World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD) works directly with companies free of charge to help them expand internationally and grow in San Diego, supported by San Diego Regional EDC’s 150+ private company and public agency investors. Since 2015, WTCSD’s MetroConnect export accelerator has assisted 110 San Diego companies in turning $1 million in export grants into $106 million in new international sales, 552 new international contracts, and 28 new offices around the world.
We sat down with Ronan Galvin, co-owner of MetroConnect VII finalist Sunday Golf, to discuss the company’s modern golf gear and its recent international growth through its time in MetroConnect.
Tell us about Sunday Golf and its mission.
Sunday Golf operates in the golf industry with a mission to remind the world that life is meant to be enjoyed. Our core focus is designing the best golf bags that match any style of play—whether you’re heading to a par 3 course, the driving range, a simulator, or a full course. We also offer options tailored for kids.
Our brand stands out by being more relatable than aspirational, connecting with the everyday golfer in a fun and approachable way.
Why did you apply to be in MetroConnect?
We applied to be in the MetroConnect program for support exporting internationally. Sunday Golf currently exports to the UK, Western Europe, Canada, Australia, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand—markets chosen for their robust golf culture and demand.
Exporting is critical for us as it dramatically expands our opportunity to share our products and mission worldwide, but it can come with challenges such as gaining access to new markets and identifying reliable distributors. Our goal in applying for the MetroConnect program was to leverage their resources and advice as we continued to grow.
How did MetroConnect help your company?
The MetroConnect program has played a pivotal role in our international expansion. It enabled us to exhibit at the PGA Show, where we connected with key distributors. We also hosted our Australian distributor in San Diego, further strengthening our relationship. And we are strongly considering exhibiting or visiting the Japan Golf show next March.
Through the U.S. Commercial Service, a key MetroConnect partner, we were introduced to valuable contacts in new foreign markets. As a result, we secured international distribution agreements with Grand Trading (Canada), Vin Distribution (Southeast Asia), and Second Chance (UK/Western Europe).
The foundational export strategy and mentorship provided by WTCSD have been game-changing.
What is on the horizon for Sunday Golf’s international growth?
Over the next year, Sunday Golf will continue strengthening relationships and growing sales in our current international markets. A key focus will be identifying and securing distribution partners in untapped regions such as Japan, South Korea, the Middle East, and potentially Latin America. We also plan to increase participation in international trade shows and further invest in our digital marketing efforts to support global growth.
What advice would you give to companies interested in growing internationally and participating in MetroConnect?
For companies looking to expand internationally, we strongly recommend leveraging WTCSD and its mentorship programs. As a small, bootstrapped company, WTCSD has been invaluable in helping us to grow our business internationally and create more jobs in San Diego.
With MetroConnect’s support, Sunday Golf was able to go from $0 in international revenue to $1M in forecasted international revenue in just one year. We would not be where we are today without the program.
On June 5, Sunday Golf is pitching to win $25,000 toward international growth:
Your turn: Grow your international sales with MetroConnect, too!
Like Sunday Golf, apply to join MetroConnect VIII, and receive an export grant, expert advising, workshops, regional mentors, and more.
The application takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Plus: Learn how 110 MetroConnect alumni, including Dr. Bronner’s, Blue Sky Network, EDDY Pump, and White Labs, leveraged the program to drive 66 percent average export growth and 45 percent average revenue growth.