From clubs to bags to balls and beyond, the golf equipment business is a $3 billion per year industry, and Carlsbad is its beating heart.
Leading companies like Callaway, TaylorMade, and Cobra Golf all are headquartered in Carlsbad, most just a well-struck drive from each other in the business parks east of Palomar Airport.
If working at one of those companies sounds like a pretty great career for an avid golfer, you won't find much disagreement from employees.
Jim Seluga is an engineer who helps design clubs like the new Mavrik drivers and woods at Callaway. He says his job sparks a lot of envy when fellow golfers find out where he works. "We were playing golf this weekend, me and a coworker, and they're like, where do you work? We're like, oh, Callaway Golf, and everyone gets really excited about it."
Callaway even has its own immaculately-maintained driving range for testing equipment. PGA Tour professionals like Phil Mickelson and Xander Schauffele are regular visitors. TaylorMade touring pros include Tiger Woods and Dustin Johnson, while Rickie Fowler plays Cobra clubs.
Seluga says it forms the basis of a healthy industry rivalry among neighbors.
"I went into a daycare class and I was wearing Callaway stuff, and one of the other moms was dropping of their kid, and was like, oh no no, our kids can't be friends, because I work for your competitor."
Golf may be recreation for some...but it's a serious business in Carlsbad.
