Golfbidder extends PGA Partner relationship

The PGA has strengthened its ties with hugely successful online club exchange retailer Golfbidder which has agreed a three year extension of its PGA Partner status.

Surrey-based Golfbidder, now relocated into new premises at Chessington, has carved out a niche in used equipment with both a European and UK wide operation.

Founder and managing director Liam Robb (above) launched the company as Mashie Niblicks in a south west London shop in the late 90s but has seen his multi-million pound company enjoy astonishing growth with its guaranteed price offer for used clubs.

More significantly for The PGA, it has also been successfully utilised by PGA pros with upwards of 700 each year incorporating the facility into their day to day business operations to assist club members in upgrading or swapping equipment.

Among the chief benefits for pros is being able to accept part exchange knowing Golfbidder will take the old clubs off their hands with the additional opportunity that money generated can be reinvested back into the pro shop either for new clubs or perhaps tuition or other golf products.

Integral to the firm’s success has been its rigorous counterfeit screening processes, and the introduction of new technologies such as their proprietary stock trading systems which its 30-strong workforce, including a team of PGA professionals, employ to check the authenticity of all traded clubs.

Golfbidder was one of the first in the industry to recognise the power of the digital age and its Facebook page has more than 30,000 likes while its use of YouTube has also helped cement its reputation as leader in its field.

“Customers who come to Golfbidder for the first time might potentially be a bit nervous about buying second hand clubs so the fact we have a respected name like the PGA associated with us is a big benefit,” said Robb.

“We also deal with many PGA Professionals who recognise the opportunity that Golfbidder presents in terms of allowing ordinary golfers to off load used or unwanted equipment for a guaranteed price that can either be reinvested in new equipment or perhaps into golf lessons or elsewhere in the pro shop.”

The PGA has a flourishing network of PGA Partners and Official Suppliers supporting its commercial operations in tandem with its ongoing education and training of PGA Professionals.

PGA chief executive Sandy Jones added: “Liam Robb and his team at Golfbidder provide a great service for PGA Members and all golfers alike so it’s a great boost that they have extended their PGA Partner status for another three years.”