Who Makes Kirkland Golf Balls? Inside the Manufacturer

By Emma Wilson · January 9, 2027

Who Makes Kirkland Golf Balls?

Kirkland Signature golf balls are manufactured by Qingdao SMPO-SUMOTEC Co., Ltd., a leading golf ball producer in China that also supplies several premium brands. Costco partners with this OEM (original equipment manufacturer) to deliver high-performance, low-cost golf balls under its private label.

Understanding Kirkland's Golf Ball Manufacturing

Kirkland, Costco’s in-house brand, does not manufacture products itself. Instead, it contracts top-tier factories to produce items meeting strict performance and cost criteria. In the case of golf balls, Costco identified a gap in the market: premium-quality, multi-layer balls at a fraction of the price of Titleist or Callaway.

Why China-Based Production?

Lower labor and production costs enable competitive pricing.
China hosts some of the world’s most advanced golf ball manufacturing facilities.
Long-standing expertise in synthetic rubber and urethane cover technologies.

Kirkland vs. Premium Brands: What’s the Difference?

Many golfers assume Kirkland balls are inferior due to their low price, but independent tests show otherwise. The 4-piece Kirkland Performance+ ball competes directly with models like the Titleist Pro V1.

Feature	Kirkland Performance+	Titleist Pro V1	Callaway Chrome Soft
Construction	4-Piece	4-Piece	4-Piece
Compression	95	100	90
Spin (RPM) - Iron Shot	6,800	7,000	6,600
Price per Dozen	$29.99	$50.00	$45.00
Available Colors	White, Yellow	White, Yellow, Orange	White, Yellow, Triple Track

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows Kirkland balls match or nearly match premium brands in core technical specs. Their spin rate on iron shots is only 200 RPM below the Pro V1, while costing 40% less. This value proposition explains their popularity among amateur and low-handicap players alike.

How Costco Ensures Quality Control

Despite outsourcing production, Costco maintains tight quality oversight:

Regular factory audits by third-party inspectors.
Random batch testing for compression, symmetry, and durability.
Direct feedback loop from customers and pro shop staff.

OEM Transparency Challenges

While SMPO-SUMOTEC is widely recognized as the maker, Costco does not officially disclose manufacturers for most private-label goods. This is standard practice to maintain pricing leverage and avoid brand association conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kirkland Golf Balls

Are Kirkland golf balls made by Titleist?

No, Kirkland golf balls are not made by Titleist. They are produced by Qingdao SMPO-SUMOTEC in China. While performance is similar, they are entirely different products from separate manufacturers.

Where are Kirkland golf balls manufactured?

Kirkland golf balls are manufactured in Qingdao, China, by SMPO-SUMOTEC, a company specializing in high-end golf ball production for multiple global brands.

Do professional golfers use Kirkland golf balls?

While no PGA Tour pros currently endorse Kirkland balls due to sponsorship deals, many amateurs and club professionals use them regularly because of their performance-to-price ratio.

How many layers do Kirkland golf balls have?

The current Kirkland Signature Performance+ golf ball is a 4-piece design, consisting of a soft core, dual mantle layers, and a urethane cover for optimal spin and feel.