Golf World more than a place for clubs
Golf World Practice Range & Discount Shop prides itself on its selection and prices.
The business at 19001 N. Tamiami Trail offers brand name clubs, balls and clothing at what it says are lower prices than you would find at a pro shop in a country club – and there is a driving range for you to work on your swing as well.
Reed Longo, co-owner of Golf World with his father-in-law and wife, Cindy, opened the place in 1993 when they saw a need for driving range facilities.
“I had been in the golf business out of college, so we found some property and developed a driving range and a strip shopping center,” Longo said. “We offer all the golf needs as well as lessons and the ability to practice in one location without having to play 18 holes.”
Golf World offers complete sets of irons and woods, hybrids, wedges, putters and drivers, as well as golf bags, accessories, shoes, and apparel, as well as regrips and club repair.
They sell products from names like Taylor Made, Adams, Callaway, Titleist, and many others.
The best part is with the driving range, shoppers can try out the clubs before they buy and they can be fitted to your liking.
“We sell a lot of equipment here. You can try out name brand equipment at discount prices and have a driving range and it won’t cost you anything to try the equipment,” Longo said.
The driving range gives you a place to work on your swing. For $4, you can get a small bucket of balls to grip and rip. The range is also lighted, which allows golfers to practice at night during season, and has a pavilion to keep cool and/or dry.
There also is a small, artificial putting green and a chipping area with a sand bunker to allow for work on the short game.
They also offer lessons and clinics. Junior clinics are held Wednesdays for $12 and weekly clinics Wednesdays and Saturdays for $15. They also offer individual and group lessons packages.
Longo said the golf business has had its ups and downs, but with new courses opening up, it has become one of the best places to shop for golf, winning the “Best of North Fort Myers” in the golf store category.
“We’re in an upswing. There are more golfers and users in the area. It’s been good for us,” Longo said.
Golf World is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The driving range is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday until 5 p.m.
For more information, call 731-0130 or visit its website at www.golfworlddiscount.com.