PROFILE FOR SUCCESS…

… THE LUCK OF THE IRISH

During the 2nd quarter 2007, our 2nd highest grossing Dealer in the entire world was Colin Kirwan of Pro-Fit Golf located in Dublin, Ireland. Amazing that he achieved such numbers given Ireland has been hit by extraordinary rain….but Colin’s mettle has shown through.

Colin could be the poster boy for Ireland: fun-loving with a merry and devilish little glint in his eye, oh-so congenial and can weave a tale that will keep you spell-bound. His approach to keeping customers happy, interested and content is a combination of education coupled with an old-fashioned cup of tea in a warm, friendly environment.

Growing up in a golfing family, Colin started to play golf in 1983 and spent his summers hanging around the golf course with the pros and caddying. From the age of 15, he gained experience re-gripping, re-shafting and adjusting lofts and lies before continuing his golf education as an apprentice in a custom shop in Chicago in 1994. After further honing his skills, he jumped at the opportunity to return to Dublin in 1996, first partnering, then buying outright, his custom shop Pro-Fit. 

Colin attributes his great success to word of mouth recommendations, a personal touch and some savvy marketing.  He greets people with a smile, provides a friendly, comfortable environment and makes sure every customer gets the ultimate is personal service.  Not one to turn away from a chance to chat, Colin takes the time to explain the fitting process one-on-one; and makes sure his customers understand the process and never feel rushed.

Colin makes great use of his website by connecting with other local sites… he has increased the number of hits he gets by having local businesses add his link to their page.  For instance, clubs4hire.com provides rental sets to people who don’t travel with their own golf clubs.  Colin has received 12 new customers from referrals off this site as the site owner redirects those looking for custom fitting to his shop.  Website inquiries show him that people are researching custom fitting more often and he jumps at the chance to win over another customer.  

Colin has been honored in both 2006 and 2007 as one of the World’s Top 100 ClubFitters and proudly displays an enlarged version of the Certificate in his showroom; he reports the honor has won him great recognition.

Colin also receives numerous editorials in “Irish Golf World”, the leading Irish Paper on golf, where he always makes mention of KZG and which also provides him a platform to discuss current golf issues.  The coverage solidifies his reputation as the one and only premier clubfitter in the entirety of Ireland.  All of the editorials are showcased on his shop walls. 

After building a set of clubs and awaiting their pick-up, Colin will showcase them in the shop so he always has a variety of equipment displayed and full sets made up for customers to see, touch and feel.   Complemented by spot lights on articles and the KZG stand draws more looks and questions.   The final touch is a gift box presentation for special occasions.   Used to seeing red roses?  Not any longer; try a nice set of irons inside that box!

Eoin Arthurs, touring pro and part-time shop assistant, offers up his ZO Blades anytime he catches another pro peering over his shoulder, “they get a lot of looks from some of the major PGA players in Europe.”  At Pro-Fit, everyone plays KZG.

Colin Kirwan has grown with KZG since he started in business.  He now features KZG and has eliminated all other lines except one.  He carries a wide selection of shafts and is particularly happy with the NovaTech shaft line for its tight tolerances and high performance. 

Colin is also a Founding Member of IPAC and feels that IPAC will help grow the prestige of the profession.

Sought out by the touring professionals and avid golfers throughout Ireland and other countries in Europe, Colin is clearly a leader in the industry and we are very proud to have him as one of our very top Dealers.  The luck of the Irish? ... or more realistically … a lot of hard work, skill and passion from a very talented and charismatic professional.