In our forums, one user has posed a very important merch-related question, namely the best strategy to navigate a pro shop.
@CKaneb wrote:
“Not sure if this has been asked before but how do you guys navigate a pro shop? I guess a more in depth way to ask this is what makes you walk into a pro shop and say ‘I’m gonna buy a belt from here’ or ‘I’m gonna buy a polo from here’ or ‘I’m gonna by a headcover from here.’ I feel like all of us like logos and like having all the swag but what makes you walk into a pro shop and buy a certain item. Do you keep track of what you have? Or do you just buy whatever speaks to you. How do you avoid buying too much of the same color polo or having to many belts or too many hats?”
Users in the forums were quick to share their strategy regarding how they approach pro shops when visiting new courses, being invited to clubs, or playing bucket list tracks. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- @RandyMatheny: “I’ve started buying ball marks from many of the nicer places I go, that I just keep in a catch all. With polos I end up with too many similar shirts. I ask the pro shop what’s popular or do you sell a lot of. I also like to get tumbler coffee mugs If they have one. I don’t know if this helps you at all or not.”
- @ItJustDiz: “In general, the GolfWRX B/S/T is my “pro shop”. If it’s not my first time and a top course (or doesn’t have a cool logo) I don’t even look other than to pass time and ask course questions. I collect pencils as keepsakes, they are free and usually branded. If I’m actually in need of something I’ll search for that; currently in need of a valuables/tee pouch but doubt I’ll play anywhere I’d think about picking one up for a while. As others have said, course logo gear tends to be lower quality, and I’m often underwhelmed by selection and execution on gear, even at very nice courses. All that said, I need to pick something up at Sheep Ranch, I just love that logo for some reason. Clean.”
- @bob-d2: “I usually try to have a rough idea of what I already own before buying anything. If I’m in a pro shop, the logo or course-specific stuff can definitely sway me, but I try to only buy something if I actually like the item itself.”
- @Socrates: “It absolutely has to be something I’ll use or wear. I have, in the past, bought some stuff that I never used and it was such a waste of money. I’ll even include Masters wear. I bought a few hats that I knew were not what I would wear and they sat in my closet for a lot of years and just gave them away. Same with golf towels. I bet I have 4 towels from courses that never will see the light of day. Maybe one day I’ll put them on BST or eBay (when this stupid tariff war ends).”
Entire thread: “How to Navigate a Pro Shop”
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