Do you use the internet or a local pro?

[Mr_T]

Well its friday afternoon and im thoroughly bored so thought i'd spark a little debate, do you get the best price for your clubs by buying online or do you go to a pro, try stuff until you found whats right for you, and then buy through them? Personally I always buy through my pro as I feel its too much of a risk to buy something online without trying it, but thats just me

 

[pbrown7582]

Donnay 3 wood and Dunlop putter would suggest sports direct rather than the local pro?

 

[Mr_T]

well they were given to me when i first started so i never actually bought those, everything except my driver and hybrid were given to me by a random selection of people, but my driver and hybrid are both from my pro

 

[sweatysock41]

Personally I try to use the local pro - in my case it is at a driving range because the shop at our club didn't really stock anything. Changing now though as he is retiring - which could explain the rundown of what stock he had - and a new Pro starts this week.
If there was a genuine offer on the internet i.e. not last years stock but what was current then they would price match anyway.

 

[brendy]

Generally yes, sometimes its hard getting shoes etc that I want so will look online.

 

[Khamelion]

I got my 3 fairway fitted by a local Pro. but then bought the matching driver and 5 fairway online through American Golf.

My putter is a £7.99 Dunlop cheapy from Sports Direct, for which at the moment I don't feel the need to go and spend £75 upwards to replace something that works well for me, even though my peers all tell me I should replace it.

My irons and wedges were my dads, which I may change next year, but again even though they are ancient I like them and don't feel the need to change for changing sake. That said when I do decide that I would like some new irons I will get them fitted by a pro.

Cheers
Dave

 

[Monty_Brown]

As long as the pro is reasonably priced, then I'll try to support them when it comes to buying clubs, even if paying a wee bit more. I always haggle on most things any way so the internet prices are a useful way to get a bit off. I don't expect him to price match though, as he has overheads that online firms don't.

Have to say though that if I spot deals and special offers online for things like balls, I'll probably just snap them up, as I know exactly what I'm getting.

So, bit of both overall, but I try to give the pro first opportunity to get my business.

 

[Mr_T]

My putter is a £7.99 Dunlop cheapy from Sports Direct, for which at the moment I don't feel the need to go and spend £75 upwards to replace something that works well for me.

Exactly the same as me, I have a dunlop putter that was given to me by a mate, I tried a few odyessys in my pros shop but I actually felt that I hit the dunlop better :O I believe my pro tries to keep his prices in line with AG which is smart marketing in my opinion, that way I know Im getting close to the best price anyway and don't mind paying a little extra as I know the clubs are right for me

 

[DaveM]

Like most people I would think. A bit of both. All mine but the Driver and fairway wood came from the pro. They came from online golf for around £90 each. Dont turn down a bargain.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I tend to use my pro for major purchases like clubs etc and then shop around for thing like clothing. He usually price matches on most things. He quoted me £145 for a pair of myjoy icons which was better than anywhere could find online and I'd rather give him as much business as I can

 

[thecraw]

Driver - Local
3 wood - ebay

hybrid - GM forum

irons - local

47 wedge - ebay
52 wedge - GM forum
56 wedge - GM forum
60 wedge - local

putter - ebay USA.

cart bag - forum

Bit of a mixed bag to be honest but I'm a man that likes his bargains and the best bargains that I've had have genuinely been on here, the GM for sale section.

 

[golfcitydweller]

hey craw - u a closet fifer !

 

[thecraw]

Sorry, Euan still can't master the art of slipping a fiver between two coats of paint. That's the measure of a tight fly fifer!

 

[Mary]

I try to use our pro, as they will price match genuine on-line prices wherever they can. They'll sometimes stick a gratis bag of tees or sleeve of balls in the carrier bag with clothing purchases - keeps us ladies coming back for more!

If I don't have an Internet comparrison when buying a club (impulse buyer alert!) I will ask what their best price is - there's usually a deal to be done.

 

[Hobbit]

I always give the pro first chance, and to be honest he's matched the big shops/online virtually every time. On the odd occasion he hasn't matched them he's been close enough to still buy from him.

 

[GB72]

Internet or Direct Golf for me. My pro charges full RRP and there are no deals to be had at all. I am not in a position to pay full whack for my kit so my pro just cannot compete. If there was any discount or attempto to price match and I would give him a go but there is not. The only money I spend in the pro shop is on drinks or if I have won it in a comp.

 

[splashtryagain]

I have been fitted a few times and it's always about the same re static fit - only thing that differs is what shaft - try them local, look at what can be done. If no good go to the internet but will give pro a chance. Current irons off the bay after trying in a local shop. Driver - pro, wedges pro putter custom from states (bit of a risk but knew what I wanted).