HOUSTON, March 21, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With the opening of its Xtreme store in Katy and the expansion of its Baybrook store, Golfsmith International has reaffirmed its position as Texas' largest golf specialty retailer with 13 locations throughout the state and five in the Houston metro area.
The new Xtreme store in Katy is 40,151 square feet and offers a unique, experiential model that encourages customers to try clubs before they buy with four high-tech, computerized club fitting studios, and a five bay indoor driving range right inside the store. It also features a huge indoor putting green so golfers can work on their short game with the latest putters.
Located at 1210 Fry Road, in the Westgate Marketplace, the new Golfsmith Xtreme will give away more than $7,500 in free prizes including a $1,000 shopping spree during the grand opening celebration March 22nd, 23rd and 24th 2013.
Golfsmith's Baybrook store at 19431 Gulf Freeway in Webster is being totally renovated and will double in size once the remodel is complete in mid-April. The new 29,117 square foot layout will offer an even bigger selection of the best golf gear and even more opportunities for golfers to try out equipment in one of the six indoor, high-tech hitting simulators, or on the indoor putting green.
"Golfsmith's roots are in Texas so we're thrilled to continue to expand in our home state. Whether you are a scratch golfer or someone looking to get into the game for the first time, the Houston Katy store is a huge golfer's paradise and offers the best selection of the biggest brands in a truly unique environment and our renovation in Baybrook now has even more selection and interactive features golfers will enjoy," said Golfsmith International's President and CEO Sue Gove. "Today's hi-tech clubs offer more features than ever like adjustable loft and shot shape options. Our store associates are experts in helping golfers of all skill levels find the right gear for their game. In fact, we have trained our associates as "Adjustability Experts" for the kickoff of the season.
Both stores include GolfTEC, a state-of-the-art, in-store improvement center, with PGA teaching professionals and certified coaches to help golfers improve their game.
In addition to clubs, balls, shoes, tees and other golf essentials from brands like Titleist, PING, Callaway, TaylorMade, Cobra, PUMA, Nike Golf, Mizuno and more, Golfsmith offers a wide selection of authentic golf apparel brands and fashions not found in a typical department or discount store. Golfers will also find the latest hi-tech accessories such as GPS units, swing analyzers and rangefinders.
The new store is part of a continued growth strategy by Golfsmith that is bucking an industry trend of golf store closures. According to the National Golf Foundation, almost half of all golf stores in America closed in the last decade. The Texas-based golf retailer will continue its expansion in 2013 with ten (10) planned stores throughout the U.S.
Golfsmith's Houston Katy Grand Opening celebration occurs March 22, 23 and 24. More than $7,500 in freebies will be given away during the celebration at the Katy location. When the store opens at 8:00 AM on Friday, the first 200 people in line will receive a free two-pack of premium golf balls and all customers will have a chance to register to win a $1,000 shopping spree which will be given away at 9:15 AM. On Saturday, the first 100 customers will receive a goody bag valued at more than $100, including a round of golf at a local course. All weekend long, customers can participate in contests and register for a chance to win prizes such as drivers, iron sets, GPS units and rangefinders. GolfTEC will also be hosting a group clinic on Saturday.
Golfsmith offers a comprehensive online store at www.golfsmith.com. Customers can register on the site for special offers and updates on the grand opening by signing up for "E-mail Offers" or going to golfsmith.com.
Attention Photo Editors: To download high-resolution images of Golfsmith's stores, please click this link:
https://www.box.com/s/lgptdvgqo9e7sjl1lie8
Attention Video Editors: To download broadcast quality, HD video of Golfsmith's stores, please click this link:
http://www.box.net/shared/dvuq6xf4ts
About Golfsmith International
Golfsmith International, based in Austin, TX, is the largest specialty golf retailer in the world operating Golfsmith stores in the U.S. and Golf Town stores in Canada and New England. The business operates as an integrated, multi-channel retailer, offering customers the convenience of shopping through any of its 150+ experiential retail locations or 24/7 shopping at its e-commerce sites - www.golfsmith.com and www.golftown.com. Golfsmith International offers extensive product selection of premier branded golf equipment as well as its proprietary products, club-making components and pre-owned clubs.