Who Owns Kirkland Golf Clubs?
Kirkland Golf Clubs is owned by Costco Wholesale Corporation, a publicly traded American membership warehouse club founded in 1983 and headquartered in Issaquah, Washington. Kirkland Golf Clubs operates as Costco's private label golf equipment brand. Costco trades on NASDAQ under ticker COST.
Parent Company
Costco Wholesale Corporation
Founded
2000
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Issaquah, Washington, USA
Who Owns Kirkland Golf Clubs?
- Parent Company: Costco Wholesale Corporation
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: NASDAQ: COST
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Kirkland Golf Clubs | Costco Wholesale Corporation | Wholly owned |
History of Kirkland Golf Clubs
- Founded: 2000
- Founders: Costco (internal development)
Kirkland Golf Clubs was introduced by Costco around 2000 as part of the company's expansion of the Kirkland Signature brand into sporting goods categories. The brand was developed to provide Costco members with quality golf equipment at prices significantly lower than comparable name brands.
The brand launched with a focus on offering complete golf club sets and individual clubs that matched or exceeded the quality of established golf equipment manufacturers while maintaining Costco's commitment to value pricing. Kirkland Golf Clubs quickly gained recognition among golfers seeking quality equipment without premium pricing.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Kirkland Golf Clubs expanded its product offerings to include drivers, irons, putters, and complete sets designed for golfers of various skill levels. The brand became known for offering excellent value and quality control comparable to premium golf equipment manufacturers.
Kirkland Golf Clubs has maintained strong sales within Costco warehouses, appealing to both casual golfers and serious enthusiasts seeking quality equipment at competitive prices. The brand has become one of the most successful private label golf equipment brands in retail.
About Costco Wholesale Corporation
What does Costco own?
Costco Wholesale Corporation owns and operates 923 membership warehouse locations worldwide and owns the Kirkland Signature private label brand. The company also operates Costco Pharmacy, Costco Optical, Costco Travel, and Costco Auto Program as service businesses within its warehouses. Costco's e-commerce platform extends its product offering beyond what is available in warehouses.
Is Costco publicly traded?
Yes, Costco Wholesale Corporation is listed on NASDAQ under ticker COST. The company has been publicly traded since December 1985. Costco has no single controlling shareholder, with major institutional holders including Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and State Street. Co-founder James Sinegal reduced his stake significantly after retiring as CEO in 2012.
Who founded Costco?
Costco was founded in 1983 by James Sinegal and Jeffrey Brotman in Seattle, Washington. Sinegal had previously worked at Price Club, the pioneer of the membership warehouse club concept. The first Costco warehouse opened in Seattle in September 1983. Costco merged with Price Club in 1993 to form PriceCostco, which was later renamed Costco Wholesale Corporation.
Where is Costco headquartered?
Costco Wholesale Corporation is headquartered in Issaquah, Washington, USA, a suburb of Seattle. The company was originally headquartered in Kirkland, Washington, which is the origin of the Kirkland Signature brand name. Costco operates 923 warehouse locations across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Spain, France, China, and other countries.
How many warehouses does Costco operate?
As of early 2026, Costco operates 923 warehouse locations worldwide. The United States has approximately 614 warehouses, Canada has approximately 108, and the remaining locations are in the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Spain, France, China, and other countries. Costco typically opens 20 to 30 new warehouses per year as part of its ongoing expansion program.
Who owns Costco?
Costco Wholesale Corporation is publicly traded on NASDAQ with a broad institutional and retail shareholder base. No single shareholder holds a controlling stake. Major institutional shareholders include Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and State Street. Ron Vachris serves as President and CEO. Co-founder James Sinegal reduced his stake significantly after retiring as CEO in 2012.
- Founded: 1983
- Headquarters: Issaquah, Washington, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: NASDAQ: COST
Where Is Kirkland Golf Clubs Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Issaquah, Washington, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: United States, China, Japan, South Korea
Brands Owned by Costco Wholesale Corporation
- Kirkland Signature - Costco's private label brand offering high-quality products at competitive price...
Kirkland Golf Clubs Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +High quality golf equipment comparable to premium brands
- +Significant cost savings compared to name-brand golf clubs
- +Exclusive availability to Costco members
- +Strong quality control and product testing
- +Generous Costco return policy applies to all Kirkland Golf products
- +Wide selection of clubs and equipment options
Considerations
- -Limited availability outside Costco warehouses and membership restrictions
- -Limited marketing and brand awareness outside Costco membership
- -Product selection may vary by location and season
- -Dependency on Costco's sourcing and quality control decisions
- -Limited customization options compared to premium golf brands
- -Resale value may be lower than premium brand equipment
Frequently Asked Questions About Kirkland Golf Clubs
Where to Buy
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Kirkland Golf Clubs on AmazonCompetitors to Kirkland Golf Clubs
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costco | USA | 2000 | Mass Market | North America | Male |
Learn More About Competitors
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Kirkland Golf Clubs competes with 1 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Costco Wholesale Corporation Stock Information
Jobs at Costco Wholesale Corporation
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