American Golf opens up in Gateshead

Warrington-headquartered retailer, American Golf has opened its 100th store in Gateshead as part of rapid expansion.

The golf chain has grown sales to £133m in the 12 months to the end of January, driven by its focus on improving customers’ games, and the posting of PGA Pro in every store.

American Golf estimate their share of the UK golf market to have increased by 28%, and plan to capture the North East market with this latest outlet.

The company’s new CFO, Stuart Owens, said: “We occupy a position of real strength in the sector as Europe’s leading specialist multi-channel golf retailer in a global and growing sport. Combined with a solid financial platform and an unrivalled proposition, we see enormous potential to continue growing the business and consolidate our position as the dominant European leader in golf retail.”

The business now plans to open up to 30 new stores over the next three years, with the aim to increase revenue by 40%.

Kevin Styles, who joined as CEO of american golf in June last year, added: “Last year was a game-changing one for the business. We delivered record sales and, more importantly, made some major improvements and investments to get the platform right for our next growth phase. This included strengthening our e-commerce business, developing the best golf retail store format in Europe, further strengthening our merchandising & range authority and investing in our people.”