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Hernando Today

Golf Enthusiasts Wanted Store Close To Home

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By TONY HOLT

Published: December 30, 2007

BROOKSVILLE - BROOKSVILLE - A maintenance man and a prison guard wanted to begin a business together.

One of them was tired of carrying a belt of heavy tools up a ladder while the other wanted a better change of his own.

With the "Do what you love" motto on their minds, the father and son tandem decided last year to open a Golf Etc. shop – one that was convenient for local golfers.

"He's lived for golf since he was a kid," said Chris Pursell of his father, Keith Pursell. "He was getting tired of driving to Tampa or New Port Richey to get his equipment."

Both men put their heads together about a golf store at a time when there was none in Hernando County. Since then, Golf Divots opened off Spring Hill Drive.

Nonetheless, they forged ahead and opened their own store. They could care less about the competition. Both of them are happy knowing there is one more choice available for local golfers.

The owners of the newest golf shop in Hernando County also are working on building relationships with the nearby golf courses.

The store opened Dec. 11, in time for the Christmas rush.

"It worked out well," Chris Pursell said. "We could have had some glitches, but we didn't."

Both men were pulled away from their conversation several times Saturday to assist customers. People either had heard about the opening or found it while visiting the sprawling Coastal Way shopping area along the county's main drag.

The inside of the shop contains all of the well-known brands – Nike, Titleist, Callaway and scores of others.

There is a putting green in the middle of the shop with dozens sample putters within reaching distance around it. A simple, yet effective way for customers to know which putter best suits them.

Customers also are invited to try the Vector Pro swing evaluation. It is like a batting cage for golfers, only it does more because it uses precision technology to evaluate a golfer's swing. Players can use the machine to choose which equipment is the most comfortable. It can also show them ways to improve their drives off the tee.

Those who wish to use the Vector Pro must make an appointment and designate up to two hours of their schedule for a full-scale fitting. Basically, that means the experts at Golf Etc. will assist them in choosing the best equipment for their game.

"The chances are 1 in 300 that you can pull a set of golf clubs off the wall and it will work for you," Pursell said, explaining why there is a need for the Vector Pro.

Customers may also visit the store for a "bag evaluation." That basically means a golfer can bring his or her own golf bag, swing every wood and iron contained in the bag and determine what needs to be replaced, Pursell said.

Keith Pursell chose the Golf Etc. franchise because of what he saw while living in Tampa. The Golf Etc. there was his favorite store to visit.

He liked the franchise's price, but he also noticed a sort of "friendliness" at the Tampa store he didn't normally see at other golf retailers.

"We wanted to cater to everybody, including women and children," his son said. "Some (stores) are not friendly to those groups. They come in here and tell us that."

The enjoyment of helping others play the sport he loves is seen all over Keith Pursell's face, especially when he talks about what he did for a living prior to opening the store. All the straining and laborious work is behind him.

"I got tired of climbing all those ladders," he said.

Biz at a glance:

Name of biz: Golf Etc.

Owners: Keith and Chris Purcell

What it is: Golf equipment store

Where it is: 13043 Cortez Blvd.

Get in touch: 597-5994

Send a fax: 597-9224

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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