When Clemson University decided to build the Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center, a 98,000-square-foot facility designed to welcome more than 160,000 visitors to the South Carolina campus annually, it included plans to replace the old 800-square-foot golf shop with a new one on the five-story center’s ground floor. Called the Clark Family Pro Shop, the space includes a 1,700-square-foot selling floor, men’s and women’s locker rooms and 1,200 square feet of offices and a stockroom.
Head Professional Brent Jessup, PGA, worked closely with Bauer International and the project’s architectural team choosing fixtures and hardware for the new shop – his goal being to stay true to the architectural integrity of the building. In October of 2024, The Walker Course at Clemson University hired Merchandiser/Buyer Patricia Daniels, AGM (pictured), to help get the shop stocked and in shape for its opening in early March.
“Everything is first class with so much attention to detail – even down to our Tiger Paw drawer and cabinet knobs,” says Daniels, formerly of Toscana Country Club in Indian Wells, California. “We have floor-to-ceiling windows, so the shop is bright and inviting. We love how our brass hardware and black leather accents stand out against the light wood of the built-in cabinets and shelving.”
Daniels had four months to get the shop in order, and being organized was key. This included staying on top of the merchandise as it arrived and using a rendering of the shop with the fixtures mapped out to decide exactly where everything should go. At the same time, she decided to keep props to a minimum to meld with the shop’s aesthetic.
Since the Walker Course is adjacent to the Clemson campus, the majority of product lines are logoed with the Clemson Tiger Paw, though many items bear a separate logo for the Walker Course – host to more than 42,000 rounds of golf annually.
“Having both logos is key,” Daniels says. “Since we are the only retail space in the Alumni and Visitors Center, in addition to golf apparel and equipment we have introduced more gift items, T-shirts and sweatshirts, accessories and children’s items. We love having something for everyone.”
During its first two months of operation, shop sales were $52,000 and $72,000 with several apparel lines selling through. This was all the more impressive considering the school’s Alumni and Visitors center did not officially open until April 25.
“Reaction from golf members and visitors to the new shop has been so wonderful. Everyone is so excited about the Clark Family Pro Shop at The Walker Course,” explains Daniels. “We have received so many compliments about the merchandise we are carrying, along with how the shop looks. I take pride in the buying and merchandising of the shop, and it’s nice to know that everyone is pleased.”
This page is an ongoing feature in PGA Magazine that highlights best practices from the Arizona-based Association of Golf Merchandisers. The AGM has approximately 850 members – including PGA of America Professionals, buyers and merchandisers.
