Golf forum

I popped into the Romford Direct Golf on Saturday as it had reps from Taylor Made, Mizuno, Callaway and Adams.  I was unfortunate to be caught by a Direct Golf "Pro" who told me that there was no point at looking at the Taylor Made or Mizuno, I should look at Adams, John Letters, Hotblade etc. 

I am personally sick and tired of going into that store and having to have a row if I want to try any gear that is not tied to them.  2 or 3 years ago, when I bought my Cobra Irons, they were excellent, offered good advice and let me try anything I wanted without the hard sell; now they are pressure salesmen for their own products.

I think I would be less annoyed if they made it clear that they have a link to the manufacturers; but they don't, they simply tell you that the stuff is the best thing since sliced bread and all reviews/comments etc you have heard are bull.

I have decided that Saturday was my last visit.

Interesting James.  I use the one in Walsall for the range plus bits and pieces (gloves, tees, etc).  When I was looking at new irons a few months ago I asked them for advice and the first set they took me to - Adams!!!  When I asked about TM, Mizuno, etc I got a grumbled "Well you can if you want but they're not as good and you're only paying for the name.  We sell more Adams than anything else".  So I led him down the "don't want to pay the pro's sponsorship" path which he duly obliged in following, again suggesting the Adams clubs.  Then I said "But doesn't Rory Sabbatini use Adams?".  Going red and mumbling, he was then was happy to let me try the clubs I wanted to - as well as the Adams.  In fairness, I liked the Adams irons but couldn't get on with the hybrids. 

Last month I was looking at bags and guess what.  "Need any help?", "No, just looking thanks", "Have a look at the Adams, it's by far the best one out at the moment, it's got the most pockets", "That means I'll end up with more crap and mouldy bananas in there and it'll take me longer to find everything then", walks off leaving oik with stunned look standing there. 

Chris, I am pleased I am not the only one.  I will admit that the Adams Square Driver was nice, but I do not want and Adams Square Driver, in fact I do not want a Square Driver at all ! 

I am pleased that I have an outlet of CentreGolf (www.discoutgolfstore.co.uk) not far from where I live.  Everytime I go in there they are helpful and do not try and push anything on you.

I just find it such a shame that DG's stores have gone so far down hill.

P.S. I just bought the Nike Sasquatch Tour Bag - really pleased with it.  Can be a bit big for some but the straps are excellent making it easy to carry and you can tie the legs down to get the Tour Bag stsyle.

Agree with the comments re Direct Golf Romford but have found that the centre golf guys just point in the general direction and say "over there" when you ask a question, American golf Romford seems to be about the best in our region.

Personally i like Adams gear but i have the clubs they made before they replaced them all with hybrids and square offerings. I didnt get them from Direct golf but bought them individually on ebay at various times for less than £100 for the irons, woods & driver.

Bought my putter from Centre golf Rayleigh as they price matched a stupid price i found on the internet

Looked at TG last night for their bag review.  Guess what?  The Mizuno bag I was looking at (the one that's rubbish, not worth the money and I'd only be paying for the name) is in there and gets a reasonable review.  The Adams one (the best out there because it has so many pockets and they're selling loads) doesn't even appear. 

Have TG missed a trick?  Maybe they should've gone to Direct Golf........

OK, in the interst of balance I feel I have to add to this. 

Went into Direct Golf today to use the range and try the driver I currently own (Nike Sumo) with a stiff shaft as I've been advised that with my swing speed I should be using one.  Asked a guy who I see in there regluarly and I know is PGA qualified to tape one up which he did whilst havng a bit of friendly banter about the rugy shirt I was wearing.  He asked why I was looking at the same club and when I explained he asked if I'd looked at any other drivers.  I said no and asked if there was something he would recommend.  His words - "Entirely up to you.  Have a look round and if you see something give it a go."  No leaning to Adams or Hotblade, I was stunned.  I asked about the TM Burner and he said "Great club, I've got one but it doesn't suit everyone.  Give it a try and see what you think".

I staggered stunned onto the range and wamed up with a couple of irons.  As I started hitting my driver he came out and said "Do you mind if I give you a tip?"  I said no so he told me whilst my takeaway was good I was chopping down in the swing, causing me to hit down on the ball.  This is a fault I know I have.  He then gave me a 10 minute inpromtu lesson to help me solve it and told me to work on that and when I was comfortable to come back another day and hit the drivers as it might make a difference.  "Still hit them today if you want, but come back and try them a few more times as you are ironing out that fault before you take anything as it may affect your decision". 

Got to say he was honest, friendly, helpful and impartial.  No pressure on the sale and I got a potential fix for my fault.  They've just had a new manager in there so maybe that has made a difference. 

Chris,

That is good to hear.  That is the sort of service I got when I first went there several years ago.  You never know, maybe they are getting the message.