Logue Honored as 2021 Southern Ohio PGA Private Merchandiser of the Year

Jimmy Logue, PGA, an 18-year PGA Member, is the 2021 recipient of the Southern Ohio PGA Private Merchandiser of the Year Award for his success at Cincinnati Country Club. Logue believes that success in the golf shop stems from the trust members have in the PGA Professional. He and his team provide a high level of leadership and knowledge of the game while also being accessible to the membership, allowing his golf shop to thrive. Logue has been recognized previously for his success in the industry as the Southern Ohio PGA Section’s Private Merchandiser of the Year in 2014, recipient of the SOPGA Professional Development Award in 2016, and as SOPGA Golf Professional of the Year in 2017

Read below to hear Jimmy’s thoughts on becoming a successful golf shop merchandiser.

SOPGA: What does it mean to you to be named the Southern Ohio PGA Private Merchandiser of the Year? 

JL: Winning any SOPGA award is a great honor.  There are so many talented professionals in our Section doing wonderful things; it’s great to be recognized and respected by our peers.

SOPGA: What has been the most important factor in running a successful golf shop?

JL: I’ve always had an ownership mentality.  I’ve been very fortunate to own my own golf shop for the past 17 years, and I believe it takes an ownership mentality; a willingness to try different ideas and allowing yourself to make mistakes every now and then.  But you have to own your business… if not physically, then mentally.  Own the details, create relationships, get total staff buy in.  My assistants have been outstanding.  They know the golf shop is important to me, so it’s been important to them.  I owe them a huge thank you more than anything.

SOPGA: Is there a “Best Practice” you’ve utilized as a private merchandiser to build a successful golf shop?

JL: Establish strong relationships with your members/customers in any and all ways possible.  Golf professionals create great and strong relationships through teaching, club fitting, golf trips, running events etc.  Being the expert in these areas helps establish and reinforce the relationships; from there the member is very loyal and wants to give you the business/support.  Golf shop business isn’t created in the golf shop – get outside and enhance those relationships!

SOPGA: What advice would you give to someone just beginning to learn about building a successful golf shop?

JL: My best advice for those starting out would be to cultivate great relationships with your local sales reps.  Ask lots of questions.  We have so many outstanding reps in our Section and they are a wealth of knowledge and they are extremely helpful.  Truly treat these relationships as partnerships; consistently invest in them and they will invest in you.  It’s not a one-way street.

About the Award: Recognizes SOPGA members who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf. Awarded in two categories (Private and Public/Municipal/Military/Semi-Private). Credit rating, community involvement, staffing, inventory, displays and merchandising techniques are some of the criteria considered for this award.