Would you use this service?

[Redwood]

A quick question to the knowlegable GM Forummers.

I'm in the process of considering my own business enterprise (mainly to be able to work at home rather than in London).

My idea, and it's by no way original, is to set up my own business customising/repairing/servicing golf equipment. I think
I may have a bit of a captive audience in the SW as not many places don't offer CF services, plus people who just want to check their lie angles, or get a grind on their wedge etc.

I'd take all the relevant courses and also buy a good launch monitor to be able to check spin and launch angles; you get the picture.

So my question is, would you guys consider a service like this, or would you go to the club manufacturer if you say, wanted to change shafts in your driver? I know some may be a bit anxious about voiding any warranties but I figure if I can make a good name for myself by offering a good service golfers may be willing to come to me to pay less, and probably get a faster service.

 

[RichardSanderson]

I think I'd go to my pro. Manufacturers will generally re shaft clubs for free - titleist do if you supply or buy the shaft from them.

For club adjustments I'd choose to go to my pro who's been through the pga course over a 24 handicapper who's taught himself - I'd be surprised if there were courses for the public to go on..

Sorry if it sounds harsh - but i imagine a lot of people will have the same views.

 

[GB72]

I would have no problem going to a club fitter and have done in the past (strikerightgolf) but he was a former county coach and a very good golfer. As stated in the above post, would have an issue having clubs adjusted and taking advice on what is best from me from someone with a higher handicap than mine.

 

[Up_Point_1]

Redwood, without wishing to 'burst your bubble' I really can't see this taking off. As a complete newbie into the golfing business you'd be competing with the established golfing retailers already out there.

Also not sure there's much of a market out there for 'customising' existing clubs, apart from perhaps shortening putter lenghts which to be fair can be done by any old numpty with a hacksaw. Personally if I wanted to upgrade the shaft in my driver i'd simply sell the old driver and then buy a new one with the shaft I want. All this fannying around sourcing new shafts and then getting them fitted would (for me) be far too much hassle.

Also (this isn't intended as a personal dig) I'd have far more faith in a pro on such matters than I would a 24 handicapper.

Sorry to be so negative on your potential new business venture but you did ask the question. I'm just giving you an honest opinion.

UP1.

 

[Redwood]

No worries with the comments - that's what I threw it out there for.

There are courses you can do to learn this stuff, I have done some research, but take your point regarding handicap as something that may put people off, but I think that would really depend on how I market the service, and what level of service I offer.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I have to be honest and say probably not. If I wanted a C/F I'd probably go either to a testing centre (Cally at Chessington, Mizzy at World of Glf New Malden, TM at Basingstoke etc) or to a pro. Its nothing against your business integrity or even your expertise and the handicap wouldn't be a problem to me either.Its purely based on guys with a wider range of experience and in the case of directly from the manufacturers, more choice in terms of shafts etc.

There is scope to make a living out of your passion for golf as Graham's internet business (http://www.improvemygolf.co.uk/) has proved. However in his case its more a case of supplying someone elses product. If you are interested in a golf related career it might be an alternative avenue

 

[Redwood]

it's all good.

Back to the drawing board!!!

 

[Golfmmad]

To be honest I don't think a high handicap should make too much difference - providing you have a good product knowledge and are good at what you do. It's not as if trying to teach someone how to hit a club. Also being able to talk knowledgeably about equipment and all aspects of the game.
You'll have to do some research, and looks like you've made a good start.

So if all that comes easily to you, go for it.

Golfmmad.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

If its any consolation a few years back when I was still on the beers and playing and practicing my darts most nights I thought about opening a darts shop and including some trophies (all sports) and maybe even a shirt printing facility. Like you I put it to several forums and a lot preferred the internet and said they only got the basics once in a blue moon. These shops exist so I know they can work but there is a lot of investment and risk. Similarly I think the set up costs even if you went ahead may be prohibitive and even if you are one of a few down your way is there the numbers playing golf in your area that would want the service?

 

[viscount17]

www.designergolf.co.uk/

I used this guy earlier in the year at their main headquarters in Desborough. They also run a franchise operation. I know he provides some or even all the training.
You may fall down on the qualifications but for the cost of a call, it can't hurt. Pretty sure they have no-one down your way.

