To Our Customers:
It is with great sadness that we have to announce that April 5, 2009 was the last day of operation for Pro Golf of Vancouver. Carol and I worked very hard but we simply could not out run the recession.
2008 brought us two major weather events that severely affected our business. 2008 also brought a downturn in the economy that obviously affected many, many people. As a business that was still “growing”, we recognized we would need financial support to see us through this time. Of course banks aren’t lending money these days, especially to existing small businesses. Specifically Key Bank and West Coast Bank should feel shame for not recognizing our store’s potential.
Closing our store is devastating for us. Not only financially, but it leaves a giant void in our hearts. As most of you know, Carol and I spent a great deal of time at the store. What we gave up in playing golf, we gained by living through YOUR golf experiences. We enjoyed hearing about your golf trips, your first birdie, your career low round, your club championship experience, etc. We tried to make the store a comfortable place to be and invited our customers to stop by just to chat. Also lost for us is the sense of pride in being a good community partner. While the requests for donations to various charities were never ending, we did what we could to help many fund raising events.
We were fortunate to find a core group of loyal and fun staff members to help us. Mike and Dan were literally with us since before we opened in 2005, and Darci came aboard not too long after that. Along with other current staffers Brad and Kevin, and a few former staff in Jerry, Rick, Julie and many others…………thank you for efforts in the store.
Mostly we are sad to lose contact with the many fantastic human beings (and several dogs) we’ve gotten to know over the years. We never expected that so many customers would become the kind of friends that greet you with warm handshakes and hugs. The kindness, support and camaraderie shown were absolutely unexpected and appreciated more than you could know.
To OGA Handicap Members
If you paid your 2009 dues with us, your OGA dues have been paid to the OGA and your card is good through the end of this season. You should be receiving your updated index via email from them. If you don’t receive the email, call the OGA to make sure they have your correct email address on file.
To Tri-Mountain Senior Men’s League Players
The $10 league fee has been sent to Mike Bender to put in the pot for the specified week’s play.
To Gift Card Holders
Gift cards may be redeemed at the Pro Golf Discount stores in Seattle, or online at www.progolf.com. We are very sorry for the inconvenience.
Though it may not be the closest, we would ask that you support Smitty’s DOT Golf for your future needs. Smitty is the last truly independent golf shop in the Portland/Vancouver area, and has become a friend of ours. Their address is 12412 NE Halsey in Portland (503) 408-1215. For those of you who have been there, Smitty is getting ready to relocate to a space nearby where he will have a better facility for testing clubs.
I have found a parallel between golf and our store. In golf, all you can really do is hit it, find it, and hit it again. Carol and I hit it far and thought it was in the middle of the fairway, but it must have sliced at the end. All we can do is go find it and hit it again.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve your golf needs these past four years.