1 The World of Golf
532 Bedford Rd., Bedford Hills
914-244-0048
This year, TWOG expanded what was an already large inventory of equipment and clothing, particularly broadening its selection of golf shoes. Store manager John Zuzolo says its Callaway OptiFit System allows trained technicians to analyze the appropriate lofts and shafts for customers looking for custom-fit drivers. For additional club fittings, TWOG uses the About Golf Simulator in its indoor golf studio. Customers looking for new clubs should also note that TWOG has a trade-in program in which it will purchase your old clubs and apply a credit towards your new set if purchased at its location.
2Golfsmith
1019 Central Ave., Scarsdale
914-902-0014
Dawn Partin, general manager of Golfsmith in Scarsdale, believes that Golfsmith’s 90/90 Playability Guarantee is one of the most generous of all new club-purchase guarantees. When you purchase new clubs from Golfsmith, you have 90 days to decide if you are completely satisfied. If not, you can return the clubs for a 90-percent refund of the total cost in the form of a store credit, depending on the price range of that particular club. Golfsmith utilizes a launch monitor and an in-store putting green to help you analyze and test clubs under the watchful eye of its expert staff. A full-service customization and repair shop either will alter your new clubs to your exact specifications or repair your current clubs to get them back into top-notch form. Unique among retailers, Golfsmith offers a club-making workshop to teach you how to build your own new clubs.
3Fairview Golf Center
300 Waterside Dr., Elmsford
914-592-1666
The beauty of Fairview Golf Center is that it combines a golf shop with a double-deck heated driving range. The fully stocked pro shop has all the latest equipment and accessories and there are five PGA pros on staff to help you select the proper equipment. You can demo any of the clubs on their range before purchasing. Fairview utilizes its launch monitor to help in its custom-fitting services. General Manager Joe Mahecha says Fairview Golf Center specializes in custom orders.
4New York Golf Center-Port Chester
421 Boston Post Rd., Port Chester
914-937-1111
New York Golf Center has a total of 11 retail locations in the Metro New York/New Jersey area. The Port Chester location is now in its 20th year of operation and offers 10,000 square feet of wall-to-wall merchandise. “New York Golf Center has the largest selection of golf shoes in the Metro New York region with a stock of more than one hundred-fifty men’s models and more than fifty female models,” Manager Thomas Duncan reports proudly. New York Golf Center also is known for a wide offering of merchandise for lefties, with a stock of more than 25 sets of clubs for southpaws. There is also a selection of junior equipment with five different brands of children’s clubs. Custom fitting and club repair are offered as well. In-store club trials are possible by hitting into nets, but Duncan says you can also borrow selected clubs for a few days to try them during a round or at a driving range. Trade-ins are accepted for store credit.
5Yorktown Golf & Baseball Center
2710 Lexington Ave., Mohegan Lake
914-526-8337
This 14-acre sports complex offers both baseball and golf enthusiasts a chance to test their skills at the driving range, batting cages, and miniature golf course. The two-tiered driving rage has 36 hitting stations, half of which are heated. The pro shop has shifted focus from national-brand clubs to custom made, according to pro Mark Polchinski, a certified golfsmith. With more than 50 different types of grip styles available and the ability to test existing clubs for the proper shaft length, stiffness, and swing-weight, this is truly a full-service custom club-fitting and repair shop.
6Custom Golf of Connecticut
2770 Summer St., Stamford, CT
203-323-7888
Founded in 1990, this 4000-square-foot downtown Stamford, Connecticut, location is renowned for its full-service custom club fitting and repair-shop services. The use of high-tech launch monitors for drivers and irons and the SAM Putt Lab device will help you select the optimal putters for your game. While-you-wait repair services also are offered, which gives you time to scope out its lines of golf accessories.
Dan Berger writes about golf and other sports from his home in Rye Brook.
