Southern Pines, N.C. — The Carolinas Golf Association (CGA) has announced a new partnership with Golf Pride, naming the Pinehurst-based company as the Official Grip Partner of the CGA for the 2026 season. 

 

The agreement names Golf Pride as the CGA’s exclusive grip partner and connects the brand with CGA championships, content, and member experiences throughout the season. 

 

“This partnership with Golf Pride is a natural fit, not just because of our shared commitment to the game, but also due to our close ties being neighbors right here in the Sandhills,” said Andy Priest, Executive Director of the CGA. “Our collaboration is about creating authentic touchpoints for CGA members that highlight how something as fundamental as the right grip can transform a golfer’s game.” 

 

With both organizations based in the Pinehurst-Southern Pines area, the partnership brings two leaders in the game together in the same community, opening the door for hands-on collaboration, content creation, and in-person engagement throughout the year. 

 

Golf Pride will have a strong presence across CGA platforms, including digital channels, social media, and Carolinas Golf magazine.  

 

The partnership extends beyond visibility. Golf Pride will engage directly with CGA members through on-site activations, product education, and collaborative content that highlights performance, innovation, and connection to the game. Additional touchpoints include dedicated member communications and opportunities tied to Golf Pride’s Global Innovation Center in Pinehurst. Each of the nine 2026 CGA players of the year will receive a custom grip fitting and replacement experience as part of the partnership. 

 

“As a company who calls Pinehurst home, partnering with the Carolinas Golf Association feels like a natural extension of our commitment to the community,” says James Ledford, President of Golf Pride. “The grip is the only connection between the golfer and the club, and through this partnership, we look forward to engaging with CGA members and opening the doors of our Global Innovation Center to players from across the Carolinas to show just how important the grip is to performance.” 

 

ABOUT THE CAROLINAS GOLF ASSOCIATION

The Carolinas Golf Association (CGA), founded in 1909, is a nonprofit organization that connects, grows, and administers the game of golf across North and South Carolina. The CGA serves more than 230,000 members and 700 member clubs, making it one of the largest USGA Allied Golf Associations in the country. 

Through championships, tournaments, handicapping services, and member programs, the CGA supports golfers of all ages and skill levels while protecting the integrity of the game. The organization is also focused on expanding access, engaging new audiences, and strengthening its role as a leader in the Carolinas golf community. To learn more, visit www.CarolinasGolf.org.

 

ABOUT GOLF PRIDE 

Since its founding in 1949, Golf Pride has become synonymous with the highest quality performance equipment in golf. Today, from its Global Innovation Center (GIC) in Pinehurst, North Carolina, Golf Pride continues to lead in grip innovation by continuing to obsess over the only connection between our golfers’ hands and the club. That’s why more than 80% of the world’s highest performing golfers choose Golf Pride. For professionals, top amateurs and recreational golfers of all skill levels, Golf Pride sets the standard in performance and design. To learn more about Golf Pride, go to www.golfpride.com. 

 

ABOUT EATON 

Golf Pride is a division of EATON, whose mission is to improve the quality of life and the environment using power management technologies and services. We provide sustainable solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical power – more safely, more efficiently, and more reliably. For more information, visit www.eaton.com. 

 

Media Contact: 
Jackson Sveen 
Director of Media & Marketing 
Carolinas Golf Association 
Jackson.sveen@carolinasgolf.org