The resurgence of the Pro Shop?

[monktonhallgc1882]

This is almost a following thread to the Direct Golf one in the lounge. With 1 less golf 'superstore' that the serious golf market consider will the custom fit push get people back into their own/local pro shops?

I think it would be good to see the pro shops doing well as if I discard my own (expletive) pro I know a lot of good local pros that I want to succeed as players and/or businesses.

With all the new tech being all so similar, things such as loft, lie, shaft, spin (for applicable clubs) will start to matter more than ever along with getting trusted advice.

Not saying that some pro shops don't do extremely well as it is talking about it as a whole market here.

 

[selwood90]

Planning on getting fit after this season coming myself. Will be about 18 months into playing golf then and hopefully consistent enough to get the most out of a custom fit experience. And I'd happily support my club by getting fit with the pro at my club. But looking in the pro shop, I can only see 2 full sets of irons. And they are both nike. But they do say they offer a custom fit service. So is this likely to be once you have brought the club's else where? If it is, that's what would put me off. I want to go somewhere that will throw club after club at me. And see what performs for me. Is there a place that exists? Or do you just approach the brands fitting centre and pay per fitting sort of thing? As this post probably proves. I know nothing about getting custom fit. But given the chance yes, I'd support my club/pro if they offered the service I'm after.

 

[monktonhallgc1882]

Yeah obviously pro shops with higher offerings are likely to rise to the top more easily than not so great ones

 

[WWG]

This is almost a following thread to the Direct Golf one in the lounge. With 1 less golf 'superstore' that the serious golf market consider will the custom fit push get people back into their own/local pro shops?

I think it would be good to see the pro shops doing well as if I discard my own (expletive) pro I know a lot of good local pros that I want to succeed as players and/or businesses.

With all the new tech being all so similar, things such as loft, lie, shaft, spin (for applicable clubs) will start to matter more than ever along with getting trusted advice.

Not saying that some pro shops don't do extremely well as it is talking about it as a whole market here.

Until I retired I was a senior retailer. There is little I don't know about the entire business. Well before I ever played golf I helped out a very good friend who is a pro and runs a course. His club shop was doing very badly and wanted some advice, so I gave him a visit. Without spending a penny on marketing, stock, or equipment I put 10% on the turnover by simple visual merchandising techniques. Unfortunately the average golf club knows little about selling golf equipment, and simply relies on idiots buying stock from them because they know little else. The only thing I would buy from my club shop is golf tees, because even golf balls I can buy for a fraction on ebay etc. In all seriousness I don't expect club shops to be as cheap as the internet, but should at least be competitive, have the ability to give the correct advice, be able to market products, and be able to obtain the product you require quickly if necessary.

Many years ago the only place you could buy golf stuff was from a club shop, and things changed. Unfortunately most clubs haven't been able to adapt and move with a progressive market.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

My pro shop has limited space and most of the clothing is club branded. He probably could do more, but he does offer to price match. He has been there for years and so clearly doing enough to make a living