[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

The problem with the big box retailers is that there are too many directives from the top. People sitting in offices in their corporate headquarters that have experience as buyers or accountants in other industries are directing the people at the front lines on how to run a golf shop. Unfortunately, they look at the Wal Mart model in terms of success in retailing.

I've been through this and seen it from both sides of the counter. Jim's has a sign in the window that says, "We are not Dick's". Well, they've just taken the first step to becoming more like Dick's.

I warn people all the time to stay away from Dick's. Edwin Watts is a bit better, but they have grown into a corporate giant that does not serve the needs of golfers.