GM Team I think I love you!!!!

[Ronnoc1980]

Just returned (via the range) from my fitting at AG at the Trafford Center and all I can say is im a very lucky lad.
After turning up to see NWJocko strolling off with the Titleist D3 I was think oh fab watch me plumb for the 2011 Donny slammer but how wrong I was! My eye's lit up as I stood looking at the new R11, Ping i15 tour, and just been unwrapped the all new Callaway Razr Hawk Tour. The AG lads came rushing through to get a look/hit as the club had only just landed that morning with the store and as yet no one had even had a crack with it after the lads hitting a few it was down to my fitting.

First up was the Ping after hitting this bad boy Mike of AG came to the conclusion after seeing the flight scope stats that I would be pushed to hit anything better. However then came the black Hawk my biggest miss of centre was only 10yrd and average length 280yrds(up hill the flight and shape was as good as I have hit in a long time. Having switch to 6.5 rifles I was hoping to try a tour stiff shaft and this baby did not disappoint. Then came the R11 which I was hoping I would want but after hitting it in a number of combo's I was just not feeling it although I did hit my longest shot of the session with the R11 but overall it felt a little dead(oh and not keen on white)

So I am now the very proud owner of a Razr Hawk 9.5 Tour and LOVE IT.

I would also so like to say how very nice the GM team were and a big thanks to Mike for this chance of a life time. As for the set up at AG Trafford I would say its second to non and the knowledge of the staff there was 1st class and I will be 100% dropping back in and recommending to friends in the future if not just to get there Smash Factor checked out!!
[image]

[/image]

Thanks Kev C

 

[golfstick]

hmm it was the trafford center AG that tried to sell me callaway x20s with ubniflex shafts and said they would be fine no matter what my speed was

 

[NWJocko]

Hi ronnoc,

Was good to meet you, glad you enjoyed it aswell. You're a big hitter, mine were generally between 260 and 270 with the titleist! First time ive known how far i hit a club and pleasantly surprised!

 

[Ronnoc1980]

Hi ronnoc,

Was good to meet you, glad you enjoyed it aswell. You're a big hitter, mine were generally between 260 and 270 with the titleist! First time ive known how far i hit a club and pleasantly surprised!

Yes would of been nice to be able to have a chat. As for hitting I got hold of one with the R11 and the AG lads were pissing them selfs how far it went lol

 

[GB72]

Very jealous, really liking the look of this club.

 

[HRC99]

Getting greener with envy by the minute. Sounds like cracking fun.

Let us know how you get on with it out on the course.

 

[Region3]

Sounds great, glad you had a good time and got something nice from it.

Do you think it's that much better than your old driver to improve your game much?

 

[thecraw]

280!!!!


I'm obviously one of the shortest hitters on this forum! My average carry on my Titleist fitting was 231!

 

[Durango]

I worked at AG trafford a couple of years ago. I walked out after a week as the staff were told to (and relished) doing everything they could to push the lesser brand clubs as they gained AG the most profit. I got sick of trying to flog completely unsuitable clubs to people, Nicklaus were the main culprits. Certainly wouldn't advise people to shop there unless it's changed dramatically. Still, sounds as though the OP had a great day!

 

[Ronnoc1980]

Sounds great, glad you had a good time and got something nice from it.

Do you think it's that much better than your old driver to improve your game much?

Hi,
2 points really first off iv been trying to get hold of a SQ str8 fit X-stiff shaft to try with no luck as I switched to 6.5 in my irons and have seen real improvment.
Secound as i switch to baseball grip (only in the driver) about a year ago I have been sending the 10.5 real high so would hope the 9.5 in the Callaway may help this issue.

 

[goldenbare]

280!!!!
I'm obviously one of the shortest hitters on this forum! My average carry on my Titleist fitting was 231!

Craw, I think it’s a bit like those films you can watch which show people with no clothes on. Like the big boys on the forum, they like to show off, but Mr Average is a lot shorter.

 

[NWJocko]

I worked at AG trafford a couple of years ago. I walked out after a week as the staff were told to (and relished) doing everything they could to push the lesser brand clubs as they gained AG the most profit. I got sick of trying to flog completely unsuitable clubs to people, Nicklaus were the main culprits. Certainly wouldn't advise people to shop there unless it's changed dramatically. Still, sounds as though the OP had a great day!

This was my concern, having never been there for clubs before however today it wasnt the case, not a nicklaus club in sight.

