Sun Mountain

Corporate Headquarters: Missoula, Montana

Website: https://www.sunmountain.com/

Category: Apparel and Accessories

LEADERSHIP

Grant Knudson, President and Chief Brand Officer

Company Overview:

Founded in 1981, Sun Mountain has been one of golf’s true innovators for over 40 years, revolutionizing golf bags, golf outerwear, golf travel bags, and golf carts. The company is credited with creating both the lightweight golf bag and the modern golf stand bag, along with possessing numerous patents for dual shoulder straps. Regularly the number one golf bag company in the United States, Sun Mountain maintains its headquarters in Missoula, Montana, setting it apart from many major golf brands typically based in traditional golf industry hubs.

“In today’s golf world, with all the new brands popping up, we’ve got the foundation and the roots and the people to do some really cool things going forward,” says Grant Knudson, President and Chief Brand Officer. “We have a product pipeline that has been really strong with innovation and we’re just making that even better.”

Key Facts:

• Industry leader in golf bags, push carts, and outerwear
• Holder of multiple patents including the first golf stand bag
• Pioneer in golf push cart innovation
• Significant OEM partnerships with major golf brands
• Strong focus on green grass distribution

Business Innovation

Sun Mountain’s innovation legacy spans multiple product categories. The company introduced the Speed Cart in 1999 and the four-wheeled Micro-Cart in 2004, leading the push cart movement well before it gained widespread popularity during the pandemic. In outerwear, Sun Mountain pioneered golf-specific performance wear, developing products designed to provide peak protection while maintaining playability through stretchable and breathable materials.

The company continues its innovation trajectory with recent releases like the Ridgeline3, a first-of-its-kind adjustable three-wheel push cart featuring an adjustable upper bracket to accommodate bags of all sizes. “Where it’s really fun is where we are taking some risks with new, completely innovative items, as well as going to the archive and taking a more modern approach,” notes Knudson.

Strategic Focus Areas:

• Product innovation across categories
• Quality and durability
• Green grass distribution
• International expansion
• Enhanced brand storytelling

Future Focus

Under new ownership by Solace Capital Partners and with an experienced leadership team in place, Sun Mountain is focused on building upon its legacy while reaching new audiences. The company is particularly focused on connecting with the surge of new golfers who have entered the sport in recent years.

“It seems like there’s two types of golfers – they maybe know about Sun Mountain or don’t,” explains Knudson. “There are the authentic ones that have been in the sport longer, that remember the Eclipse, remember the first push cart, remember all the crazy innovative things that this company has done over the last 40 years that were really game changing. But a lot of the new golfers don’t know, especially if you came into the sport between now and five or so years ago.”

The company is implementing a tiered marketing approach to reach different consumer segments while maintaining its commitment to product excellence. “Sun Mountain has worked because of a great product that was put into a box and if you build it, they will come. That’s great and I don’t want to lose that mentality,” says Knudson. “But marketing experiences, events, having people touch, feel and see product is also critical.”

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Sun Mountain maintains its position as a leading golf equipment innovator through its focus on quality, functionality, and continuous innovation across multiple product categories. With new ownership and leadership in place, the company is working to expand its reach while honoring its legacy of innovation. The combination of proven product development capabilities and enhanced marketing initiatives positions Sun Mountain to connect with both established and new golfers while expanding its international presence.