A GOLF retailer based in Huddersfield has survived one of the wettest summers ever to post record sales for the first month of its new financial year.

Direct Golf UK, billed as Europe’s leading multi-channel golf retailer, recorded an 18% rise in sales during October against the same month last year.

Mail order sales for October were 14% higher with retail store sales up by 19% and internet sales 26% higher year-on-year.

Chairman John Andrew, who is a Class AA PGA professional, said: “Following the wash-out summer it’s encouraging to see such positive results at the start of the new financial year.

“We have invested significantly to improve our website, launching an online TV channel and new apps to make shopping at Direct Golf even easier and it’s great to see sales up 26% online, particularly in the run-up to Christmas.”

Despite the challenging economic backdrop the UK-based retailer had remained on course to post a fourth consecutive record year with record revenues up 23% for the first half of the financial year.

However, the unprecedented levels of rainfall combined with Euro 2012, Wimbledon and the London 2012 Olympics, led to the number of rounds of golf played being down by more than 30% during the key season leaving golf-related sales “hugely affected”.

Mr Andrew added: “It’s been a frustrating year for the whole golf industry as it feels like we didn’t really have a summer.

“There are a lot of frustrated golfers out there – myself and my staff included – itching to get out and play.

“Hopefully, on the back of the European team winning the Ryder Cup in such spectacular fashion and Europeans dominating the world rankings, we’ll get a bit of momentum going into the winter months. Certainly the early signs are promising.”

Mr Andrew established the business in 1991 and has taken it from one store in Huddersfield to 21 stores across the UK.

The company employs more than 300 staff , including 50 PGA professionals. It also has a 75,000sq ft warehouse.

Since 2010, Direct Golf UK has added nine new retail sites, taking its total from 12 to 21 stores and has posted consecutive record financial years in the process.

Mr Andrew concluded: “We have invested significantly over the past couple of years in expanding our retail coverage and improving all aspects of our business and as a result have taken market share from our competitors in a very tough market.

“For 2013 we have some exciting plans for the business and these early results for October are encouraging.”