ATLANTA - Oct. 5, 2004 - (PRWEB) The PGA Tour has licensed Golf & Tennis Pro Shop, Inc. as its exclusive PGA Tour partner for off-course/ off-airport golf retailing. According to the agreement, Martin’s Golf & Tennis Superstores in the Myrtle Beach area will be renamed “Martin’s PGA Tour Superstore.” Golf & Tennis Pro Shop, Inc. also plans to expand the PGA Tour-branded superstores throughout the nation, beginning with the location of new 70,000 square foot PGA Tour Superstores in Atlanta, Ga. in 2005.
The PGA Tour joined forces with Golf & Tennis Pro Shop in 2003 with the vision of opening PGA Tour Superstores throughout the country. Tour executives sited Golf & Tennis Pro Shop’s commitment to growing the game of golf, in part through the addition of high-tech equipment at the Superstores, as another reason for forging the partnership.
“The PGA Tour is pleased to add Golf & Tennis Pro Shop to our family of licensees and to partner with such an experienced management team to expand the PGA Tour Superstore brand throughout the country,” said Tom Wade, chief marketing officer for the PGA Tour. “We’re particularly impressed with Golf & Tennis Pro Shop’s commitment to providing active golfers and potential participants alike with a quality, interactive experience.”
Golf & Tennis Pro Shop, Inc., headed by Bill Hamlin, a former Home Depot executive, purchased Martin’s Golf & Tennis of Myrtle Beach, S. C., in early 2004. The new managers, which include former Home Depot executives, as well as PGA professionals and golf instructors, immediately began to expand Martin’s extensive selection of golf equipment, accessories and clothing. Golf cars, synthetic greens, furniture, artwork and memorabilia were added to each store.
Most importantly, high-tech swing simulators and launch monitors were brought in to create an entertaining, interactive atmosphere that would also set the stage for golfers to learn more about their individual games. These game improvement innovations enable customers to identify the clubs and balls that work best for them and to alter their existing clubs or select new equipment or balls that fit their specifications.
“Our goal is to provide a ‘Tour Van’ experience to our customers,” says Jorge Cora, chief financial officer of Golf & Tennis Pro Shop. “Professional players have access to high-tech equipment and they can fine-tune their games by using those devices. Now any golfer can have the same opportunity by coming to one of our Superstores.”
Cora notes that each Superstore’s selection of golf equipment and accessories, as well as the staff’s dedication to establishing an entertaining and interactive environment, made Golf & Tennis Pro Shop a perfect match for the Tour. “We’re extremely focused on growing the game, and we believe that the best way to do that is by educating people about their golf swings and the analytical tools they can use to make their games better. But we never lose sight of the fact that we’re talking about a game — and that means adding in the element of fun.”
The Tour Van experience is a major part of each Superstore. Computerized swing simulators and launch monitors are in place to analyze a player’s swing speed, ball trajectory, launch angle and impact zone. Game improvement tools such as the SST Pure™ Shaft Alignment System (Pureing) and the Balance-Certified — Golf’s Motion Balancing Adjustment System™ are available to adapt clubs to each individual’s needs. PGA professionals are on staff to provide lessons and guide club fitting.
“We knew that avid golfers would be excited by our focus on game improvement,” adds Cora. “Yet to grow the game we also knew we had to create a friendly and welcoming environment for beginning golfers and even those who are just flirting with the idea of taking up the game. Our stores offer the opportunity to get feedback without any barriers or apprehension. Whether you’re new to the game, or if you’re an avid golfer in search of that ‘magic bullet’ that will take you to that next level, we’re the place for you.”
About Martin’s PGA Tour superstore
Martin's PGA Tour Superstores are owned and operated by Golf & Tennis Pro Shop, Inc. Each store, including the two 65,000 square foot Superstores, is dedicated to providing consumers with the Best Products, Best Services & Best Prices in an entertaining, interactive store environment. Located In Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, S. C., the Superstores are focused on game improvement and growing the game of golf. They offer swing analysis, golf instruction by PGA teaching professions, club fitting, hitting nets and practice putting greens, as well as a vast selection of golf and tennis equipment, clothing, and home furnishings.
About the PGA Tour
The PGA Tour is a tax-exempt membership organization of professional golfers. Its primary purpose is to provide competitive earnings opportunities for past, current and future members of the PGA Tour, Champions Tour, Nationwide Tour; to protect the integrity of the game; and to help grow the reach of the game in the U.S. and around the world.
Approximately 110 events are being contested on the three Tours in 2004, for nearly $310 million in prize money. In addition to providing competitive opportunities for its memberships, Tour events also generate significant sums of money for charity. Tour events have raised more than $820 million for charity since 1938, the first year such records were kept. The PGA Tour’s Web site address is www.pgatour.com.
