Dallas, TX – The National Golf Buyers Association/Golf Headquarters members, comprised of many of the most highly regarded off-course and on-course facilities in the business, celebrated the return of their Annual Meeting & Show earlier this month with the unveiling of their first awards program in the group’s history. With over 65 locally owned and operated associate golf retail stores, it’s the largest dollar volume golf buying group in the nation and is committed to partnering with their vendor partners in a commitment to enhancing our member’s locally owned and operated facilities with the mutual goal of being a consumer experience that turns customers into ambassadors.
The winner of the group’s Inaugural Polivka Founders Award was a trio of longtime members and industry leaders including:
- Fiddler’s Green – Eugene, Oregon – Tim Whalen
- Puetz Golf – Greater Seattle Area, Washington – Mike Livingston
- Mitchell Golf – Billings, Montana – Bill Mitchell
The award is designed to recognize and be given to the NGBA members who, determined by NGBA staff, were leaders among the buying group in unilateral vendors support and assistance behind the scenes championing initiatives and private label efforts. They were selected by member participation numbers to compile a hybrid measurement that factored broadest category support as well as dollar volume for support of the organization as a whole. And their selection is just another in a long line of deserving recognitions that each of the facilities have received over the years.
The award is named after Bob Polivka of The Golf Shack, one of the two driving forces behind creating the NGBA/GHQ buying group- and an early leader to growing the organization into what it is today.
NGBA Executive Director Lee Clapp said on this award, “Fiddler’s Green, Puetz Golf and Mitchell Golf are true leaders in the field of golf retail- and their support of National Golf Buyers Association initiatives cannot be understated. They are unwavering in their championing of our organization and all its efforts, both through support quantities and sincere feedback about how to improve the products. I cannot think of three more deserving members to be recognized than these members.”
NGBA History:
In the early 1980s, 10 owners of 20 golf specialty stores founded the NGBA as a buying group specializing in the procurement of golf equipment and related merchandise. At that time, the members had annual sales of about $15 million. Today the NGBA is comprised of over 40 technically competent members and is recognized by the golf industry as a professional organization, formally structured and organized. Standards for achieving and sustaining membership have been set at levels that maintain the reputation of this major golf retailing organization. Many of these stores utilize the name Golf Headquarters exclusively, while others use it in conjunction with their name and/or advertising. An exchange of best practices centering on enhancing the consumer experience, post-sale customer service and operational improvement frequently occurs amongst the membership. The group’s reputation and buying power provide access to special buys and closeouts and involvement in regional and national promotions on the latest product introductions.
For golf specialty retail stores or vendors that would like more information about NGBA membership, please visit the group at https://golfheadquarters.com or by calling at 843-402-0142.
For more information contact:
Lee Clapp, NGBA Executive Director
843-402-0142
