Ping appeals against Markets Authority

Decision and Fine

PING Europe’s statement in response to the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announcement that PING Europe’s Internet Policy is not compatible with [Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union/Chapter I of Competition Act 1998] 
“PING Europe profoundly disagrees with the announced decision. Our Internet Policy is an important procompetitive aspect of our long-standing commitment to custom fitting.
"This ensures the customer is fitted in person, something which cannot be achieved in an online environment.  PING Europe strongly believes consumers should be custom fitted in person by a trained PING fitter before purchasing PING golf clubs – that is why we adopted our Internet Policy.
"This personal face-to-face service is the key to realising the full value and performance designed and built into every PING club. More than five decades of effort, resources and commitment has established PING as the industry leader in custom fitting.
"Our custom-fitting innovations, including advanced processes, tools and training methods, allow millions to better enjoy the game of golf. In this regard, PING Europe notes the CMA accepts that PING is pursuing a genuine commercial aim of promoting in-store custom fitting.
“PING Europe will be appealing the decision to the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) to demonstrate how our policy benefits consumers and improves consumer choice. Whilst the CMA’s decision does not require an immediate change to PING’s Internet Policy, we will be seeking a stay to keep our Internet Policy in place during the appeal process.
“We remain committed to distributing custom fitted and custom-built golf clubs in a manner that is in the best interest of the consumer.
"We are confident the CAT will recognise PING Europe’s Internet Policy is an appropriate and justified means to ensure we continue this valuable service to golfers.
“PING Europe will not respond to questions because we want to fully respect the process the CMA has started and we will strongly make our case in the appropriate Tribunal or Court.”