Pin-seeker
Well-known member
Still works out quite a bit cheaper tbh mate.
Pro shops closing
- Thread starter shivas irons
- Start date
Still works out quite a bit cheaper tbh mate.
Old Skier
Tour Winner
Our club did away with ours as we could'nt afford a retainer. Shame really because the good ones I know do give added value. Some of the younger ones, rightly so, are worried about where the next £ is coming from.
arnieboy
Challenge Tour Pro
Same issue as Homer, loads of club branded clothing. The pro also concentrates solely on top brans, Callaway, Footjoy, CG etc, most of the members can't afford £129 for a pair of waterproof trousers. Either that or their wives won't let them spend that sort of money!
Imurg
The Grinder Of Pars (Semi Crocked)
As you're so keen on asking for proof of things - you really think "most" Pro shops will give interest-free credit?
Some, maybe, - most...? In the real world?
D
Deleted member 15344
Guest
The ones I have encountered would - especially from the members of the club where they are.
But we are going round in circles here so I haven't got much more to add - I will continue to support local Pros and Pro Shops.
D
Deleted Member 1156
Guest
Where is everyone getting this '10% of green fees' from? Maybe at a public course but not at a private club. The pro at my old club gets his retainer but has to pay 3 assistants. How often do you guys have lessons with your club pro? Income from that source isn't going to be great when there are 4 of them all trying to get the business.
Robobum gave the analogy of the guy buying a pair of shoes earlier in this thread, I think that pretty much sums up the extra value you get from your local man. If you want to save a tenner by going to your local discount store then that is your choice but when they point you to the £10 packet of spikes on the rack ask yourself if the saving was worth it.
Robobum gave the analogy of the guy buying a pair of shoes earlier in this thread, I think that pretty much sums up the extra value you get from your local man. If you want to save a tenner by going to your local discount store then that is your choice but when they point you to the £10 packet of spikes on the rack ask yourself if the saving was worth it.
moogie
Tour Winner
10% of green fees is quite normal in this area
Why does the Pro at your old club need 3 assistants.......??
You have to be making it pretty decent to pay for 3 extras, or you just simply wouldnt do it.....??
Unless he is just a registered charity...........
Robobum
Money List Winner
How many assistants would you have?
moogie
Tour Winner
Robobum
Money List Winner
It's a genuine question.
Your shop will have to be open for a minimum of 360 days for 9hrs a day average. Would you do that all yourself?
moogie
Tour Winner
I know it was a genuine question, and I gave u an honest and serious answer
Im sorry, but when a Pro takes up these positions, they know what it entails
The size of the club Pro shops in my area are so small, most take very little stocking, and Id say most operate with only 1 Assistant
I do know of some that have 'Volunteer' helpers , a bit of casual labour
D
Deleted Member 1156
Guest
3 assistants isn't excessive. If they all have 2 days off a week, then one to staff the shop, one might be out giving lessons. Someone has to order stock, repair clubs, answer the phone, do the books. In the summer they will want time off to play in their various PGA assistants tournaments etc.
All that lot soon eats up their time. When you walk into your shop, you don't want to be waiting around 10 mins while the only person in there is dealing with a phone query or another customer?
moogie
Tour Winner
Id just like to add, Ive a few friends locally that are Pros (and 1 assistant) and they are all doing just fine
Yes, the hours are crap
But they already figured that out and went in 'eyes open'
On another point
The Price Match scenario
1 pal has his own place and tells me he will (and can) price match any genuine deal
The only time he cant is when the big boys have access to clearance items/lines
So when a Pro says he cant, most of the time it just means, THEY WONT, and there is a difference
Yes, the hours are crap
But they already figured that out and went in 'eyes open'
On another point
The Price Match scenario
1 pal has his own place and tells me he will (and can) price match any genuine deal
The only time he cant is when the big boys have access to clearance items/lines
So when a Pro says he cant, most of the time it just means, THEY WONT, and there is a difference
moogie
Tour Winner
I know of NO club shops in my area that would warrant that many staff
Some shops are actually SHUT whilst the Pro gives lessons, if the assistant is off
Robobum
Money List Winner
It's each to their own preference and where your coin goes and how you use it is entirely up to you.
But, it would be a travesty if my club lost or done away with the pro. I'd also be apprehensive about playing somewhere that doesn't have a pro as your point of call to welcome and book in visitors.
But, it would be a travesty if my club lost or done away with the pro. I'd also be apprehensive about playing somewhere that doesn't have a pro as your point of call to welcome and book in visitors.
Robobum
Money List Winner
What happens if visitors rock up to play whilst the shop's shut?
moogie
Tour Winner
Im sorry I dont have the answer to that
Perhaps relying on the 'honest' golfer returning to the shop after their round
It has actually happened at my club , and Ive seen visitors directed to the Sec office to pay
fundy
Ryder Cup Winner
Why? Do you need to be a professional golfer to offer a warm welcome, book in visitors and take a green fee? Its done by the club owners or staff at our place and am not sure how a pro would improve on what they do
D
Deleted member 15344
Guest
What about your juice for the round or the bar of choc you need or possibly the need to stock up on balls
Robobum
Money List Winner
Ok, so you try the pro shop door and it's locked - not a great welcome.
Kind member redirects you to the sec - ah, not so bad
Pay green fee - painful but necessary
Can I get a card and planner?..........In the shop - oops
I need some balls too......In the shop - oops again
And can I hire a push trolley please.....Shop again - Sod it, give me my money back and we'll go elsewhere.
If you don't need green fee income that's fine, but not many clubs that do.