I think homer (?) mentioned a while back that he'd seen their sales targets and was heavily weighted towatds nicklaus, yonex and (i think) wilson.

Out of interest, why is there such a tie in with nicklaus at ag?

 

[Ronnoc1980]

280!!!!


I'm obviously one of the shortest hitters on this forum! My average carry on my Titleist fitting was 231!

Ahh but I bet you hit more fairways than me

 

[Durango]

No idea matey, didn't hang around long enough to find out why! It's all well and good for the people know what they want but alot of people walk in and automatically trust the guys working there, big mistake!

 

[Ronnoc1980]

I worked at AG trafford a couple of years ago. I walked out after a week as the staff were told to (and relished) doing everything they could to push the lesser brand clubs as they gained AG the most profit. I got sick of trying to flog completely unsuitable clubs to people, Nicklaus were the main culprits. Certainly wouldn't advise people to shop there unless it's changed dramatically. Still, sounds as though the OP had a great day!

This was my concern, having never been there for clubs before however today it wasnt the case, not a nicklaus club in sight.

I think homer (?) mentioned a while back that he'd seen their sales targets and was heavily weighted towatds nicklaus, yonex and (i think) wilson.

Out of interest, why is there such a tie in with nicklaus at ag?

In an ideal world sales men would be given no targets and just meet the customers needs but in reality thats not the case the powers that be want returne on good margin products.
But I can only tell it as I saw it today and all staff were very friendly and helpfull and the software was top class. If you go into any shop imo ready to part with your hard earned then you should try and do some reserch first so not to have your leg lifted!

I feel its a fine balance we all want the low prices that major chain stores offer but also want the one to one of a local pro(who may I add are still trying to turn a profit). Local Pro can offer one option ie one2one, good rep,understanding of your game ect but will not have the buyying power of the likes of AG. Major chains on the other hand have leading tech, massive stock, buying power. There is of course + & - for both but with both do your home work and you wont go far wrong, just my opinion.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I worked at AG trafford a couple of years ago. I walked out after a week as the staff were told to (and relished) doing everything they could to push the lesser brand clubs as they gained AG the most profit. I got sick of trying to flog completely unsuitable clubs to people, Nicklaus were the main culprits. Certainly wouldn't advise people to shop there unless it's changed dramatically. Still, sounds as though the OP had a great day!

This was my concern, having never been there for clubs before however today it wasnt the case, not a nicklaus club in sight.

I think homer (?) mentioned a while back that he'd seen their sales targets and was heavily weighted towatds nicklaus, yonex and (i think) wilson.

Out of interest, why is there such a tie in with nicklaus at ag?

In an ideal world sales men would be given no targets and just meet the customers needs but in reality thats not the case the powers that be want returne on good margin products.
But I can only tell it as I saw it today and all staff were very friendly and helpfull and the software was top class. If you go into any shop imo ready to part with your hard earned then you should try and do some reserch first so not to have your leg lifted!

I feel its a fine balance we all want the low prices that major chain stores offer but also want the one to one of a local pro(who may I add are still trying to turn a profit). Local Pro can offer one option ie one2one, good rep,understanding of your game ect but will not have the buyying power of the likes of AG. Major chains on the other hand have leading tech, massive stock, buying power. There is of course + & - for both but with both do your home work and you wont go far wrong, just my opinion.

I was going to work for AG at Maidenhead and knew the guys who were running it before hand so got them to give me the lowdown re commission etc and it was shocking. I'm glad everyone had a very good day today and came away with some goodies but I can't help thinking AG were on bestest of best behaviour.

I know a few of the guys at other AG stores (Camberley and Slough) socially and through golf and they have said margins are even tighter and that 2011 is going to be heavily towards Nicklaus and Wilson

 

[Ronnoc1980]

I worked at AG trafford a couple of years ago. I walked out after a week as the staff were told to (and relished) doing everything they could to push the lesser brand clubs as they gained AG the most profit. I got sick of trying to flog completely unsuitable clubs to people, Nicklaus were the main culprits. Certainly wouldn't advise people to shop there unless it's changed dramatically. Still, sounds as though the OP had a great day!

This was my concern, having never been there for clubs before however today it wasnt the case, not a nicklaus club in sight.

I think homer (?) mentioned a while back that he'd seen their sales targets and was heavily weighted towatds nicklaus, yonex and (i think) wilson.

Out of interest, why is there such a tie in with nicklaus at ag?

