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The PGA Tour Superstore retail chain has opened a couple of really big boxes in Plano. The “Plano South” store, located near the George Bush, just south of Collin Creek Mall off Plano Parkway is 70,000 square feet – bigger than the nearby Golfsmith and Golf Galaxy competitor stores put together – and the “Plano North” store, kitty corner from the Stonebriar Mall, just south of 121 on the east side of Preston Road, is 65,000 square feet.
"If you can’t find it here,” jokes Plano South front-end manager Dustin Mahoney, “you probably don’t need it.”
Clubs, balls, shoes, apparel, bags, and practice accessories are just the start. You’ll also find rows of simulators where resident PGA professionals can help custom-fit you for new sticks or fix your swing. There’s a synthetic putting green, of course, but also a sand bunker for trying out that new 56-degree wedge. There’s even a large corner devoted to home decor – memorabilia photos, lamps, and event golf-themed chairs. Plus a “community area” that can host meetings or functions.
And in case golf isn’t your whole life, there’s a tennis section complete with full-size indoor court. (The parent company is Golf & Tennis Pro Shop, Inc., headquartered in Atlanta.)
The franchise started as Martin’s in 2004 in golf mecca Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and expanded into Atlanta the following year. Dallas businessman Ray Hemmig (ACE Cash America, Buffet Partners) is one of the company’s investors.
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When Scratch Golfer Magazine visited the Plano South store, representatives from AboutGolf were installing sensors and software for the newest “Kudu Power” version of the Ohio company’s simulators.
Kudu Power is a sensor upgrade option thatis claimed to deliver the “Holy Grail of simulators” -- directly measured spin. “Kudu Power substantially augments the capabilities of our system,” says Bill Bales, AboutGolf’s president and CEO. The Kudu technology is engineered by EDH, AboutGolf's partner from South Africa. PGA Tour Superstores have an exclusive for Kudu Power for big-box retailers until September 1st. (If you’d like a comparison, try the older-generation AboutGolf simulator at Golf Galaxy, then the one at the Superstore.)
The 3D/E graphics engine “higher-than-high-def” upgrade takes graphics to “unprecedented levels” -- enabling trees, grass and flags to blow in the wind, clouds which change shape and drift by, birds to fly overhead, and waves to roll onto the shore.
“In my opinion, Kudu is the most accurate and easiest launch monitor to use that I’ve seen in the marketplace for obtaining the essential data for clubfitting and teaching,” says Billy McDonald, chairman of clubfitting specialist Henry-Griffitts.
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Instructional Staff
Plano South
600 Accent Drive
- Heather Ruhe -- former collegiate All-American and LPGA Futures Tour player. Teaching professional at Cherokee Town & CC, Atlanta, before joining Superstore staff in Kennesaw, Georgia.
- Mickey Carey -- 1986 Northern Texas PGA section Teacher of the Year. Has taught at Dallas Country Club.
- Jeff Ulrich -- previously with the US Air Force Academy. Also a professional ski instructor.
- Jared Kaplan -- previously an instructor at Sherrill Park, Ridgeview Ranch, and Spring Creek practice range.
- Maulauna Dotch -- Long-drive champion and former Futures Tour player. Taught at L.B. Houston golf course.
- Gary Owen -- Former Dallas Amateur champion. Instructor at West Ridge golf course.
Plano North
8700 Preston Road, Suite 100
- Ed LaPierre -- former New Hampshire PGA chapter champion and winner of 15 long-driver titles.
- Brian Smith -- Has served as a rules official at US Open qualifiers, PGA and Nike Tour events. Former instructor with Ben Sutton Golf Schools.
- Wendy Boyd -- Won two Chicago Women’s Amateurs and taught at Alabama State Unversity.
- Kendall Thomas -- Certified USGTF teaching professional.
- Sean Kayea -- Graduate of Campbell University professional golf management program.
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