Supporting your Pro

[Golfmmad]

I think in answer to the OP question, it all depends on how good the Pro's customer service is, how well stocked his shop is, the choice of clubs/clothes and associated equipment on display. Somebody that builds up a good relationship and talks to his customers and shows an interest in you and your golf.

That's not to say that he should give free lessons, but just shows that he cares and even shares a bit of banter with you. Over the years I've seen both sides from different Pro's and thankfully the one now at my club is very professional.

I don't have the time or inclination to go for a club fitting, I don't earn a living from playing golf and just play for recreation. So when I'm looking for a new driver, I get the Pro to tape up the one I like and take it out on a practice round, of course, after he has set it up for me, usually with a draw bias. If I can hit it better than what I have then I'll buy it. He will also give me a fair price for my old driver, I don't use Ebay and can't be bothered with the hassle of trying to sell myself - nice and easy!

You just cannot get this kind of service from retail outlets IMO.

So yes, provided he's worth it, I'd support the Pro every time. :thup:

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Our pro has never carried much in the way of stock but will order in and will do a good job at matching. He does me some good deals but I wish he'd carry some clothing without the club badge on once in a while

 

[Fader]

I'm now at a new club so not much experience of the pro yet, but shop is decently stocked and priced from what I have seen, and in my limited meeting with the pro he seems a little skittish but that just a first opinion.

As for my old club I wouldn't support the pro if you paid me, more interested in acting like he owns the club and shooting the breeze with his hangers on than doing anything remotely good for customers actually wanting help.

 

[Airlie_Andy]

The pro I use for lessons is actually based at Snainton Golf in Hull. I'm in the market for a driver and a hybrid/5 wood so ill be having my fitting with him and buying from him/Snainton. Unless your club pro actually stocks all the different brands how can you do a true fitting? I guess if you have a driver in mind and the club pro stocks it then jobs a good un but if I'm spending a lot of money on clubs I want to try a wide range even if just for peace of mind that I've got the right club for me.

 

[StrangelyBrown]

Our pro shop is quite well stocked, will cover the whole gambit of repairs and so on. The lessons are quite well priced and they'll pricematch any real price from the internet.

Over and above this, Gavin and Colin are both great guys. Very good to chat to, knowledgable and always interested in your game.

 

[swanny32]

We don't have the luxury of a pro shop, we just have a few boxes of Srixon balls, some gloves and tee's behind the bar with a laminated bit of paper that says "Pro shop".....piss poor really. Our pro means well and I appreciate his efforts but at £28 for a dozen AD333's he can sing for it!

 

[thecraw]

Best way to get a deal off your pro is go shopping with Fat Tiger. After watching him in action last year at Machrihanish I was impressed to say the least.