Golf industry’s largest grassroots consumer retail tour primed for growth in 2013; interactive activities included performance club & ball fittings, equipment demos, short game clinics, prize giveaways & much more
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla., December 19, 2012…Edwin Watts Golf Shops (EWGS), one of the world’s largest specialty golf retailers, today announced a successful 2012 THINK GOLF IT’S FRIDAY TOUR™ (TGIF TOUR™), as the Company hosted more than 60,000 golfing consumers, while conducting more than 2,500 custom club & ball fittings throughout the 70 events. Plans for the 2013 TGIF TOUR™, incorporating a series of new programs & activities, will be released in early January 2013.
With all events free and open to the public, the 2nd Annual TGIF TOUR™ evolved from a series of two-day events into a week-long schedule of activities, becoming the golf industry’s largest grassroots consumer retail tour throughout the year. In fact, to complement the popularity of the TGIF franchise, and as the golf apparel market continued to enjoy steady growth, in 2012, EWGS unveiled the TGIF TOUR Apparel Line™, a trendy new line named after the Company’s popular consumer retail tour. The stylish apparel collection, which is made from a high-quality performance moisture wicking fabric, features a selection of men’s polo shirts, shorts and slacks.
All TGIF TOUR™ events provided consumers with the opportunity to test out the latest new product innovations from golf’s leading brands, tune-up their game with performance club & ball fittings, register to win an assortment of prizes, enjoy special deals and much more. In addition, several popular sports radio stations conducted live broadcasts on-site, and the leading equipment manufacturers, such as TaylorMade, Callaway, Titleist, Ping, Mizuno, FootJoy, Cleveland, Nike, Adams, Cobra and Wilson, supported the events by having their local tech representatives and retail/TOUR vans on-site, while providing an assortment of giveaways.
“Whether we are servicing an elite golfer or a novice, our store associates are committed to making the shopping experience enjoyable, and the activities that support the TGIF TOUR were established to bring a level of excitement to store,” said John Watson, CEO, Edwin Watts Golf. “TGIF TOUR events are truly for anyone, as we’ve created a welcoming environment, offering a variety of activities that cater to golfers of all ages and skill levels.”
Custom golf club & ball fitting was one of the primary activities at each respective TGIF TOUR™ event throughout the year. Edwin Watts Golf store associates and field representatives from the leading equipment brands utilized the Company’s in-store launch monitors and swing analysis software to conduct performance fitting sessions at all TGIF TOUR™ events.
Added Watson, “It is of paramount importance that we continue to offer invaluable services such as fitting and repair that customers have come to expect, while also providing newcomers to the game with a roadmap for game improvement, in a no-pressure setting.”
About Edwin Watts Golf
Edwin Watts Golf Shops, LLC (an affiliated portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners, Inc.), headquartered in Fort Walton Beach, Florida is one of the world’s premier specialty golf retailers. The company operates as an integrated, multi-channel retailer, offering the freshest assortment of brand name golf equipment, apparel, and accessories through its 95+ domestic Retail Locations, eCommerce Internet site (www.edwinwattsgolf.com) and Telephone/Catalog/Direct Mail sales (1.800.874.0146). Edwin Watts Golf touts a team of highly experienced and knowledgeable sales associates who can assist customers of all skill levels with lessons, performance fitting, special orders and repair services. The combination of the highest level of customer service, price match guarantee and reputation as the most trusted retailer in golf for over 43 years has earned the organization the right to be known as America’s Golf Club.
Contact:
Michele Cooper (michele@mastrocomm.com)
Ari Edelman (aedelman@mastrocomm.com)
Mastro Communications, Inc. @ 732-469-5700
