Occupation: General Manager of Golfers Warehouse
Age: 47
Family: Wife, Amber; five children, Carly, Anthony, Steve, Nathan and Chrissy
Hometown: Burlington, Ct.


Mark, how long have you been associated with Golfers’ Warehouse?
For 22 years.

What major changes have taken place at GW since you have been with the company?
Our store model and now our e-commerce site are in perpetual change. We are constantly striving to create a better experience for our customers. We have also added four store locations in the greater Boston market to better service the golfers in those areas.

 What are your overall impressions of the golf equipment industry today?
My hats off to the manufacturers. There are more quality products available to the consumer today, than there has ever been.
 
 What do you see as “the next big thing” in equipment?
It’s actually a big thing now, but will continue to grow...fitting. Especially utilizing the computerized technology that we offer. It virtually takes the guesswork out of buying golf equipment and can pinpoint the right golf club to a specific golfer.

 What are Golfers’ Warehouse’s strengths?
That’s easy, the employees. We have many talented, long standing employees who are dedicated to our customers’ experience. It is with great pride that I can say I work with such incredible people everyday!

Why should someone buy equipment at Golfers’ Warehouse rather than online or at a green grass outlet?
As far as online buying, I would offer some caution. If someone is buying online, whether with Golfers’ Warehouse or anyone else, I would urge them to make sure they know whom they are buying from. There is a huge problem in the industry with counterfeits being sold online and it’s not going away real soon. Also, if the need is golf clubs, online does not offer proper fitting to insure the golfer is getting the right club for him or her. In regards to green grass outlets; there are many fine golf professionals doing a great service to many golfers.

What makes Golfers’ Warehouse stand out among the competition?
I will talk to our services. Our goal is to solve our customers’ problems and fulfill their dreams as golfers. We do that through providing knowledge relating to benefits for our customers. It can be accomplished in various ways depending on the customers needs. We offer lessons with PGA professionals, club repair with trained technicians and informative associates to help people find the right products for them. Our selection is extensive from clubs, to apparel, to gifts, for men, women and juniors. We offer demos to try both indoors and out, we take trade-ins, we have a customer loyalty program, tournament program, corporate logo offerings, putting greens and indoor hitting ranges and computerized fitting technology. Our web site is designed for our customers as a convenience to them and a comfort knowing they are dealing with an established, authorized dealer. And if someone wants to visit one of our stores to just hang out and talk golf, we welcome that too!

Okay, so what’s your handicap?
Six.

How long have you played golf?
35 years.

What’s your favorite Connecticut course?
Hartford Golf Club.

How about in Massachusetts?
Salem Country Club.

In all of New England?
Misquamicut Golf Club.

Favorite course anywhere?
Augusta National.

Best 18th hole?
The Tap Room at Pebble Beach.

Favorite post-round beverage?
A cold beer.

Favorite restaurant?
Christini’s in Orlando, Fla.

Favorite golf gadget?
A range finder.

Favorite golf destination?
Scotland/Ireland.

Why?
The courses, the people and the culture. Having said that, I could do without their food.

Favorite golfer?
Tiger Woods.

Why Tiger?
I have great respect for his mental approach to the game.

Low round and where?
66 at Chippanee Golf Club (Bristol, Ct.).

What is the best thing about playing golf?
The people and the challenge of the game. I think it was Sam Snead who said, “Unless you shoot 18, you lose.” So there is always room for improvement.

 Neatest thing to ever happen to you through golf?
There are three things that stand out to me that I have been very fortunate to have experienced. Playing golf with Tiger Woods, having dinner with Jack Nicklaus at his house and attending Arnold Palmer’s birthday party.

Most embarrassing moment on a golf course?
The list is too long. I will say though, that even during the embarrassments, I still thoroughly enjoy every round! There is no better game.