Golf retailer opens up in Scotland
Monday, January 23rd, 2012
Whether Scotland is the birthplace of golf may be a debatable question, but there’s no doubt that it is home to some of the finest courses on the planet, where the world’s best golfers (and many a would-be) vie for a tee-off time at Gleneagles, St Andrews and a multitude of others. Thus it is no surprise that the leading multi-channel golf retailer in Europe and the UK has taken up residence in Scotland.
Direct Golf UK, founded and wholly owned by British PGA professional golfer John Andrew in 1991, has purchased the Scottish Golf Centre, and stores in Edinburgh and Dundee will be open this month, though the Grand Opening will take place in March. Andrew plans to double the size of his Direct Golf chain in the next couple of years, from 20 to 40 stores across the UK.
The stores in Edinburgh and Dundee are impressive, with indoor putting greens, comprehensive demo facilities and PGA Professional staff amongst other amenities. Golfers can not only get the best prices on equipment and accessories but also custom fitting and advice from experts as they try out the latest in everything golf.
Direct Golf had a record year in 2011 with five new stores opening, an upgrade of its already excellent website and the creation of Direct Golf TV. Mr. Andrew said he has been anticipating an expansion in Scotland for years, and his company has a strong customer base in the country that he expects will expand dramatically with the introduction of more outlets in Aberdeen and Glasgow.
The current move will gain impetus from the Ryder Cup in 2014 as the company broadens its base in Scotland. Andrew is also an advocate of grassroots golfing and backing young golfers who are the tournament champions of the future.
