Dick's Sporting Goods relaunches Demo Program

[Berg Ryman]

Well, I remember saying in the Dollar Driver Review thread that there was a place for a demo program in golf, and apparently Dick's Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy agree, as they've relaunched a demo program. You can see the selection or clubs here but the cliff notes are as follows.

Brands: Callaway, Cobra, TaylorMade, Titleist, and Ping

Options: Drivers, Fairway Woods, Hybrids, Irons

Cost: $25 for woods/FW/Hybrid, $50 for Irons, $40 dollar for two club pack

Time: Up to 2 weeks, if you don't return you get charged full retail price.

Going to be interesting to see how this works for the company. I'm sure they wouldn't do it if they didn't think it would be profitable in some way.

[NC Golfer]

Thanks, for sharing! This is a win-win for everyone. GG doesn't get hurt. They can sell demo's at a decent price. Considering the price of clubs. This is a small investment to check things out, including a shaft. 

[TexasFullSend]

18 hours ago, Berg Ryman said:

Well, I remember saying in the Dollar Driver Review thread that there was a place for a demo program in golf, and apparently Dick's Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy agree, as they've relaunched a demo program. You can see the selection or clubs here but the cliff notes are as follows.

Brands: Callaway, Cobra, TaylorMade, Titleist, and Ping

Options: Drivers, Fairway Woods, Hybrids, Irons

Cost: $25 for woods/FW/Hybrid, $50 for Irons, $40 dollar for two club pack

Time: Up to 2 weeks, if you don't return you get charged full retail price.

Going to be interesting to see how this works for the company. I'm sure they wouldn't do it if they didn't think it would be profitable in some way.

WOW! that is good news for those unsure about the clubs they want to get!

[GaDawg]

I would be very careful @ Dick's trying to return a club after hitting it. I was told at my local Dick's that it's up to each individual store manager regarding returns. I pulled up their corporate policy while in the store and had a heated discussion with the dept head. They finally agreed that I was correct and provided me with a refund. This was on a TM Stealth Driver that I had it 6 to 8 times.

[NC Golfer]

I had the same experience at Dicks, wanted to return a cleveland wedge after some practice with it. One store said no, the next town over, they took a hard look at it and said yes.

I understand their position. When you buy a new club, you expect it to be in perfect condition.

That's the beauty of this and may demo programs. Try it, before you buy it.

DSG and GG have a good policy on used clubs. You can return them within a week, no questions asked.

Edited August 15, 2022 by NC Golfer

[GregGarner]

12 hours ago, NC Golfer said:

I had the same experience at Dicks, wanted to return a cleveland wedge after some practice with it. One store said no, the next town over, they took a hard look at it and said yes.

I understand their position. When you buy a new club, you expect it to be in perfect condition.

That's the beauty of this and may demo programs. Try it, before you buy it.

DSG and GG have a good policy on used clubs. You can return them within a week, no questions asked.

I'm excited for this demo program; I imagine it'll be more convenient for some compared to programs like Global Golf's, which I have taken advantage of in the past. 

As for returns, it's not just used clubs that they will balk at. I bought a TM Spider putter and then changed my mind. Returned it STILL IN THE SHRINK-WRAP and it took 3 employees to inspect it and finally decide they would allow me to return it... 

[Bulldog]

If they balk a returns in a demo program where the customer pays, the demo program is DOA. I’m guessing they are smarter than that. As always, read the fine print.

[ChitownM2]

On 8/1/2022 at 7:25 PM, NC Golfer said:

Thanks, for sharing! This is a win-win for everyone. GG doesn't get hurt. They can sell demo's at a decent price. Considering the price of clubs. This is a small investment to check things out, including a shaft. 

My guess is they aren't going to have a variety of shafts available.  You will probably only be able to pick between the standard stock offerings that are usually in-stock.  For Cobra that usually means a choice of 2 or 3 or for Ping, you're getting an Alta wood shaft or AWT wedge shafts.  

I'll be shocked if any of them let you custom order a product to demo, even if you're working within the no charge upgrades..  

[NC Golfer]

True, I don't think you can custom order a shaft. But, if you are a stiff player, it could be a nice way to experiment a regular shaft. 

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

Also get if you have a shaft in one of those heads and then can test. The ls TD is calling my name to be tested in my Ventus black. I heard that head is really good on toe side strokes which is my miss currently