In an ideal world sales men would be given no targets and just meet the customers needs but in reality thats not the case the powers that be want returne on good margin products.
But I can only tell it as I saw it today and all staff were very friendly and helpfull and the software was top class. If you go into any shop imo ready to part with your hard earned then you should try and do some reserch first so not to have your leg lifted!

I feel its a fine balance we all want the low prices that major chain stores offer but also want the one to one of a local pro(who may I add are still trying to turn a profit). Local Pro can offer one option ie one2one, good rep,understanding of your game ect but will not have the buyying power of the likes of AG. Major chains on the other hand have leading tech, massive stock, buying power. There is of course + & - for both but with both do your home work and you wont go far wrong, just my opinion.

I was going to work for AG at Maidenhead and knew the guys who were running it before hand so got them to give me the lowdown re commission etc and it was shocking. I'm glad everyone had a very good day today and came away with some goodies but I can't help thinking AG were on bestest of best behaviour.

I know a few of the guys at other AG stores (Camberley and Slough) socially and through golf and they have said margins are even tighter and that 2011 is going to be heavily towards Nicklaus and Wilson

Homer, It was a very good day and while I am sure your info is correct there is still a onus for the buyer to do there home work and know when they go into these chains what they are looking for. If not then as wrong as it maybe margin will in many cases be king!

Just a question would you go and buy a new TV from Currys/Comet ect without getting a feel for best brand/price?

 

[GB72]

I really do not see the problem. Golf stores are no different to anywhere else or any other sales experience. If I go into a shop to buy a TV any half decent salesman will sell me one. I can look at all of the options, try them out, take advice and make a decision and that is all that golf stores are doing. Noboday forces you to buy anything, you can do any research you like, try anything you want and decide what to buy. And I really do not buy the fairytale image of the club pro who knows your swing and will only sell you the perfect club. My club pro knows little about my swing, the assistant has given me lessons but not once has given me a recommendation when I am looking at clubs to buy. My pro has no extra shaft options and no tech to assist with a fit. And whilst I am on the subject, why do pros stock certain brands? Is it because they have the bigger mark up? Is is because, as one pro informed me, the brand he stocks makes sure that he never pays for a club himself so he stocks them rather than the previous brand that he stocked that only gave him a discount? Is this not the same as a golf superstore is doing except the pro is not simply putting forward an alternative, he is taking away choices so as you can only chose from those that give him the best deal.
I shop Direct Golf alot of the time and am perfectly happy with the service they offer. I am no longer near an AG but the one in Kettering has given me good service, let me out on a real putting green with as many putters as I liked and left me to it.

Rant Over

 

[Ronnoc1980]

I really do not see the problem. Golf stores are no different to anywhere else or any other sales experience. If I go into a shop to buy a TV any half decent salesman will sell me one. I can look at all of the options, try them out, take advice and make a decision and that is all that golf stores are doing. Noboday forces you to buy anything, you can do any research you like, try anything you want and decide what to buy. And I really do not buy the fairytale image of the club pro who knows your swing and will only sell you the perfect club. My club pro knows little about my swing, the assistant has given me lessons but not once has given me a recommendation when I am looking at clubs to buy. My pro has no extra shaft options and no tech to assist with a fit. And whilst I am on the subject, why do pros stock certain brands? Is it because they have the bigger mark up? Is is because, as one pro informed me, the brand he stocks makes sure that he never pays for a club himself so he stocks them rather than the previous brand that he stocked that only gave him a discount? Is this not the same as a golf superstore is doing except the pro is not simply putting forward an alternative, he is taking away choices so as you can only chose from those that give him the best deal.
I shop Direct Golf alot of the time and am perfectly happy with the service they offer. I am no longer near an AG but the one in Kettering has given me good service, let me out on a real putting green with as many putters as I liked and left me to it.

Rant Over

I share the point of view too

 

[HomerJSimpson]

The problem I've seen is that a customer walks into the store uncertain about what they want. They know they want say a cavity back because they are new to the game etc but all that happens is that AG will push their main brands. Now I understand what you are saying about doing your homework but if you are new to the game or just want to try some new irons before making a purchase, it seems so worng that the salesman won't even show them the Cally, Pings TM etc. I've even seen them say "thay wouldn't be right for you" without even seeing them hit a ball or ask about their game

It's the level of service I think I have an issue with (and no Mike I won't be putting my name forward) and the fact that customers are parting with money for gear that probably isn't what they wanted and without even the chance to see the whole range.