Global Edition

Rentaclub.co.uk launches UK’s first online golf equipment rental service

12.29am 17th February 2010 - Corporate - This story was updated on Saturday, June 12th, 2010

Rentaclub.co.uk, the UK’s first online golf equipment rental service, is giving golfers the opportunity to hit their best shots with top brand equipment, whenever and wherever they want.

The exclusive new service will enable golfers to test drive new products from Callaway, TaylorMade, Nike, Cleveland, Srixon and Mizuno, among others, just 24-hours after ordering the clubs online.

The new website – www.rentaclub.co.uk – which goes live today (Wednesday 17 February) features a simple, five-step process with a virtual assistant helping golfers select clubs beneficial to their game.

The clubs are then delivered securely next day by UPS to the golfer’s home, or a location of their choice, ready to be put into play.

Matthew Fagan, Managing Director of Rentaclub.co.uk, said: “Golfers love talking about new equipment, including the latest drivers, and how it will improve their game. However, new clubs can be expensive, so this is an ideal way to test drive clubs thoroughly on your own course before making a purchase.”

He continued: “Having returned the club, if the golfer then decides they want to buy the product, Rentaclub.co.uk will refer them to an experienced local PGA professional within the TGI Golf network for a free custom fitting to ensure the clubs are perfectly set up for their game, guaranteeing optimum performance. They will also benefit from a £25 discount off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.”

The service, which has the backing of leading brands, will offer drivers only initially, with models including the new Callaway FT-iZ, Nike Victory Red Tour STR8-Fit, TaylorMade R9 Super Tri (available March) and Cleveland Launcher DST (available late February). Driver rentals start from £25 for five days, including free delivery, pick-up and return.

Graham Martin, Callaway’s Regional Sales Director UK and Ireland, said: “Callaway invests heavily in research and development to create equipment that give golfers an advantage. The best way for consumers to experience this is by enjoying playing and testing the clubs themselves, so we are fully supportive of Rentaclub.co.uk.”

TGI Golf, the UK’s leading network of green grass golf professionals and retailers, is also supporting Rentaclub.co.uk, with its 400 members offering free custom fitting services to the website’s customers.

Matthew Fagan added: “Although renting clubs is a new concept in the UK, it is a well established practice in the USA. From our own market research, we know that golfers here are keen to try new products in this way and that they will appreciate the value, convenience and fun of turning up at their home course with the best new products – and hitting their best shots.”

Rentaclub.co.uk customers receive their clubs in pre-paid packaging, making it easy to return products. On the fourth day of their rental they will be sent an SMS text message reminding them to call UPS to arrange a pick-up the next day from a location of their choosing, including home or work.

Rental prices for fairway woods, hybrids, sets of irons, wedges, putters and full sets of clubs will be announced as the clubs are added to the rental list.

Rentaclub.co.uk www.rentaclub.co.uk

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