Direct golf under new ownership

[jamielaing]

Just had a quick look at the website and, shock horror, Dunlop and Slazenger now in stock. A lot of the newer clubs (Taylor Made M1 for example) are not on the website too.

Looks like Direct Golf is now Sports Direct- Golf. Shame as it was a good competitor to American Golf. Now I doubt I will shop there again as it seems it will turn into a bargain basement outfit.

 

[RollinThunder]

I imagine that Sports Direct is the worst enemy of the club pro and American Golf, with it's dirt cheap balls, clothes, and accessories, which they just can't compete with, and now Direct Golf has been sucked in.

I also imagine that Sports Direct will offload it's low-end golf gear onto Direct Golf, and you'll maybe see less well-known, top-end brands, and more Dunlop and Slazenger kicking around.

 

[patricks148]

I don't think I've ever bought anything from them, i prefer to support the local pro's

 

[jamielaing]

I imagine that Sports Direct is the worst enemy of the club pro and American Golf, with it's dirt cheap balls, clothes, and accessories, which they just can't compete with, and now Direct Golf has been sucked in.

I also imagine that Sports Direct will offload it's low-end golf gear onto Direct Golf, and you'll maybe see less well-known, top-end brands, and more Dunlop and Slazenger kicking around.

It is dirt cheap but there isn't much in the way of quality. The only premium balls they are selling are mizuno which I presume is left over stock rather than bought in by them. No Titleist Pro V1s or any of the top balls.

Massive shame as American Golf need a competitor.

 

[jamielaing]

I don't think I've ever bought anything from them, i prefer to support the local pro's

I'm with you Patrick but at times they don't have the items you can get elsewhere. Also, as much as I want to support the local pro one round my way was selling Tour Preferred balls at £40 a dozen while AG were at £25. I'll support my pro but not with that mark up.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

I don't think I've ever bought anything from them, i prefer to support the local pro's

I agree - stick with your local pro if you can - especially if you he is your club pro. Good chance he be able to source anything significant you wish either himself or through his network (Foremost Golf in the case of my club)

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

I'm with you Patrick but at times they don't have the items you can get elsewhere. Also, as much as I want to support the local pro one round my way was selling Tour Preferred balls at £40 a dozen while AG were at £25. I'll support my pro but not with that mark up.

How do you know it was a mark up and not a loss leader by AG? Agree the difference is significant and makes buying from the pro less straightforward a decision

 

[jamielaing]

How do you know it was a mark up and not a loss leader by AG? Agree the difference is significant and makes buying from the pro less straightforward a decision

Sorry, not a mark up and I believe AG were getting rid off stock but either way almost twice the price. Local pros won't match that. I have in the past given the pro the opportunity to match prices but he can't always manage it.

 

[Jacko_G]

I'll throw a few squid that way, anything to help Ashley's case against the SFA!


:rofl:

 

[Fish]

How do you know it was a mark up and not a loss leader by AG? Agree the difference is significant and makes buying from the pro less straightforward a decision

No such term in retail now, it can be deemed as illegal under the competitions act and when challenged by another retailer/seller can be seen by the authorities as predatory selling, which is the wilful act to harm or eliminate competitors, whist price fixing is 100% illegal selling below cost is a very dangerous practice and any breach of any policies under the competitions act can get you a minimum fine of 10% or your annual turnover, this was aimed at the supermarkets to control their out of hand antics but is slowly being rolled out across all products in all sectors.

I have had first hand experience of this at both ends of the spectrum, one I won and 1 I lost, and it was costly!

 

[Fish]

Sorry, not a mark up and I believe AG were getting rid off stock but either way almost twice the price. Local pros won't match that. I have in the past given the pro the opportunity to match prices but he can't always manage it.

Just seen this after I had replied above, so this when proven is acceptable.

also, you can't expect anyone to match a loss!

 

[Jimaroid]

My observation of Direct Golf was that they priced products against recommended retail price and then continually discounted to a normal market price.
Sports Direct are no different except they do it with lower quality products with a dubious MRRP considering they are both manufacturer and supplier.

I'm sure it's all within the law and good luck to them but they'll not have my business.

 

[SAPCOR1]

I'll throw a few squid that way, anything to help Ashley's case against the SFA!


:rofl:

Why?

 

[Doon frae Troon]

IT seems like only yesterday when Dunlop/Slazenger were the brand leaders.

Ashley's case against the SFA will prove to be interesting.
I must admit to being pretty surprised when they deemed King a 'fit and proper person'.

 

[SAPCOR1]

I see, football and anti Rangers so "help" Mike Ashley. Pathetic!

 

[ChrisB0210]

My understanding is that DG will continue as a separate business, albeit under SD/ Ashley's ownership. They are supposed to be continuing with the brands stocked prior to administration and the change of ownership, although I understand that Ping aren't especially impressed with the change of ownership and are yet to be won over.

I'm also told that Ashley/SD aim to take the fight to AG, so could be interesting times ahead if any kind of price war does break out.

In terms of buying my golf gear, I tend to look at both value and service. My last few purchases in terms of clothing, shoes and balls have been from my club pro, DG and Clubhouse Golf. So I'll continue to buy from whoever gives me best price, goods and service, be it the club pro, DG, Clubhouse or any other retailer.

I certainly wouldn't boycott DG based on ownership. As a father of two youngsters, I've bought from SD both for the kids and me in the past. I'm not Ashley's biggest fan but he does sell sportswear at good prices, something that I can't afford to be precious about.

 

[Jacko_G]

I see, football and anti Rangers so "help" Mike Ashley. Pathetic!

As pathetic as any Rangers fan boycotting Sports Direct?

I see it as standing up to the SFA who are desperate to do anything to allow a club that cheated back into the top flight, the same SFA who let the club back into the league despite not meeting the entry criteria, the same SFA who are allowing someone who potentially is not a fit and proper person under there own guidelines.

I see a chance of justice.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

As pathetic as any Rangers fan boycotting Sports Direct?

I see it as standing up to the SFA who are desperate to do anything to allow a club that cheated back into the top flight, the same SFA who let the club back into the league despite not meeting the entry criteria, the same SFA who are allowing someone who potentially is not a fit and proper person under there own guidelines.

I see a chance of justice.

A Celtic fan then.

 

[SAPCOR1]

H

As pathetic as any Rangers fan boycotting Sports Direct?

I see it as standing up to the SFA who are desperate to do anything to allow a club that cheated back into the top flight, the same SFA who let the club back into the league despite not meeting the entry criteria, the same SFA who are allowing someone who potentially is not a fit and proper person under there own guidelines.

I see a chance of justice.

Cheated? In what way?

So you'd rather have Brora Rangers with 900 supporters at their games than Glasgow Rangers with 45,000 supporters. Why?

Justice? For what! Even former players who lost cups or leagues from various teams have said they are not interested. They lost of the field of play fair and square.

Rangers fans who are boycotting SD are taking action against someone who they feel are harming their club. Big difference from someone "supporting" SD in order to get at their main rivals.

 

[Jacko_G]

H

Cheated? In what way?

So you'd rather have Brora Rangers with 900 supporters at their games than Glasgow Rangers with 45,000 supporters. Why?

Justice? For what! Even former players who lost cups or leagues from various teams have said they are not interested. They lost of the field of play fair and square.

Rangers fans who are boycotting SD are taking action against someone who they feel are harming their club. Big difference from someone "supporting" SD in order to get at their main rivals.

You keep telling yourself that petal. You'll soon believe it.


:thup: