If you’re following the Golf Lab Saga – one theme stands out. Our professional staff is all “senior”.
We’re looking for “young blood” – and from our perspective that leaves quite a bit of room.
Here’s the reason:
We have established an important relationship with Edel Golf. Edel Golf is unique in the world.
“Over the top attention to detail” – is the Edel mantra. Edel is the world leader in custom putters – no other company even tries to compete. The new wedge line has turned out to be revolutionary.
“Revolutionary” deserves explanation. Edel provides eight sole grinds in a single loft. That’s five more than the next best. Edel sole grinds are progressive – STARTING AT 12* for their Sweeper and progressing to 27* EFFECTIVE BOUNCE in their Digger.
To put that into perspective, Edel wedges start where all other lines end – bounce wise.
If Edel theory about bounce is correct, most wedges are obsolete. That would be “revolutionary”.
The Edel fitting system requires a player to employ a “modern wedge swing” that “activates the bounce”. That’s not controversial. On the range, a properly fitted wedge identifies itself with “no torn roots”.
The unique opportunity that Edel offers is THE ONLY FITTING SYSTEM FOR PUTTERS AND WEDGES.
As club fitters, we look at a bag of clubs in five categories: Drivers, long range fairway clubs, irons, wedges and putters. Edel clubs – putters and wedges – cover 60% of your shots.
No other company covers such a broad spectrum so well.
If Edel is a new name for you, spend some time perusing their website: www.edelgolf.com.
If the Edel Story strikes your fancy, we have openings at Mariner’s Point Friday morning for Edel wedges and Friday and Saturday afternoons with John Ruark for putter fittings. Call Bob for an appointment. 650-654-1770.
The New Edel Business Model
Edel is expanding. The company is releasing a line of off the shelf putters later this year that will compete with Scotty Cameron. They have irons in development – based on their design theory for wedges – that irons should be fitted for bounce.
Edel is partnering with the Golf Lab to bring specialized professional fitting services to Bay Area clubs. Edel hired an internal sales rep to work the phone and build relationships with Northern California clubs. His compensation is based on scheduling fitting days.
The new strategy is recognition that the most expensive part of a custom fitting is the time it takes. Offering Edel custom fittings conveniently will be a welcome relief for players who don’t have time for travel.
The Golf Lab will perform Edel fittings in our Northern California Bay Area territory. We’re going to need some help.
The Ideal Candidates
There’s no getting around playing ability. Low single digit handicap is a requirement. Also, competitive playing experience. The main qualification is a deep interest getting better at golf. The ideal candidate will be thinking about making golf their life’s work. There are no age limitations.
This is not a full-time job – yet. Key times will be evenings and weekends. It is a perfect supplement interest and income for a serious golfer who wants to take their own game to the “next level” – by learning Golf Lab fitting methods.
Extensive experience is required. The candidate will work alongside Leith Anderson and John Ruark – experiencing the depth of a Golf Lab fitting and receiving custom clubs, putter and wedges in the process.
If you know the person, or if you are the person, please get in touch with Bob Pegram to set up a personal interview. 650-654-1770.
Tim Cleary Case Study
Tim would be the first to tell you that he’s not a great golfer. He is dedicated to getting better.
Tim took an Edel putter fitting and a session – a putter fitting is free with a sale. Tim bought a new Edel putter that matched his correct putting stroke. John Ruark helped Tim understand his stroke. Teamwork. $375.
First Rule for Putting Improvement: Make sure you aim inside the hole and your form is correct. Never practice mistakes. That means your putter has to fit your stance and stroke for length, loft, lie, offset, head shape, top markings, shaft flex and grip type. Then, balance for tempo and feel.
How long would it take to figure all that out yourself?
If you’re driving in a race, would you choose a Model T or a Corvette?
Tim then came out for our Edel Wedge Fitting at Mariner’s Point. The fitting comes with a “model wedge swing”. Tim took that to heart as well. He bought one Edel 60* wedge for $200 that matched his new correct wedge swing. The wedge fitting was $75.
The net result? Ten strokes improvement in his game – from better wedge play and better putting. That was an immediate result – with just a few weeks of work.
Total cost? Add time and travel, quite a few buckets of practice balls and a few hours at the Mariner’s Point short game area. Figure an investment of $1000. Two custom clubs and a few hours of personal attention come with the deal.
If I could buy improvement for $100 per stroke, my only question would be “What’s the limit?”
The most efficient path to lower scores is to keep your driver out of the trees, short of the water and inside the white stakes. After that, get on the green from 50 yards in one try. Third most important: tap in second putt. That’s ten strokes for a 20 index.
Average Players Benefit More from Custom Fitting
If you keep track of improvement by counting strokes, you’re in luck if you’re a fifteen index or higher. That means that there is plenty of low hanging fruit – easy ways to cut strokes.
Scratch players work a whole season to shave one stroke.
Average players can improve by five strokes or more by simply eliminating clubs that don’t fit – together with developing an understanding of correct swing form. Miracles happen.
One of the unique features of the Golf Lab is that we break down a player’s talent, swing, practice time available and commitment to improve. We predict the number of strokes a player might improve, how long it will take, the probability of success and the cost. We help you develop a program and prioritize activities.
Who else does that?
Enjoying golf requires matching expectations with reality. No one ever gets better on two rounds of golf and two large buckets a month. When you plan to step up to the next level, the Golf Lab is your best partner in Northern California.
Special Offers this Week:
Totally open Wednesday morning for “Morning at the Muni“. The very best way to start a fitting. No charge. Wheels up at 7:45. List closes at 5 PM tonight.
Friday “Edel Wedge Fitting at Mariner’s Point”. One hour sessions. Players can follow the fitting with an hour of practice – utilizing the Golf Lab fitting bag. $125. Two hours total time (with practice).
Friday and Saturday. “Combo Deal” with Leith Anderson and John Ruark. Driver Optimization and Fitting from Leith and “Introduction to the Science of Putting” by John Ruark. Two 1.5 hour sessions. $250 this weekend covers 3 hours for both sessions.
Saturday Sale: We’re starting up our Vintage Blades Internet Store. There are a few sets that won’t go along with us to the future. Rather than get nothing on eBay, we’re going for slightly more than nothing this weekend. So far, we’ve picked out six sets that will go on the block for $99 – the whole set. These are good sets – very good for a standby set for visitors.
We have a nice handful of Mizuno wedges – still in the shrinkwrap – that we’ll put out there like chum in the water for $75. They all have the new “Spinner” wedge shaft from True Temper. By Saturday, there will be more tempting bargains. Watch your email for details.
Re-Grip While You Wait. Also Saturday. Book an appointment. Bring your clubs. When you’re done, they will be too. Golf Pride Tour Wrap and Tour Velvet and Lamkin Crossline. Undersize, Regular, Midsize or Oversize. $9-$12.
Best Regards,
Leith Anderson and the Golf Lab Gang – JR, JT, DT, BP, JW and CS.
PS: If you can add names to initials and recite them in person – you get a 10% discount on your next purchase or service.