflect the greatest opportunity to offer a club to the largest part of the bell curve for the best possible value.
- Construction: 100% milled from 303 stainless steel. Also has a 303 insert.
- Length: 34.5″
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Lie: 71 degrees
- Head weight: 340g with stock 10g adjustable weights. A separate weight kit will be available for 34.99 (online only) and will come with a wrench and adjustable 5g (x2) and 15g (x2) weights.
- Grip: Superstroke Countercore
- Head cover included
- Right-hand only
One of the interesting details from my conversation with Farmer concerned the reason the weight kit is being sold separately: “Research shows the majority of golfers don’t tinker with weights and settings of their clubs,” he said. “So to offer the best value, we are making it available online.”
It’s a smart decision that falls right in line with Costco’s directive to offer the greatest value while still creating options for members who are looking for something extra.
Availability & price
According to Farmer, the putter should become available online within the next couple of weeks. They don’t have an exact in-store date yet since pallets (how everything at Costco is moved around, stored, and merchandised) are currently in the process of being built and delivered—but expect to see them around three weeks from now.
The current plan is to have the putters in a select 80 stores to start with the potential to have them expand once the initial volume and sales data is analyzed. Like all things Costco, from mayonnaise to socks, every item has to earn its floor space. But if the putter sells anything like the golf ball, you can expect to see a potential second and third run.
The KS1 putter will be sold for $139.99 USD and the weight kit (available online only) will be a separate $34.99
The putter might just be the beginning…
Toward the end of my conversation with Farmer, the one question I had to ask is if other clubs and balls are on the horizon for Costco and the Kirkland Signature brand. I asked specifically about a rumored three-wedge set, and if they planned to update the current three-piece urethane ball.
Although Farmer was unable to provide specific details about any clubs beyond saying, “we are always working on new products that offer value to our members,” he was willing to say they are excited to see the reaction to the KS1 Putter. As for the three-piece golf ball, Costco is currently going through the testing phase for a potential replacement possibly by the end of the year.
When it comes to offering value, quality, and trust, there really is no other company in the entire consumer goods space that has the ability to deliver on a grand scale like Costco, and the Costco KS1 putter could be another game-changer for this constantly innovating retail giant.
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- Max Homa what’s in the bag accurate as of the Masters.
Driver: Titleist TSR3 (9 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Black 6 X
3-wood: Titleist TSR2+ (14.5 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Red 80 TX
5-wood: Titleist TSR2 (21 degrees @19.25, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 9 TX
Irons: Titleist T100S (4), Titleist T100 (5), Titleist 620 (6-9)
Shafts: KBS $ Taper 130 (4-9)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (46-10F, 50-12F, 56-14F), WedgeWorks (60)
Shafts: KBS $ Taper 130 (46) KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 135 X (50, 56), KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 125 X (60)
Putter: Scotty Cameron T-5.5 Proto
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord
Ball: Titleist Pro V1
More photos of Max Homa’s WITB in the forums.
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Driver: Krank Formula Fire Pro (6 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS T1100 75g 6.5
Mini driver: TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver (11.5 degrees @10)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS T1100 75g 6.5
- Unconfirmed. We are working to gather details.
5-wood: Krank Formula Fire
- Unconfirmed. We are working to gather details.
Irons: Avoda Prototype (5-PW)
Shafts: LA Golf Prototype
Wedges: Ping Glide 4.0 (46-12S @45, 50-12S, 56, 60)
Shafts: LA Golf Prototype
Putter: SIK Pro C-Series Armlock/LA Golf Proto
Shaft: LA Golf C2L-180
Grip: JumboMax JumboFlat 17
Grips: JumboMax UltraLight XL
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash
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Accra Golf shafts have long been synonymous with fitting, and the new GX line of driver, fairway, and hybrid shafts continues that legacy.
Since 2004, Accra has been making high-end performance golf shafts that use the latest in materials and design philosophy. Their group of around 350 fitters are some of the best and most highly ranked in the world. While you might see other brands on professional tours more often, there are plenty of touring pros using Accra products and winning.
Accra’s new GX line of shafts is designed to offer a consistent and accurate shaft to a wide range of players. The GX line consists of 3 different shafts in driver, fairway, and hybrid designs.
