My Boss's Boss Wants Equipment Help

wedgetoafoot · December 13, 2006

What do I do?

My group VP comes by today and asks me if I'll go to the golf store (Golf Galaxy) with him tomorrow and help him figure out what irons to get. I understand this is an accident waiting to happen, but I can't just tell him too bad and good luck. My plan is to suggest to the big man (approx 20 HC) that he needs to get fit, he should look at something with a wider sole and perimeter weighting, and he should hit outside before buying unless he absolutely can't wait. I think from there, I can just offer moral support. I dont' want to piss off the sales guy either.

Thanks! Any advice is welcome and he's going for the whole deal (hybrids/irons/wedges) so any game improvement club advice is welcome.

Evil R1 · December 13, 2006

...My plan is to suggest to the big man (approx 20 HC) that he needs to get fit, he should look at something with a wider sole and perimeter weighting, and he should hit outside before buying unless he absolutely can't wait...

Nah, that's no fun. Let him dip into the deep pockets.

Recommend:

TaylorMade Mens r7 425 TP Driver - $799

TaylorMade Mens r7 TP Titanium Fairway 3 Wood - $399

TaylorMade Mens r7 TP Titanium Fairway 5 Wood - $399

TaylorMade Mens Rescue Dual TP Hybrid 2h - $299

TaylorMade Mens Rescue Dual TP Hybrid 3h - $299

TaylorMade Mens Rescue Dual TP Hybrid 4h - $299

TaylorMade Mens rac MB TP Forged Irons 2-PW - $1125

TaylorMade Mens rac Black TP Wedge 52.08 - $119

TaylorMade Mens rac Black TP Wedge 56.12 - $119

TaylorMade Mens rac Black TP Wedge 60.06 - $119

Odyssey Black Swirl Prototype Milled Putter - $399

TaylorMade r7 Tour Staff Bag - $299

Grand Total: $4674.85

Explain to him that someone in his position wouldn't be caught dead playing anything else. Make sure that everything he gets fits you perfect, and when he can't play them offer to buy them off of him for quite the discount, I'm thinking 75% off

Just kidding, your plan sounds just fine (cool)

smarshal75 · December 13, 2006

It could be worse...he could have asked to borrow your clubs. Now that would be a problem. I would let the sales guy earn his money on this one. That way you avoid any blame if two months from now your boss doesn't like the clubs.

hayam · December 13, 2006

why dont u ask your boss what he have in mind? Try to understand what they want

They normally already made up their mind. The trouble is ONLY if your suggestion comes Unsolicted.

Charlie_Foxtrot · December 13, 2006

I think you are looking at this wrong. From what you described, he's already recognized that you are the person to go to for the best equipment advice. This is an opportunity to score major points.

Definitely get the salesperson involved (assuming he/she knows what they are doing) and act as an intermediary/interpretter. If the VP is willing to be patient, get him to hit several options at GG in order to narrow down his choices for re-hitting outside. Then find him a fitter and a location to make his final choice.

If he can't wait, maybe you can convince him to get a fitting at GG before he buys something there.

And find him some names of quality instructors if he doesn't have one already and seems interested.

But most importantly, be flexible and play it by ear. If he wants you there just to confirm a decision he has already made, do it unless he's just way, way off base. In that case, just gently nudge him in the right direction. (For example, if he wants blades because thats what Tiger uses, remind him that while blades are an option, many PGA pros are now using more forgiving clubs.)

If he wants you to make the decision for him, emphasize that a lot of club selection is based on personal preference, and you can't do that for him, but you can help him narrow down his initial choices for the first round of testing.

Show your knowledge where you can, but don't overwhelm him with information. If it's appropriate, take notes about what he says while he's testing, or even just looking at, clubs. Inevitably, he will get overwhelmed and ask you "now which one was the one I said I liked because it _________________ ?"

Stay confident and positive. He asked for your opinion for a reason - he already trusts you with this. And that's a good sign that he may trust you for more responsibility (and pay) at work. Even better, maybe you'll start getting invited to play golf on company time!

Hope this helps.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

hayam · December 14, 2006

agree with charlie 100%.

Thats some very very sound advise. He must have done it pretty often.

emc · December 14, 2006

Tell him good players play persimmon!

AcesAZ · December 14, 2006

Make sure he is happy with the club selections and mention you'd be interested in a little Christmas Bonus Gift Card from GG or a new driver while you're there on him. LOL

JoeF · December 14, 2006

Approach it like a project at work. Try to do your "homework" in advance. Does he have anything in mind? does he have a favorite manufacturer? If you leave it up to the GG guy he may try to push what they are trying to reduce their stock on. Make sure to get a good fitting. If on a launch monitor make sure they get the readings on the ball he usually plays. Yes try to find a place so he can hit them outside. And once he settles on a set tell him about Discount Dan's and have him order from them.

Sam-Tee-Time · December 14, 2006

why dont u ask your boss what he have in mind? Try to understand what they want

They normally already made up their mind. The trouble is ONLY if your suggestion comes Unsolicted.

I agree 100%. With people of power and influence - they already have an idea in their mind what they want. All you can do is lead them to the trough to drink in the Kool-aid.

I've gone through this exercise before, and I've found they pretty much have already made up their mind, and you only need to nod your head and agree.

sheppy335 · December 14, 2006

To me that could be alot of fun.

Find out companies he likes, how his game is, what is he looking for, and what does he want to play. Make suggestions about getting fit properly and help him through the process.

Might get some perks out of this.