Why Golf Shops Are Turning to Chirp Protect to Stop Theft

Golf clubs and pro shops across the UK are facing a growing challenge: high-value stock disappearing in seconds. From premium golf clubs to branded clothing and accessories, opportunistic theft and organised grab-and-run incidents are becoming more common in busy sports retail environments.

This month, Ferndown Forest Golf Club became the first golf retailer to install the Chirp Edge system, marking an exciting step forward for Chirp Protect as we expand into sports, golf, and leisure retail.

The rising problem of theft in golf shops

Pro shops are especially vulnerable. They tend to have open, welcoming layouts with a small team on the shop floor. That’s great for customer experience, but it makes it easier for thieves to lift high-value items and head straight for the exit.

Golf clubs, electric trolleys, premium clothing lines, rangefinders, and accessories can be grabbed in moments. Several UK clubs have reported losses running into the thousands, with some incidents involving thieves lifting members’ clubs from retail displays or fitting rooms.

How Chirp Edge protects high-value golf merchandise

Chirp Edge is ideal for environments where gates and barriers are not workable. Instead of relying on floor-mounted systems, a discreet 14 cm cubed hub sits near the exit or any restricted area.

Items are protected using Chirp Protect’s tamper-proof, self-alarming tags. These secure golf clubs, clothing, golf bags, and accessories without affecting how customers browse or handle the products.

If a tag is tampered with, or if the item is taken towards the exit without purchase, the tag activates instantly. The alarm will even continue sounding outside the building, giving staff a clear alert and acting as a strong deterrent for opportunistic thieves.

Why Ferndown Forest chose Chirp Protect

Ferndown Forest Golf Club wanted a security solution that wouldn’t compromise the premium feel of the pro shop. Conventional EAS gates were not an option. They needed protection that blended seamlessly into the environment while still delivering robust, reliable theft prevention.

Chirp Edge offered the perfect fit.
It allows the team to:
• protect high-value stock on open display
• maintain a relaxed customer experience
• reduce shrinkage from opportunistic theft
• avoid bulky gates or barriers
• secure products that traditional tags can’t protect effectively
• benefit from intelligent, tamper-proof alerts

Ferndown Forest Golf Club are using our Lanyard Tags to secure putters, giving customers the freedom to pick them up, inspect them and take a practice swing, while keeping each club fully protected in-store. The same approach is used on jackets, allowing shoppers to try them on for look and fit without compromising security. Golf bags are also protected, with customers still able to lift, carry and wheel them around the shop as normal, all while remaining safeguarded from theft.

A growing opportunity for golf and sports retailers

We see the golf industry as a major growth area for intelligent retail protection. Golf equipment is expensive, easy to lift, and highly desirable on the resale market. As clubs invest more in modern pro shops and premium retail displays, the need for discreet but powerful security continues to increase.

Sports shops and leisure retailers can also benefit from Chirp Edge. The system protects:
• high-value sports equipment
• designer sportswear
• performance accessories
• specialist items often targeted for quick resale

Whether you run a golf club, a pro shop, or a busy sports retailer, Chirp Protect gives you a practical way to keep products accessible to genuine customers while deterring theft effectively.

Want to see how Chirp Edge works in a golf setting?

We’re happy to demonstrate the system, talk through your store layout, or provide a quote based on your requirements.

Contact our team for a walkthrough.