The popularity of golf has exploded in the last decade so, not surprisingly, the golf equipment industry has become fiercely competitive. It seems there are nearly as many brands as products and at times it can be hard to differentiate between them all. Notwithstanding the oversaturation in the market, a number of companies have risen to the top, fixed there place in the upper echelon don’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon. Companies such as Callaway, TaylorMade, Titleist, Nike, Cleveland/Srixon, Adams, Odyssey, and Ping are big names in the golf world and have been for ages. And there’s a reason why. Following is a small list of common characteristics that seek to keep the best equipment companies at the top.