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What makes for a Great - Awesome pro shop?
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08-16-2012, 04:59 PM
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Ilaubuas
Join Date
Oct 2005
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455
Senior Member
I think a lot of it depends on the area. If it is in a larger area where golf supplies can be had elsewhere, sometimes they just can't survive. Although I have seen many that have the best products and prices in the area so they end up doing quite well based on reputation and more than just members get supplies there. IMO, this is what I look for in a pro shop.
Clothing items. Golfers like specific types of clothes to play in and sometimes the local pro shop is the only place that has 'the good stuff'. Sometimes the brand selection can be limited based on whatever deal the pro(s) have so that can be a bummer. I hate going into a pro shop and only seeing Ashworth for instance. Not that there is anything wrong with Ashworth, but I prefer Nike so chances are I won't buy any Ashworth products. Same thing with shoes. It needs to have a couple brands and styles. One thing I like at a good pro shop is that they have golf specific stuff to wear that most places don't. Belts, socks, jackets, rain gear, etc.
Gloves. Sometimes this can be an after thought for a player so having a selection is critical. To me, gloves are basically three tiers; cheap, okay/so-so, and premium. In a pinch, I don't mind the brand to much. I have favorites, but if I need one at the time, I won't be too picky. I do however prefer a premium glove so they better have at least one type on hand. So if a course only has one brand, have all three tiers on hand.
Hats. To me one of the biggest impulse buys in a pro shop. If a pro shop has a bunch of different brands/styles/logos/colors, I'll be interested. Good hats can be hard to find so if they have one I like, I'll probably pick one up.
To me, having clubs isn't the biggest deal for a pro shop. It is the biggest investment so I understand if there aren't 15 different iron sets across the wall and a bag full of drivers. In my mind, if I ran a pro shop, it is so random. The odds of having exactly what someone wants, when they are ready to buy are pretty remote. What I prefer to see are tons of demos and fitting carts and the ability to get anything in within two weeks. That will sell me on clubs (if I was looking to buy anyway) more than just having random clubs and shafts on the floor. I want to be able to try before I buy and get the right set up. If a store has the resources for me to do that, I'll most likely buy from there. Putters are a different story. Keep 10-15 on hand and people will buy.
Other things aren't as important to me. Balls, tees, misc crap. Course logo items aren't a big deal to me, but I know a lot of people like to get something with a course logo, especially if they are a guest or rarely play there.
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