
A pro shop is a retail outlet found at a sports facility, most commonly a golf course, where equipment and accessories for a particular sport are sold. Pro shops at golf courses are typically run by a professional golfer, known as a 'house pro', and provide equipment such as clubs, balls, shoes, and tees, as well as golf-themed gifts and refreshments. Pro shops often have items available to test before purchase and may offer advice on equipment and rules, as well as paid lessons and equipment maintenance services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A shop at which equipment for a particular sport is sold |
| Location | Golf courses, country clubs, bowling alleys, pool and snooker halls, tennis and racquetball courts, ice and roller hockey rinks, football facilities, shopping malls |
| Products | Golf balls, clubs, shoes, tees, golf-themed gifts, snacks, refreshments |
| Services | Advice on game-related issues, equipment maintenance, group lessons, one-on-one training |
| Staff | Managed by a professional player (house pro) and overseen by a general manager or a retail manager |
| Business model | Markup set by manufacturer/supplier, with little leeway on prices; buy-back programs available to avoid excess inventory |
| Customer experience | Personalized service, fittings, custom orders, long hours, loyalty |
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What You'll Learn
- Pro shops are retail outlets at sports facilities, commonly golf courses
- They are managed by a professional player, overseen by a general manager
- Pro shops sell equipment, like clubs, balls, and tees, and golf-themed gifts
- They also offer advice on rules, equipment, and instruction
- Pro shops may be run by PGA professionals with their own money invested

Pro shops are retail outlets at sports facilities, commonly golf courses
A pro shop is a retail outlet at sports facilities, most commonly at golf courses. They are typically located in the country club building and managed by a professional player, known as a "house pro". Pro shops at golf courses provide equipment such as golf balls, clubs, shoes, and tees, as well as golf-themed gift items and sometimes snacks or refreshments.
Pro shops are also found at bowling alleys, pool and snooker halls, tennis and racquetball courts, ice and roller hockey rinks, and football facilities. They specialize in selling sports equipment and branded items particular to the sport or venue. For example, pro shops at football stadiums offer team merchandise and replica apparel for purchase.
House pros at pro shops are often available to advise on game-related issues such as rules and suitable equipment for specific needs and conditions. They may also provide instruction, including group lessons and one-on-one training, usually for a fee. Additionally, they may offer paid personal equipment maintenance services, such as restringing tennis racquets or drilling and fitting bowling balls.
Pro shops at golf courses have seen changes over the years, with PGA professionals no longer running their own businesses from these shops. However, some contracted PGA member shops still exist, offering a unique experience with their personal investment and expertise in the sport. These shops may provide fittings, custom orders, and personalized services that larger retailers cannot easily replicate.
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They are managed by a professional player, overseen by a general manager
Pro shops are sporting goods retail outlets commonly found at sports facilities, most typically golf courses. They are managed by a professional player, overseen by a general manager, and sometimes a retail manager in larger venues.
The professional player, or 'house pro', is often a PGA professional who advises on game-related issues such as rules and equipment, and provides instruction for a fee. They may also perform paid personal equipment maintenance. The house pro has a vested interest in the shop's success, as they often have large sums of money invested in the stock.
The general manager oversees the pro shop and is either employed by the venue or acts as a consultant contractor. They ensure the smooth running of the shop, including managing stock and providing customer service.
Pro shops at golf courses provide equipment such as golf balls, clubs, shoes, and tees, as well as golf-themed gift items and sometimes snacks or refreshments. They often have items on display to test before purchase and may offer custom orders for golf clubs.
Pro shops are an integral part of the golf experience, providing a one-stop shop for golfers' equipment needs and offering expert advice and instruction from experienced players.
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Pro shops sell equipment, like clubs, balls, and tees, and golf-themed gifts
Pro shops are retail outlets found at sports facilities, most commonly at golf courses, where they are usually located in the country club building. They are managed by a professional player, referred to as a house pro, and overseen by a general manager.
Pro shops generally do not carry inventory for clubs but instead offer fittings, with orders fulfilled by the OEM. They may also have items on display to test and evaluate before purchase. In the past, PGA professionals often ran their own businesses from pro shops, but this has changed in recent years, with most now employed by the golf club.
The personal investment and expertise that PGA members bring to pro shops can enhance the experience for golfers and create a sense of interest in the sport. Pro shops also provide an opportunity for customers to interact with experts, ask questions, and seek advice, which can lead to long-term customer loyalty.
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They also offer advice on rules, equipment, and instruction
Pro shops are sporting goods retail outlets commonly found at golf courses, and they are typically located in the country club building. They are managed by a professional player, referred to as a house pro, and overseen by a general manager.
House pros are experts in their field and are often on hand to offer advice on game-related issues. This can include rules, equipment, and instruction. They can provide guidance on the proper equipment for specific needs and conditions, and sometimes offer lessons, including group sessions and individual training, usually for a fee.
The house pro's expertise and personal investment in the shop create a unique atmosphere and a high level of service. They have a vested interest in the success of the shop and the satisfaction of its customers. Their presence allows for a more personalised experience, which is something that larger retailers often struggle to provide.
In addition to equipment sales, pro shops may also offer custom fittings for golf clubs, ensuring that customers have the right gear tailored to their needs. This service can lead to further engagement, such as lesson bookings, as the house pro helps golfers improve their game and achieve their goals.
The combination of expert advice, equipment sales, and personalised fittings makes pro shops a valuable resource for golfers, fostering a sense of community and loyalty among their customers.
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Pro shops may be run by PGA professionals with their own money invested
A pro shop is a sporting goods retail outlet commonly found at sports facilities, most often at golf courses. They are typically located in the country club building and are managed by a professional player, or a 'house pro'. Pro shops at golf courses provide equipment such as golf balls, clubs, shoes, and tees, as well as golf-themed gifts and sometimes snacks.
Pro shops are often managed by a 'house pro', a professional player who advises on game-related issues, equipment, and provides instruction. The 'house pro' may also perform paid personal equipment maintenance. Pro shops may also be overseen by a general manager, a retail manager, or a PGA professional.
PGA professionals who run pro shops typically have their own money invested in the business. They often work long hours, over 60 per week, and have large sums of money invested in stock. This means they have a vested interest in the success of the shop and the happiness of the customers.
The feel of a pro shop that is run by a PGA professional with their own money invested is different from a club-run shop. Customers may feel that the PGA professional has more of an interest in being there and making it work, which can lead to increased customer loyalty. The personal investment, along with the expertise that a PGA professional brings, can make a difference to the atmosphere and culture of the whole club.
Pro shops generally do not carry inventory for items like golf clubs. Instead, they offer fittings and custom orders that are fulfilled by the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). Markup prices are set by the manufacturer or supplier, who also advise on set prices and provide discounts.
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Frequently asked questions
A pro shop in golf is a retail outlet found at a golf course, usually located in the country club building. Pro shops sell golf equipment such as balls, clubs, shoes, and tees, as well as golf-themed gift items and sometimes snacks.
Pro shops are often managed by a professional player referred to as a "house pro", overseen by a general manager. The house pro can advise on rules and equipment, and provide instruction for a fee.
Pro shops tend to offer a more personalised service than big retailers. They often don't have any inventory for clubs and instead do fittings, with orders fulfilled by the OEM.
No, pro shops also sell golf-themed gift items and sometimes snacks or refreshments.











































