I just thought I would write a little piece regarding the retail side of golf today rather than the usual swing or playing the game blog that I have become accustomed to. The main reason for writing this post is that as a Golf Professional I find it bloody embarrassing to tell somebody that they have been ripped off and stung for a few hundred pounds through the purchase of inadequate, unsuitable and fairly often fake golf equipment.
The problem we have in today's market is the Internet. Browsing and shopping online is easy, and often the prices will be cheaper. Obviously from the Pro's side this is potentially extremely damaging to our business. The quantities that the online companies buy in from manufacturers and then the resulting high turnover in stock allows them to sell at ridiculous prices should they wish to do so.
I think it is important however for the consumer to understand what the Internet does not provide and that is service!! The Internet does not have a voice or any care over what you buy, it is literally just a selling mechanism. There is no customer service when you have a fault with the club, there is no come back when you have spent £400 on fake clubs and there 100% isn't a care in the world as to whether or not the equipment you purchase will actually take your game forwards.
As the market has changed with Internet and high street shops joining in selling to the millions of golfers out there, as a PGA retailer we understand that the days are long gone of 95% of golf club members purchasing there equipment from their home clubs Pro Shop.
The bottom line is that your PGA Professional wants to help your game. He/she knows or will listen and provide to your requirements. You can receive a professional, in depth custom fitting that will provide you with clubs which fit your build and swing. You will also receive excellent service should you encounter any problems with your clubs. Golf clubs to break or have minor defects at times but your PGA Pro is trained up to the eyeballs to deal with any repair problems or in the case of a manufacturing fault will just take the club from you and deal with the problem, therefore no hassle for you.
I think finally the main thing to remember about the PGA Pro is that they will not just be trying to sell what is on the rack that needs to be shifted. They will appreciate your business and any positive feedback you give will hopefully lead to return business and new customers. We are only as good as our last sale, a bad recommendation or sale to a customer, who will always talk to other golfers and Professionals, can quickly damage our reputation. That being the case we will strive to make sure that every sale is the correct one and 100% geared towards improving the golfers game.
We are trained to assist your game and are passionate about it
Support your Professional and let us take your game to the levels you wish to reach.
Thanks for reading
Dan Gale
PGA Professional & TPI Certified
Dan is a fully qualified member of the PGA & Certified TPI Instructor
Check out his website at http://www.dangalegolf.com/
