Best Pro Shop Seen or Unseen

[TEPaul]

"Tom Paul,
I've been to both and CPC is smaller."

Bob:

I have too, but for some reason I don't remember the size of CPC's pro shop. It's actually smaller than PVGC??

Cool!!

[TEPaul]

Bob:

Furthermore, I think you said CPC had three very friendly pros in that teeeny little pro shop at CPC. That's amazing. If I had to work in a pro shop that small every day I think I might have to be in there alone-----unless of course the asst pro was either Heidi Klum or Elle MacPherson! Actually both at the same time would be OK too.

[TEPaul]

Isn't Muirfield's pro shop just that rather large glass cabinet in the hall?  

[Tiger_Bernhardt]

Gee How can one not love CPC pro shop and especially the way Mr Langley runs it with Keith and Casey. I am sorry he is retiing. Jim Langley is one of the real gentlemen in his profession. I thought this post was looking for a resort type pro shop though.

[Tony_Muldoon]

The Carthage Club. The have the balance just right, and it's the only place I will buy the merchandice.

[Evan_Green]

How about Western Gailes? Their pro shop is the bar!

[Bob_Huntley]

Tom,

They are generally not there at the same time.

Bob

[Jim Sweeney]

Jim Kennedy's reply says so much about pro shops- its more about he people than the facility. I've been in some very posh shops where I wouldn't make a purchase because of the staff- and some dives where I felt compelled to make a purchase because of the quality of the service.

John  Murphy at Farmington CC has a small, stuffy, out of date shop selling drivers out of wooden barrels. But if you want a Saville Row suit, he can get it for you. A Gucci watch? You bet. And anything else you want, including golf merchandise. And he'll know your name before you hit the shop even if you've never been there before. You just feel compelled to buy some small momento before you leave.

Somerset Hills had a great old shop in a converted garage when I played there many years ago. Right next to the first tee, about 50 yards from the clubhouse.

TEPaul: correct me if I'm wrong. but I seem to remember that there is some merchandise at PVCC which only members can buy- something about a different logo, perhaps? I haven't heard of anything similar anywhere else.

[ET]

St. Andrews Old Course, at least when I played, approx. 1988.
It had room for about 1 foursome. The CM called pub in town to bring up our caddie. gotta love it.

[Gordon Oneil]

In my experience, Pine Valley was the first club I saw that sold members only merchandise.  The difference between what you and I could buy when we were lucky enough to be invited to play was the "Pine Valley" written under the crest/logo.  Members shirts, hats etc. had only the crest.
Only recently have I seen other ultra privates providing the same merchandise for their members.

[PThomas]

Cypress does not have price tags on the merchandise

and with Mr. Langley retiring, I wish I was retired and could offer to work there in return for a game or two out there once in awhile!

depends what you want the shop to be:  cozy, like Cypress or The Dunes Club - which is REALLY small -- or a big place with a lot of merchandise like Pinehurst or Doral

T Road is cool, I agree

Blackwolf Run is awesome...a big log cabin that also houses a bar and restaurant, which overlook the 18th greens

[Top100Guru]

Considering Michael Harmon, PGA....was voted the "Private Merchandiser of the year".......I'd have to say, at least for this year, the honor would have to go to Secession Golf Club........

[Marty Bonnar]

Let's face it. For location, charm, cachet, history, great service, etc, etc. the wee shoppie in the middle of this pic is hard to beat...!



 
FBD.

PS Might as well give them a wee plug

http://www.tommorrisgolf.co.uk/

...sure they need the money!

[Kirk Gill]

I played TOC back in 1986 while driving about Scotland on a final trip with my mother (whom cancer took in 1989). I'll never forget walking onto the hallowed grounds with no clubs, just hoping for a chance to play. My first stop was at the golf shop - perhaps one could call it a pro shop, but it was just a small room with a very old, very pleasant lady sitting behind a counter listening to American country music at a pretty decent volume.

Being, as I was, at a "Royal and Ancient" setting, it was surreal walking into that little shack with that music and renting what was probably the oldest, rattiest set of clubs I've ever seen (like it mattered, really). Is that shop still there? If the lady is still there, she's well over 100.........

[Steve_Roths]

Does anyone know what Augusta's looks like?  Also, I have never seen only heard that their is a different logo between the Master's and the actually course.  I think its supposed to be a white outline for members and their guests versus the all yellow logo for the tourney.

I would be curious to hear any feedback on their pro-shop. Thanks.  

[John_Cullum]

I am surprised no one had mentioned Augusta National up to this point. I have to give it my vote. I generally don't like a seperate building, but at Augusta, it sits there nicely.

It is the small white building near the first tee. (I am sure they have to keep a close eye on the first tee to make sure no interlopers are trying to sneak on.)

As to the logo, for the last few years the words  "The Masters" was added beneath the logo merchnadise sold to the public at the Tournament. Prior to that there was no difference I ever noticed.

[Robert Emmons]

The members logo and what is sold at the course for members and guests at Augusta National is Augusta National Golf Club....Patrons buy Masters logoed merchandise...Only members are allowed to purchase golf bags with the Augusta National logo , not for guests