Went to AG today

[Imurg]

and saw something very strange!

A guy had bought some irons a week or so ago and he came storming in to the shop looking for the Manager. I sidled over and pretended to browse some shirts in the area so I could listen in.

Anyway he bought the whole set back because on his first visit to the range, one of his iron shafts snapped. Not halfway down or near the head as you might expect but in-between the hands on the grip. There he was holding half a grip with the rest of the shaft inside. Most peculiar. Coudn't see or hear which set it was but they were about £200.

On a different note, they had the new Diablo irons in so I had a look. They don't look as bad in the metal as they do on paper but still not great. However, one thing did strike me. with the 3,4, 5 and 6 irons I could see the back of the sole of the club at address. If these are supposed to be "Elite" players, they're not going to want to see the sole of a 6 iron at address. Can't see them selling many to better players.

 

[USER1999]

You wonder how tightly he holds his grips.

As for Diablos, I agree, they are not so very ugly, but who wants to see the sole sticking out the back with any irons, let alone players irons.

I haven't been in AG for ages.

I think I am cured.

 

[mattdeeks]

What Amercian Golf did you go to?

 

[Parmo]

I am not keen on AG's, I just find them sales people little or no knowledge about what really is needed, but with the dwindle of independent stores and some Pro's (mine is over priced and has old stock at the original prices) over charging there seems little choice. I think there is a Snainton golf @ Sandmoor GC near me which I might try in June if I get my bonus and the wife lets me spend it ;-)

I bought my irons from AG and the guy was good, though used a Ping fitting chart which worried me as they should only be used for Ping kit, then I went to collect them on the bus and was handed 7 loose irons without the box (I don't have much experience from buying irons from them but online you get the original box to protect them in transit) and the sales staff where rude and didn’t even let me test them to make sure 2 tapes was the correct fitting.

 

[mono217]

Not much of a lover of american golf at times.

I went one time with a budget of £350 for a driver and they where trying to sell me a £120 driver and kept making me look at this specific brand.

 

[Parmo]

I got my Yonex from them by being pushed, lucky as its not bad

 

[KeefG]

I am not keen on AG's, I just find them sales people little or no knowledge about what really is needed

AG are to golf, what PC World are to computers.

Great big fantastic stores, stocked to the brim with really good gear at good prices, but staffed by incompetent buffoon's.

 

[haplesshacker]

AG have their place in retailing, and it's to offer a wide range of products at competitive prices.

The company I worked for had it's fair mix of retail staff.

The old boys who knew loads, but patronised the hell out of customers, particularly women and those that knew less than them. Couldn't sell for toffee though. Just imparted lots of technical stuff that the customer really didn't need to know.

The young'uns, that thought they knew it all, and wouldn't ever admit to not knowing something. Enthusiastic, but couldn't sell for squat.

Long termers that didn't know anything, couldn't sell anything, but thought they had the whole package.

And all the above were not only staff, but also managers!

And I wonder why the company went down the pan!!

All specialist retailers suffer from this. And AG is no exception.

I enjoy being 'sold' to by a good sales person. Their ability as a golfer is not important to me, but their understanding of my requirements is important as is their understanding of the products that they are selling.

Sadly this is something that is missing from most retailers.

 

[USER1999]

Especially car salesmen from main dealerships, most of whom cannot even drive well.

 

[Cernunnos]

On a different note, they had the new Diablo irons in so I had a look. They don't look as bad in the metal as they do on paper but still not great. However, one thing did strike me. with the 3,4, 5 and 6 irons I could see the back of the sole of the club at address. If these are supposed to be "Elite" players, they're not going to want to see the sole of a 6 iron at address. Can't see them selling many to better players.

That's because the Diablo range is designed for ham fisted Hackers who want lots of sticking plaster to try & cover up their swingfaults... rofl.

Took one look at a Diablo Driver the other week & my first reaction was... YUK..!!! Had a similar reaction to the Irons with an Urggghhh...!!!.

 

[Cernunnos]

I am not keen on AG's, I just find them sales people little or no knowledge about what really is needed

AG are to golf, what PC World are to computers.

Great big fantastic stores, stocked to the brim with really good gear at good prices, but staffed by incompetent buffoon's.