The Accra GX shafts are designed for fitters to dial in golfers to the perfect shaft for their swing. Accra included a ton of technology into the GX line including their S3 profiling, DyMatch, and Constant Flex technology. DyMatch has been Accra’s quest to ensure that all shafts in a family feel and perform similar from driver to hybrid or iron shaft. Typically shafts get stiffer as they go up in weight, but Accra’s Constant Flex keeps the flex of the shafts consistent so fitters and golfers can dial in the weight that the golfer need without have to work around a stiffer or softer flex. Accra worked with Cool Clubs to build out its S3 Shaft Profiling system that not only allows a quick and easy EI profile of any shaft, it helps with quality control to ensure shafts come out of production exactly as they were designed.
Accra GX Red 300 Series
GX Red is lowest launching and spinning option in the GX line. Driver shafts have fewer options with just the 360 and 370 models that come in at 63 and 71 grams. The GX Red is made for faster swinging, or stronger, players who require a stiff (M4) or x-stiff (M5) shaft for their swing. Fairway and hybrid models are also on the higher weight side with the fairway clocking in at 80g and 90g for the hybrid. Accra designed this series with one of the stiffest tip sections of any Accra shaft in the current line, and while it is built to control launch and spin, the Red 300 Series will still offer that smooth feel.
Accra GX Green 100 Series
If your swing usually works best with mid-launch and spin, then the GX Green 200 series might be the right shaft for you. Offered in more weight and flex options, you can get a GX Green in 52 grams and all the way up to 70 grams in regular, stiff, and x-stiff flexes. GX Green will give the player a smooth feel and transition from the handle down to the tip section while still providing great stability and consistency. Accra also focused on the energy transfer of this shaft, and golfers can see some increased ball speed compared to other shafts.
Accra GX Blue 200 Series
While the GX Blue 100 Series is the highest launching and spinning option in the GX lineup, it will still give golfers the control and consistency they need. Starting off at 40g, the GX Blue series puts an emphasis on lighter weight to allow players to swing the club faster, promoting more distance. Accra touts the stability of the GX 140 Blue driver shaft by stating that some long driver competitors have put it in play to try and gain every MPH they can. Matching fairway and hybrid shafts are both on the lighter side at around 60g for the fairway and 65g for the hybrid depending on the flex.
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stanley
May 24, 2020 at 2:53 pm
rick shiels put up a video review of this putter. i guess it is what you expected.
John Reich
Apr 13, 2022 at 6:22 pm
Costco now has the left-handed version of the KS1
uhgolfguy1
May 18, 2020 at 1:02 am
You’d think quality control could be an issue but given the nature of the milling process, the putters should have good quality.
303 SS is a great material for putters… just ask Scotty Cameron.
Me personally, I think the KS1 is a bit chunky for my taste, but I’m sure it feels great.
Simms
May 23, 2020 at 2:18 pm
Very much a Odyssey looking putter, I ordered one first thing on line and 8 days latter still waiting, but I went into a COSTCO yesterday and they had a pallet full of them…so I got a hands on look….will be sending mine back when it comes without even opening, not anything special until they drop the price to say $79…
stanley
May 13, 2020 at 11:58 pm
can’t lie. i am excited to see some reviews for these putters. but lets keep in mind that we have some amazing american milled putters here.
Cody Reeder
May 13, 2020 at 1:36 pm
I just want to know where it is made… and by who.. Sean Toulon says it is not made or has anything to do with Odyssey soo… Who??
Spitfisher
May 26, 2020 at 2:25 pm
Do you really honestly believe any manufacturer would come clean with a ” yeah, we make it” statement?
Besides there is no Odyssey, toulon etc factory anywhere in the world. A factory is tooled for product, proto types and QC samples are produced, vendor writes a PO ahead of time, production starts, product and marketing material is produced and a way it goes.
Jimmy Ray
May 8, 2020 at 10:59 am
Right Hand only…nuf said.
curt j benjamins
May 9, 2020 at 5:22 pm
Damn it we lefties always get shafted, no pun intended
Bill
May 7, 2020 at 11:38 pm
Does this look like an Odyssey O-Works #1 with a different insert and color scheme?
Duke
May 8, 2020 at 10:54 am
It is just that. I listened to a podcast the other day and it revolved around this putter. It is constructed by same plant with very similar characteristics.
Mike
May 8, 2020 at 2:03 pm
I believe it’s technically the exact same putter that comes with the Callaway Edge set that they sell, but gets branded as Odyssey with their license agreement.
stanley
May 7, 2020 at 11:16 pm
i thought about this….. and it’s a no go. but we will see. kirkland sells everything.
Jack
May 7, 2020 at 10:10 pm
Thing is, the design is just atrocious. Did they do any consumer forums before finalizing on the design?
Michaele
May 8, 2020 at 9:30 am
One picture shooting primarily the bottom of the putter is your basis for your comment?
Your comment is atrocious too.
