American Golf- are they safe?

[Lord Tyrion]

I think people are generous in thinking most people know what has happened to AG. The vast majority are totally unaware that anything has occurred. Why change the name if only a hard core are aware of a change in ownership. Business as usual to the average punter.

 

[Dannyc]

A local municipal course to me had a AG golf shop there that has just closed down
Not sure how good it was but it’s a busy course

 

[need_my_wedge]

I looked on their website for new trolley prices, and was surprised to find they had hardly any on there. They used to have loads of Clicgear, Cube etc ones but they've all vanished. I haven't had a chance to get down to a store and see what it's like there.

I got a £25 voucher for Christmas, should I just grab a box of balls with it ASAP??

If your implying that you need to get rid because the company is in trouble, if you need a box of balls, go grab them quick. But they're not in trouble , all the new gear will be along shortly when the manufacturers deliver all the new releases we're reading about on a daily basis. If you want something else, hold on to it and put it towards the new gear when it arrives.

 

[shortgame]

I got a £25 voucher for Christmas, should I just grab a box of balls with it ASAP??

Why?

 

[HughJars]

AG is a recognised name (amongst golfers anyway) and so if they cease to us the AG as a trading name it'll take a lot of time for people to realise that they are still the same company if they trade under a different name or logo. I'm sure some will assume the store has been taken over by an independent retailer. I would be surprised if they did get rid of the name unless absolutely necessary

I think people are generous in thinking most people know what has happened to AG. The vast majority are totally unaware that anything has occurred. Why change the name if only a hard core are aware of a change in ownership. Business as usual to the average punter.

I think I'm misunderstood here, I'd like to think I keep up with trends more than the average golfer, but I'd totally missed this had happened, for 95% (at least) this would be the same.

Now, IMO, I don't think AG has a great rep, but maybe that's just again for the few who really look into their retailers, does the average Joe just see it as a place that is likely to be cheapest and buy regardless?

 

[Parsaregood]

If your implying that you need to get rid because the company is in trouble, if you need a box of balls, go grab them quick. But they're not in trouble , all the new gear will be along shortly when the manufacturers deliver all the new releases we're reading about on a daily basis. If you want something else, hold on to it and put it towards the new gear when it arrives.

What about all the clothing, balls, gloves, bags ? They hardly have anything. I can't imagine they are just not building stock of these for the reason you state, in the east kilbride store which is a HUGE unit they have about 8 pairs of shoes and they are actually writing the few sizes they have available, it's a huge fall from grace in my opinion

 

[need_my_wedge]

What about all the clothing, balls, gloves, bags ? They hardly have anything. I can't imagine they are just not building stock of these for the reason you state, in the east kilbride store which is a HUGE unit they have about 8 pairs of shoes and they are actually writing the few sizes they have available, it's a huge fall from grace in my opinion

Maybe they've decided there's no market for golfers in Scotland

 

[Parsaregood]

Maybe they've decided there's no market for golfers in Scotland

Let's hope your right

 

[User2021]

AG is a recognised name (amongst golfers anyway) and so if they cease to us the AG as a trading name it'll take a lot of time for people to realise that they are still the same company if they trade under a different name or logo. I'm sure some will assume the store has been taken over by an independent retailer. I would be surprised if they did get rid of the name unless absolutely necessary

Dont think their is any suggestion the trading name will change

 

[HughJars]

What about all the clothing, balls, gloves, bags ? They hardly have anything. I can't imagine they are just not building stock of these for the reason you state, in the east kilbride store which is a HUGE unit they have about 8 pairs of shoes and they are actually writing the few sizes they have available, it's a huge fall from grace in my opinion

If they've changed hands, be a new legal entity, takes time to set up new vendor accounts, and it's not the time of year when loads of new stock comes in. They'll be clearing the decks

 

[Bunkermagnet]

The AG shop at the Gravesend range closes 15th jan, with the staff notified a week before Christmas. The shop has been slowly run down, with their own brand clothing left and some balls. All the hardware was second hand stuff during last quarter of 2018.
I got given an AG gift card for Xmas. Used it on-line no problem for something I didnt need, but will come in handy.
Cant say I'm a lover of AG.

 

[elmoag]

Hi all you can expect lots of stock to be dropping into the Ag stores shortly especially all the new ranges. We have been working very hard to clear down old stocks and reorganise and can now look forward to the restocking for the season ahead.
To clarify we have accounts with all the major brands and have their full support.
There will be plenty to spend those gift vouchers on.
Just wanted to give a bit perspective.
Amongst the speculation.

 

[need_my_wedge]

Two minutes after watching Joel's review on GM, I got a text from the boy telling me that the Cobra F9 demo kit has arrived. Think a quick visit at lunchtime to try may be in the offing.

 

[3puttpercy]

Went to the Camberley branch earlier in the week
Not much stock I'm afraid.
Only wanted some new studs for my FJ shoes.
Was told no studs in stock "haven't had any for the last couple of months"

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Went to the Camberley branch earlier in the week
Not much stock I'm afraid.
Only wanted some new studs for my FJ shoes.
Was told no studs in stock "haven't had any for the last couple of months"

Don't try Bird Hills. Even worse stock at the moment

 

[Grant85]

I'd imagine the plan is to basically only maintain larger stores that are attached to a driving range or a course.

This way they can offer a decent fitting service and provide a service that is better than online only retailers. And economies of scale could still allow them to compete on price.

As far as I can see, the smaller stores that were positioned in towns with a decent golfing population have already closed.

 

[Deleted member 3432]

Nearest store to me is least 2 hours away so couldn't care less to be honest

 

[Parsaregood]

I'd imagine the plan is to basically only maintain larger stores that are attached to a driving range or a course.

This way they can offer a decent fitting service and provide a service that is better than online only retailers. And economies of scale could still allow them to compete on price.

As far as I can see, the smaller stores that were positioned in towns with a decent golfing population have already closed.

Well if that's their plan, they must have forgotten about east kilbride and Irvine gailes, stock levels very poor in both

 

[Grant85]

Well if that's their plan, they must have forgotten about east kilbride and Irvine gailes, stock levels very poor in both

yes - was in EK just after Christmas and noticed that.

I'm sure there's a plan to put something in place.

Or maybe they will focus on the shops dealing in used equipment and fitting one or two manufacturers new clubs.

 

[need_my_wedge]

Well if that's their plan, they must have forgotten about east kilbride and Irvine gailes, stock levels very poor in both

Hi all you can expect lots of stock to be dropping into the Ag stores shortly especially all the new ranges. We have been working very hard to clear down old stocks and reorganise and can now look forward to the restocking for the season ahead.
To clarify we have accounts with all the major brands and have their full support.
There will be plenty to spend those gift vouchers on.
Just wanted to give a bit perspective.
Amongst the speculation.