What makes for a Great - Awesome pro shop?
 

Wondering what items (merch, clubs, training aids), people or anything thing else you can think of that make for great pro shop experiences. Or what do you look for in a shop when considering membership?

When deciding what course to play for the year I my first consideration is cost, then move onto how well the course is taken care of/ greens kept neat. I'm only 21 yet but even this young I get turned away from a course with a bunch of preteen boys hacking around the practice green because I'm sure they're doing the same when they play a round. The pro shop I basically look for friendliness of the employees working in there. I'm golfing a course this year as a member that I haven't played too much in the past and have made pretty good friends in the pro shop that are now a few of my regular golfing buddies. It helps when the workers are golfers and know the game to answer any general questions, besides that; I order most of my clubs online or off here at THP, Selection of equipment is not taken into consideration when I look, 95% of the stuff in there is well over priced at the majority of the shops I've been to.

Great people!

One thing I like about the pro shop at my club is that almost all of it is available for me to take to the range or the course. Selection can be spotty, which is one of the real downfalls of a proshop (at least the ones around here).

Great pro shops should offer a great selection, without feeling cluttered. Knowledgeable staff, who are friendly and willing to help you in any way possible.

Think the staff is the most important part and I'm not just saying it because I worked in a pro shop.

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i think a quality pro shop should have great, knowledgeable and helpful (not pushy) customer service. Clubmaking/fitting is a must, with a nice variety of manufacturers selections in shop (from beginner to game improvement to players clubs), a wide selection of different balls (again, from beginner to pro quality), and a good selection of accessories, not necessarily to include apparel.

lots of options and different gear, good used bin. nice putting green. and most important a friendly, knowledgeable, and NOT cocky staff

My favorite pro shop is at a public course in Sacramento. The have all the brands and have a vast array of demo clubs - drivers irons, fairway woods, wedges, putters, hybrids. The demo clubs are available in different flexes and shafts. Typically for a driver, they will have about 15-20 demo clubs of each model. You can check out 3 clubs to the outdoor range(free balls) at a time, and swap them out as many times as you would like. It's obviously great if you are trying to decide between two different clubs, flexes, shafts or loft's as they will have all for you to hit on their outdoor range. Their selection of shoes, clothing and bags is as or more extensive than a big box retailer like Golf Galaxy.

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.

I'm not overly worried about Pro Shops as long as they have the basics in place and aren't too far out of line with costs. The people are the major concern for me, I need a sullen 18y old with a 4 handicap giving me attitude like I need a hole in the head.

The big box stores and internet shopping have been hard on all the pro shops here, even at the higher end courses. That effects selection, although mine's certainly willing and able to order anything for me. They just can't keep it all in stock so someone can beat the snot out of the demos and go buy it for $50 less elsewhere. As such, be friendly, have some gloves / tees / hats / shirts around, be knowledgeable, and I'm satisfied.

I look at staff, preferably a bar to have a few drinks after a round, and finally, I prefer a pro shop that is not so sponsored by one company that they actually have multiple brands of equipment.

~Rock

great responses. one things for sure everyone needs good people in a great shop

Agreed, it's all about the staff!!

The amount of equipment is a nonfactor for me. Have some demos, but don't load the place up. Have good people who are happy to see you. The worst is feeling like your inconviencing the pro shop with your presence. Also, have some nice shirts with your course logo. I probably will spend more on a shirt than golf.

The biggest thing I look for in a pro shop is their service to be honest. I want employees who can help me and treat me with respect, and people in place to keep the pace of play up.

A friendly staff always helps. The rest is pretty straight forward last minute Golf equipment.

I like to see seasonal outerwear with reasonable prices. Just leave the manufacturer"s suggested retail price on and place a red sticker that says 20% off.

We all know the suggested retail price is too high. Make us feel like your passing on some savings!

Afterall, We're paying money to wear a shirt that advertises the courses name!

Too high for the consumer I not always too high for the pro shop. Pro shops are not large retail box stores. I can say from experience that the markup in most pro shops are not as high as many people think. Ordering lower quantities of product means higher prices being paid by the shop in comparison to large box stores.

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Plenty of product to demo and knowledgeable staff that don't come off as jerks. A place near here started out well, but the owner was such a "know it all" people started driving further away to buy their gear. He just sold out!

I think the thread is more about a golf course pro shop, not a store though duey.

Friendly staff is the biggest thing. I think my course has that and then some. We don't have clubs, but carry shirts, gloves, balls and caps. There are a few umbrellas, socks, tees, a few rain jackets and pullovers. I don't think a pro shop is designed to be a retail store but are more for having some basic essentials you either ran out of or have forgotten to bring that day.

But a surly staff ruins the whole experience. Gotta be friendly and nice.