Duke
May 8, 2020 at 10:56 am
It is constructed by same plant with very similar characteristics as the Odyssey line.
Bob
May 7, 2020 at 8:36 pm
You can buy a full set of 10 Callaway Edge clubs from Costco and that includes an Odyssey putter. These must be made for Costco as they are not available anywhere else. A review of them made them sound like a good deal for an average golfer. I hope that I survive this Covid and get a chance to play them. B.
Duh!
May 7, 2020 at 7:13 pm
Made in a Wuhan lab to destroy American golfers everywhere.
Gary Mohlenkamp
May 8, 2020 at 12:35 pm
I agree! I will never purchase anything made in China if I have a choice.
Delbert
May 8, 2020 at 3:46 pm
Why do companies continue to do business with a country that steals IP like they do? Their government and economy are set up in such a way to prevent creativity. Do not buy this putter. It will give you the YIPS! There, I said it. But I didn’t say shank.
Jbone
May 19, 2020 at 8:37 pm
Agreed. The one positive of this virus is China getting exposed. Hopefully people speak with their wallets
Martin
May 7, 2020 at 6:52 pm
Time will tell if it will sell, but i have a feeling it well.
Calvin
May 7, 2020 at 6:41 pm
I don’t understand why you would do a CNC machined 303SS putter and just to put in a machined 303SS face insert. Doesn’t it just defeats the purpose of the CNC precision and you are not trying to affect the impact feel with different material anyways?
Homer Simpson
May 8, 2020 at 10:42 am
You’re a club homer. Only you would would dissect the club like this. Calvin, tell me, what’s your favorite hole on your golf bag?
Joe McManuis
May 7, 2020 at 5:20 pm
Any indication whether it will be available in Canada this summer and whether weight kit will also be available?
Al
May 7, 2020 at 4:31 pm
Lot of occasional golf dads will see this come June.
Chris
May 7, 2020 at 2:13 pm
So why did conversation on 4 piece ball stop? They should have talked about why they stopped making the 4 piece ball and why they won’t have the same problem with the putter…or will they?
BingHogan
May 7, 2020 at 11:09 am
They only want to sell you chicken.! And a $65.00 “club” fee.
Not sure how many members they have now but I have heard they make about $70 million per year.
The Costco Country Club. Has a nice ring to it…
Paulo
May 7, 2020 at 10:59 am
Is this Piece an advert for Costco ? Maybe state that st the top like they used to in magazines
Vanilla Ice
May 7, 2020 at 10:57 am
Balls – Hero
Putter – Zero
steve
May 7, 2020 at 10:21 am
$150 OTD for this club seems more in line with buying a club from a traditional gilf retailer. Why would someone make this purchase versus numerous other options from other well known manufacturers? This example of value in no way it compares to that of the original four piece ball that they sold. Thanks Costco but I think you’re whiffing on this one
John
May 7, 2020 at 9:26 am
I don’t know about you folks… but sure reminds me of a Scotty Cameron Newport 2
Stanley
May 7, 2020 at 9:04 am
No pics from address?
Paulo
May 8, 2020 at 1:06 am
The Costco marketing dept didn’t send any…
DB
May 7, 2020 at 8:42 am
Sorry, not interested in another putter coming from some cheap Chinese factory when there are so many great putter makers milling their putters right here in the USA.
jim
May 7, 2020 at 8:05 am
139.99 in my opinion is not a “real Value”. plus another $35 for weight kit (for those who want it) puts it very in-line with other putters in the big box stores.
Homer Simpson
May 8, 2020 at 10:46 am
It is a value. Not everyone buys used golf clubs on wrx for a value. I like this site but there are too many club homers and poors trying To flip and make money.
MJ 23
May 7, 2020 at 5:01 am
Now THAT is funny! Does it come with a corn dog?
brian
May 7, 2020 at 8:43 am
The only putter line that really puts it in line with are the cheaper Cleveland putters and low-end Odyssey White Hot line, none of which have adjustability features.
Brandon
May 7, 2020 at 9:48 am
You can find plenty of new past model year higher end Odyssey putters for right around 130 bucks. Got by eye on a stroke lab double wide right now.
brian
May 7, 2020 at 1:22 pm
I’m only seeing used Stroke Lab putters for under $150 doing a search.
Paulo
May 8, 2020 at 5:07 pm
I’d rather have one of those
Guy
May 8, 2020 at 7:24 pm
I just bought a brand new O-works #2 for $70. There’s deals to be found if you strike at the right times.
CT
May 9, 2020 at 12:44 pm
From where? Looking for one. Thanks!