by DAN JONES

Over its 41-year history, golf equipment manufacturer Sun Mountain has established itself as a pioneer in the industry.

It experimented with lightweight nylon golf bags and backpack technology in the early 1980s, and introduced the industry’s first golf bag with a built-in stand. The company has continued innovating, with double bag straps and the first golf push cart (now including an easily foldable, three-wheeled variety), and was the first brand to offer waterproof bags.

Sun Mountain is also focused on the environment, adds Sheri Becken, director of marketing at Sun Mountain, noting that the company came out with a bag constructed from fabric made of recycled water bottles two years ago.

With its background, it was perhaps inevitable that Sun Mountain would connect with the prestigious Pebble Beach Company—which owns and operates the world-famous California golf course—to offer Costco members two exclusive golf bags: a stand bag and a cart bag (see “Baggage check”).

“It’s a feather in our cap,” says Sun Mountain president Ed Kowachek, who has been with the company for 37 years. “It’s a nice reflection on our brand.”

“Sun Mountain shares our commitment to quality,” adds David Stivers, CEO of Pebble Beach Company. “The attention to design and detail that they bring to their golf bags matches the standard of excellence we set for our golf experience.”

Linking its storied past to its successful present, Sun Mountain appears to be on course for a bright future.