In 2005 Lamkin Corporation, the world's second-largest manufacturer of golf grips, purchased the Royal Grip brand of golf grips from Royal Precision.

Bob Lamkin, president of Lamkin Corporation, said a major reason for the purchase was because of the outstanding branding of Royal Grip in the Asian market.

"The Royal Grip brand is very strong in Japan and this opportunity will allow us to introduce new Lamkin products under the Royal Grip brand, giving us considerably greater avenues for new product distribution," Lamkin said. "We will develop current and future projects in Japan using the strength of the Royal name."

Royal Precision and Lamkin Corporation, both 80-year-old companies, have recently enjoyed tremendous growth in the international golf market.