A high performance partnership tees off at Whistler Golf Club
Whistler Question
June 6, 2016
By: Michelle Ratcliffe
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Approaching the Whistler Golf Clubhouse this season, you’ll notice the new addition of a familiar swoosh logo featured prominently at the entrance.
Stepping inside you’ll see why, as you’re greeted by a completely redesigned pro shop where the new look is 100 per cent Nike.
The Whistler Golf Club and Nike Golf have hit a hole in one with a new partnership that puts an innovative spin on the Whistler Golf Club’s retail, giving golfers access to the latest equipment and clothing from the global sporting giant.
The concept pro-shop that is exclusively Nike has created a unique golf offering unlike anything else in Whistler, or anywhere in Western Canada for that matter. The only other location in Canada to offer this level of product assortment, service and customization is the Angus Glen Golf Club in Ontario and approximately 15 Nike “pinnacle experience” retail locations exist globally.
“The Nike Pro Shop at Whistler Golf Club provides our guests with the only Nike retail experience in Whistler,” said Alan Kristmanson, director of golf at the Whistler Golf Club. “Our new Nike shop looks amazing, as do the men’s and women’s apparel lines. We are proud to be one of only two Nike pinnacle shops in Canada.”
A perfect pair
For Kristmanson, the partnership is all about building something unique — giving golfers access to limited edition product lines, special promotions and athlete-endorsed products and events.
The partnership perks extend to the Whistler Golf Academy, which now features a Nike Performance Fitting Studio where anyone can get custom fitted for the latest clubs from Nike Golf.
“The Nike Performance Fitting Studio at Whistler gives our students the opportunity to be fit to their specifications with the latest equipment from Nike Golf. Our students have the ability to choose from a variety of shaft, grip and club options all uniquely displayed in our new shop,” explained Kristmanson.
And speaking of those on top of their game, the partnership plan is poised to include visits from some of Nike’s key golf athletes.
Nothing but Nike
From clothing and clubs to shoes and accessories, it’s all Nike. A complete pro-shop renovation delivered the new look with unique men’s and women’s sections along with sub sections for shoe fitting and accessories.
The experience stays fresh with new lines arriving monthly and equal attention given to male and female styles means no spouse will feel short changed in this shop stocked with clothing and equipment used by some of the world’s best players like Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods,
Michelle Wei and Suzann Pettersen.
“Having been voted one of the best golf shops in North America in the late ‘90s, we felt it was time to recapture that feeling,” said Kristmanson. “We feel we once again provide a special retail experience worthy of such accolades.”
Going beyond the greens
Alongside the latest Nike golf apparel, the pro shop is well stocked with plenty of lifestyle designs to boost one’s style game off the greens as well.
“Golf clothing is no longer something you just wear on the course. Our unique lines from Nike Golf provide a great look that can be worn anywhere,” said Kristmanson.
The staff are fully trained by Nike Global in Portland, so they understand the different fabric technologies for both technical and lifestyle options. With the team now delivering what Nike calls their “pinnacle experience,” the level of service matches the level of product offerings and customization.
“Our customers tell us our retail professionals are great at what they do,” said Kristmanson. “Our staff combine their expert knowledge of Whistler resort along with their product knowledge of Nike Golf to provide a great shopping experience for our destination guests.”
So while this partnership may just be teeing off, this game plan positions the Whistler Golf Club as a premium destination for a unique golf retail experience which will keep their long game going strong.
Link to Whistler Question article: http://ow.ly/VJRnm