And what McDondalds are to restaurants & anything aproaching food... :rofl:

 

[Imurg]

What Amercian Golf did you go to?

Milton Keynes Matt.
Not long been open.Its right next to the stadium

 

[HomerJSimpson]

The trouble with AG and those who have posted about sales roles have alluded to it already, is that there a 4 main brands which have the most mark up (Wilson, Nicklaus, Hogan and Yonex) and so the sales guys are told that is what they must push. The guys where I go (AG at Birds Hill) were all good golfers and several would take the time to listen to a customers needs. However there were others in there that would do anything to stop you buying TM or other big names where there mark-up is smallest.

Fortunately I knew the manager very well so I was able to try most clubs without any problems as well as getting a lot of stuff at staff prices (20% discount on clubs, 25% on clothing and balls) as well as the odd "demo" model.

Sadly the staff have all moved on and the new manager isn't that great. No charm or warmth and it seems a chore to explain anything about what clubs may suit. That said I did get a freebie headcover for my R7 Limited so every cloud.

Howver DO NOT use AG for C/F unless the absoulte last straw as despite the advertising blurb most of the staff only know how to turn the launch monitors on and do not understand what the figures mean. They don't know what difference a stiff shaft would make etc. Basically they don't have a clue. If you must use AG for your C/F insis on the manager doing it as they "allegedly" have been fully trained in all aspects of the process.

 

[KeefG]

If you must use AG for your C/F

To be honest i'd rather chew a broken lightbulb and wash it down with some bleach

 

[Cernunnos]

I was in an AG some months ago & I had more idea of how the launch monitor worked & the figures meant than the supposed assistant.

Infact the assistant had no real interest in sticking around & providing any input. Probably because he didn't have a clue. Lord help a complete novice visiting that outlet.

 

[HarryMonk]

I agree with them not knowing much, but do I risk it as they are doing the Di7's for £229 at the moment + £ 50 quid off if I chop my old set in.

I know at 6ft 3" I should get a longer shaft(although I am not sure which shaft). Can staff be trusted?

Is this a good deal?

 

[mansell]

I am not keen on AG's, I just find them sales people little or no knowledge about what really is needed

AG are to golf, what PC World are to computers.

Great big fantastic stores, stocked to the brim with really good gear at good prices, but staffed by incompetent buffoon's.

I take offence at this as I work for AG, I know nothing at all about golf I sometimes play crazy golf when I go to Blackpool. I always advise the customer to buy the most expensive clubs even though they may not be suited to them
and always advise them to use the other end of the club that way you will hit the ball further so if you are interested in buying any new equipment you can pm me

 

[bobmac]

AG's defence.
I go to the AG in Lincoln sometimes and have to say they have 2 qualified PGA Pros working there. They know there stuff so they're not all bad

 

[viscount17]

My local AG is not as bad as many that you all have visited.

There seem to be two teams,
the purely sales guys who as has been said push the profit line, often seem disinterested or distracted (though from observing the number of 'team meetings' that go on with customers in store that may be easily explained). how much knowledge they have of fitting and monitors is questionable.
then there are the instructors who run the range, which is now a separate business from AG. These seem to be pretty decent, Rob the boss runs a 'winter school' taking small groups out to Spain or Portugal. These guys also sell so if you know who's who . . .

I also have a nearby DG,
I think the mix there is pretty much the same, though I don't know them as well so it's harder to get the right guy. Ty I would trust, he's the only salesman I know who, when I went to buy new irons, said 'it's not irons you need it's lessons'.
(this was pre-MacGregor so i've since had both!)

 

[TonyN]

My local AG is ok, for me anyway. Partly because I know what I need and will never buy clubs off the shelf. I always deal with the same lad for bigger purchases. He is a decent golfer (off 6 i think) and knows the game inside out. He never tries to sell me anything because I tell him what I want when I go in.

He knows what kit i like and always takes a keen interest in my game, often asking opinions on what I have tried and tested.

I was looking at getting an Oddyesy no 9 but wasnt entirley sure if I should so he said dont, he pointed out a very cheap wilson deep red 2 that was almost identical too it and said we can do you that for £25 instead. I bought it as an experiment but he talked me out of spending £90 on a putter I actually wanted!

On the otherside of the coin though, there are new guys in there all the time who, as soon as i walk in, try buttering me up