 

[EaseNgrace]

The repairing would be something that would interest me, I have had trouble finding this service in the past. For example when I wanted to get my forged irons repaired rather than buying a new set. There are companies that do ultrasonic refinishing for cast irons but not forged. Also, another example, I dug an old putter (Tad Moore TP-6) out of the shed and it was badly rusted. I took it to a local pro shop just to ask advice as to whether it was salvagable, their answer was a resounding no. I was told all it was good for was the bin. So I thought i'd try and prove them wrong, the surface rust came off with a bit of steel wool and wet and dry glass paper. The black finish was also removed, but im left with a lovely smooth base on which to re-apply a gun blue chemical finish which i've heard is quite simple. It's a cracking little stick now.
I bet the Scotty Cameron custom shop is raking it in, so a similar service that deals with clubs of all types/brands could be a great idea.

 

[Redwood]

Homer, if you ever make it down to Bude we'll have to have a game of darts, as well as golf of course. I've had a few 180's in my time.

As for the business, I'm just banding about ideas at the moment. I work in IT so to be honest it would probably be something in that area, but we all dream about a career in golf!!

The thing that got me thinking about this was a guy who I play with who had an old driver which he wanted to take the shaft out of and put in his new head, so I thougt, how hard can it be (did I get a surprise). Our Pro doesn't do stuff like this, and we don't gave any manufacturers close, so I think there may be a market, but it would probably be very limited and wouldn't be enough business to make a living from.

Maybe a little hobby for myself.

 

[Redwood]

My first little experiment is I'm going to stamp my wedges with my initials.

Show it to the juniors at our place and I'm sure they'll be scrambling to spend their hard earned pocket money on the same!!

 

[RichardSanderson]

If you have an IT background why don't you try something like howdidido.com, but improve on what they provide, or offer a service they don't.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I'm up for a game at Bude sometime. Might revisit the Inn on the Gree and let Mrs Homer sample the delights of Bude while we play. I agree that something IT based like a website might be the way to go. Haven't got any sizzling ideas per se but will give it some thought.

 

[birdieman]

Why not contact former forum member Alchemygolf who set up a golf club repair and refurbish shop. Claims its doing really well. He kept going on about cycling instead of golf but his business is golf.
Put the word Alchemy into the search facilty and it'll find him.

 

[THJahar]

I think we golfers have got it wrong.
You wouldn't ask a race car driver to fix your car.
No you'd ask a mechanic.
So why ask a Golf Pro to fit your clubs, surely a experienced club maker would do a better job.
Fitting clubs is just a minor part of a pros job spec and one they learn at the same level as this gentleman would.
The difference being that he would spend all his time refining and perfecting club fitting and alteration, whilst the pros no doubt would be concentrating on lessons etc.

Orka use a range of club makers to fit their clubs and are successful at it. I for one would pick an experienced club maker over a golf pro for a fitting everyday of the week.

 

[JustOne]

I'd possibly use the service if it was right on my doorstep, if not I'd go to my pro. I think it'd take you years and a lot of advertising/word of mouth to make any money.

 

[GB72]

I think we golfers have got it wrong.
You wouldn't ask a race car driver to fix your car.
No you'd ask a mechanic.
So why ask a Golf Pro to fit your clubs, surely a experienced club maker would do a better job.
Fitting clubs is just a minor part of a pros job spec and one they learn at the same level as this gentleman would.
The difference being that he would spend all his time refining and perfecting club fitting and alteration, whilst the pros no doubt would be concentrating on lessons etc.

Orka use a range of club makers to fit their clubs and are successful at it. I for one would pick an experienced club maker over a golf pro for a fitting everyday of the week.

I used an Orka club fitter and would use a club fitter again. I suppose my comments on handicap were based on the fact that much of the fitting was based on the swing and what was causing my bad shots etc and so I feel that an inherent knowledge in that area as well as the technical skills to carry out the job are vital to produce the full experience.

 

[freddielong]

I don't think your handicap would be relevant as long as you had the skills, getting your name known would be the tough thing, although you did say that the local pro's were not interested in this kind of work, which means they may forward it to you if you gave them an incentive.