Question:
I have had very good luck over the years with a club maker in western PA.(several full sets and some individual clubs)Takes credit cards so you dont pay before you get the clubs.Prices are very reasonable.Uses quality components.800-548-1677 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Where is a good place to purchase clubs? At a store like Edwin Watts, Sports Authority, etc. or at a pro shop at a course or driving range?
Response:
It depends on what you’re looking for… If your heart is set on pro-line brand-name clubs, I’ve found the people at Edwin Watts to be easily the most knowledgable of all the major chains. It’s fair to say their prices are a little higher than some, but what you get in return is helpful service, a huge selection and (and I consider this to be the #1 reason to deal with them) a trade-in policy (varies somewhat from store to store, but I’ve never encountered an EW store that wouldn’t take trades, unless what you have to trade is junk). Golfsmith is another good one, but they won’t trade. There are plenty of mom and pop golf shops that have a reasonable selection, but most don’t trade. If trade-in is a non-issue for you (you’ll get more for your clubs if you sell them yourself — I personally don’t like to deal with the hassle), then there are alternatives. I’d steer you away from places like Sports Authority. Can’t say for sure that they’re guilty of this, but some general sporting goods stores get their name-brand clubs from less than reputable sources — some even carry clubs where the serial number has been removed from the clubs (not all equipment has serial numbers, but those that do become void of warranty from the manufacturer if it’s been removed). Besides, who do you think is going to know more about equipment — a guy who works in a shop that carries ONLY golf equipment, or a guy who sells tennis rackets, basketball shoes, rifles, pool tables, snorkeling gear AND golf equipment? If you want expert help, go to the specialist. I’d also steer you away from online shopping for golf equipment. I don’t know why — I guess I just like to touch and feel the clubs before I buy them. I suppose if you’ve hit a name brand club somewhere and you know what you want, this might be an option. But I suspect that whatever you’d save in price would more than be made up for in shipping. For me, when I buy golf clubs, I want them RIGHT NOW. I don’t want to wait a week for them to show up at my door. Another option, if you’re a bargain-hunter, is a shop that deals in used equipment. Though it’s a little less romantic, there is usually a handful of shops like this in most medium to large cities. You’ll find many of the name brands, though rarely will you find the most recent incarnation. Still, you can find a great set of clubs for a steal. And speaking of used equipment, there’s always the newspaper. Check the classifieds. Especially if you’re in a big city, there’s always a ton of used clubs available. I haven’t checked lately — maybe with the advent of e-Bay and other online options, the market for used clubs in the newspaper has dwindled somewhat — but I suspect you’ll find some there. Finally, as many in RSG will attest, there are plenty of fine clubmakers, including guys who do it for a living and guys who do it as a hobby, who can make you a brand new custom set of clubs *that will fit you* for less than you’d spend on a set of new name-brand clubs. Personally, I prefer the brand name equipment, and I bristle when others poo-poo my preference, because that’s what it is — a personal preference. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. But if you’re going to buy at a retail shop, you’ll save some money if you avoid the "green grass" stores (at golf courses) and opt for the "brick and mortar" (retail) stores. Good chains include EW (my fave), Pro Golf Discount and Golfsmith. Nevada Bobs was never on my list of chains I’d do business with (they’re known for their "bait and switch" sales tactics), but the fellow who owns the store here is a great guy, and runs his store more like an Edwin Watts. He’s easily the most knowledgable and friendly, so I suspect local management has as much to do with the quality of the outlet as the name on the door. I wouldn’t hesitate to do business with him, and have on many occasions. FYI — Just last night I was driving back from Atlanta and decided to stop at an outlet mall that I’d seen before but never stopped at. (Picked up a c ouple of Nike golf shirts at the Nike outlet store for $19 apiece — and yes, Bobby Knight, they had collars! <g) Much to my surprise, there was a Pro Golf Discount outlet store there. Naturally, I stopped in just to see what sort of selection they had and what their prices were like. They had a set of Callaway X-12 graphites for $799, which, if memory serves, is about $100 less than the standard list found at most stores. (No, I didn’t buy them.) So a little searching around will probably be worth it if you’re looking to stretch your budget a little. Randy website: http://wwwgolfer.home.mindspring.com RSG Roll Call profile: http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/brownr.htm RSG FAQ: http://ttsoft.com/thor/rsggolf.html "It’s always darkest before dawn. So if you’re going to steal your neighbor’s newspaper, that’s the time to do it."
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Where is a good place to purchase clubs? At a store like Edwin Watts, Sports Authority, etc. or at a pro shop at a course or driving range?
Response:
Where is a good place to purchase clubs? At a store like Edwin Watts, Sports Authority, etc. or at a pro shop at a course or driving range?
Response:
Check out our site, www.golfmonitor.com. We rate and review various online retailers, post price comparisons etc. Let me know what you think of it. Thanks Ken Dobson – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Where is a good place to purchase clubs? At a store like Edwin Watts, Sports Authority, etc. or at a pro shop at a course or driving range?
Response:
It depends on what you have access to. A pro-shop or custom golf store will jack the price up somewhat (I’ve found Edwin Watts and Golfsmith to be very expensive) , although, ostensibly, you will get knowledgeable salespeople that can custom fit you (length, flex, and lie angle). I’m not sure you will find the same service at a Sports Authority type store. You might find a better price on-line, but be careful of shipping prices, and shop around. I just bought a new set of Cleveland TA-4’s from BUY.com. I spent a lot of time going from store to store to try out clubs (I’m a firm believer that you have to hit with a club before you can buy it), and reading a lot about different manufacturers. When I decided I liked the Clevelands, I priced them, and found the best price on the net. Good luck! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text —— Original Message —– Newsgroups: rec.sport.golf Sent: Friday, March 31, 2000 4:16 PM Where is a good place to purchase clubs? At a store like Edwin Watts, Sports Authority, etc. or at a pro shop at a course or driving range? Where is a good place to purchase clubs? At a store like Edwin Watts, Sports Authority, etc. or at a pro shop at a course or driving range?