Golfsmith opens experiential golf store in Chattanooga

(CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.) - The nation's largest specialty golf retailer will swing into the Chattanooga market just in time for the golf season. The newest Golfsmith location provides golfers with an unrivaled golf retail experience. The 15,750 square foot facility offers golfers the ability to try out equipment right inside one of the indoor, high-tech hitting simulators, or on the indoor putting green. And when it comes to outfitting golfers from head to toe, Golfsmith carries a selection of authentic apparel brands and fashion not found elsewhere.

Golfsmith's expansion is bucking a major retail trend in the golf industry. In the last decade, almost half of all golf retail stores in America closed, according to the National Golf Foundation. By the end of 2012, Golfsmith International Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOLF), will serve customers in 89 locations from coast to coast. Golfsmith currently has a location in Memphis and will open a new store in Nashville later this month.

The new Golfsmith store located at 2100 Hamilton Place Boulevard off Gunbarrel Road near Hamilton Place Mall is Golfsmith's 80th store and is the first store to open in 2012 as part of the company's aggressive expansion strategy that includes 10 new store openings and three relocations this year. More than 20 associates have been hired at the Chattanooga store, all of whom have a great passion for the game of golf.

"Golfsmith's experiential concept will make most golfers' jaws drop as soon as they walk through our doors. Chattanooga customers can experience a concept not offered by other area golf retailers," said Golfsmith CEO Marty Hanaka. "We are a golfer's paradise because our goal is to help golfers of all skill levels play better and find the best solutions for their game. We offer a great product selection with the best equipment from brands like Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade, PING and MacGregor. We offer guaranteed low prices on everything we sell and have a commitment to exceptional customer service by the best retail professionals in the business, all of whom have a passion and a deep understanding of the game of golf."

On Friday, March 9th and Saturday March 10th, the first 500 customers in line before the doors open at 8 AM will receive one of the following absolutely free - a $20 Golfsmith card or a free two-pack of golf balls. Customers can also register all weekend long for a chance to win incredible prizes totaling more than $10,000 including drivers, iron sets, bags, balls, apparel and much more. Winners will be selected during a random drawing at the close of business March 11.

In addition to the largest selection of equipment, the new Chattanooga Golfsmith store , will feature the latest custom-fitting technology that will help Golfsmith certified fitting specialists identify the right clubs for a golfer's individual abilities. Custom fitting is the process where a Golfsmith club-fitting specialist uses computerized swing and ball analysis systems to study every aspect of a player's swing and then recommends the best types of clubs and the set-up of those clubs, including shaft flex, loft, lie and more.

A recently released study of several thousand golfers found a majority of golfers in America play with clubs that do not fit them properly (www.customfityourgame.com). Golfsmith traces its roots to making custom-fit clubs beginning in 1967 and offers free custom fitting services. When customers get fit for golf clubs, if they do not see immediate improvement in their game they can bring back their clubs within 30 days for an in-store credit. Golfsmith also guarantees product pricing will be the lowest around and offers a 115% price guarantee.

Golfsmith offers a comprehensive online store at www.golfsmith.com where Chattanooga area residents can register for special offers and updates on grand opening details by signing up for "E-mail Offers" on the company's website.

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