A Phoenix company, Travel Golf Center, has launched a service that allows gofers to rent high-end golf clubs and accessories online and picking them up near the Phoenix airport. 


The idea for the enterprise came as the result of a recent golf vacation to Phoenix. Founding partner, Doug Forbes-King paid $150 in extra baggage fees to fly his clubs from British Columbia. Discouraged by not only the hassle of carrying and checking in extra baggage, but the exorbitant cost, Doug created a solution to this challenge faced by every golfer who visits the Valley of the Sun.


Ski resorts have used similar models to boost sales by their rental shops, but how well the model will work with golfers, who can golf at home, is not known.

 

Travel Golf Center, located next to the Phoenix airport, rents new or mint condition clubs for almost half the rate of typical executive golf courses. Golfers have three options from which to choose, including pre-stocked Value Bags; or the latest technology from Callaway, TaylorMade and Ping in their Tour Bags and Custom Bags. The Tour and Custom Bags feature clubs from Golf Digest's 2011 Hot List. The Custom Bag also allows golfers to mix and match clubs of their choice on their e-commerce website, where “fill your golf bag” has replaced “add to your shopping cart”.

When asked if golfers will be interested in renting clubs when so many are particular about using their own equipment, Forbes-King responded, “Because we offer the latest and greatest technology, we have something for every ability, including golf pros. In fact, renting Hot List clubs gives golfers the opportunity to try out clubs they may have their eye on.”


In recent discussions with Fred Barr, PGA, Director of Career Services at Golf Academy of America, Barr indicated, “The concept for the Travel Golf Center fills a void for a golf destination city such as Phoenix. All golfers now have an opportunity to stay and play with rental equipment that suits their specific needs.”


The Travel Golf Center website also allows tourists to book tee times online with impressive savings off regular green fees. In store, Arizona golfers can have their swing analyzed with a launch monitor or try out clubs with hitting nets and putting greens. The pro shop also sells golf shoes, a complete range of accessories, and rents GPS's and rangefinders. They are celebrating their grand opening with discounts throughout January and February.


About Travel Golf Center


Travel Golf Center is a one stop location for rental golf clubs, golf balls and accessories, as well as discounted tee time bookings for golfing in Phoenix. The pro shop is conveniently located next to Sky Harbor Airport beside the Car Rental Center, which allows golfers to pick up their suitcase, rental car and golf clubs and head directly to their favorite course.