PGA TOUR Superstores in T-Creek
“We are so honored to be part of this community,” general manager Lisa Kessler Gammon told the crowd. “You will love this store. I hope to see you on a weekly, if not more frequent, basis.”
As store No. 66 of the nation’s leading experiential golf retailer, PGATSS opened its newest location along Parkside Drive just in time for holiday shopping.
While the Turkey Creek store is the first in Tennessee, “there are many more stores on the horizon,” Gammon said. “… we will not be the last (in Tennessee).”
What used to be a Best Buy now is a 30,039-square-foot store equipped with three practice bays, three simulators and more than 800-square-feet of putting green, according to a PGATSS press release.
“Being in Turkey Creek is such a beautiful area,” Gammon said. “I feel like the area and this store belong together. “
Before the store opened, “there’s been a lot of interest, a lot of phone calls and door knocking,” she said. The community “has been very receptive thus far; and being new to the area myself, everybody here has been so kind and so patient with my litany of questions.
“It’s just a good relationship, I think, we’re going to form,” Gammon added.
Features, giveaways
“PGA TOUR Superstores offer a variety of holiday gift items for the golfer or pickleballer in your lives,” the press release stated.
“As the leading destination for golf enthusiasts, renowned for its extensive selection of golf equipment, apparel and accessories, these grand opening events have been known to attract hundreds of people lining up (and some even camping overnight) for their chance to win thousands of dollars in giveaways/prizes,” the release further stated.
“We’ve got several driver sets (giveaway); we’ve got cash gifts, anywhere ranging from $100 to over $1,000; we’ve got individual clubs, individual drivers; we have whole sets that we’re giving away,” Gammon said.
“We’re giving away lessons; we’re giving away free fittings,” she added.
In line real early
The first person in line, James Lawhead of Maryville, had camped out since Thursday, Nov. 16, with his tent.
“I’m the first guy here, looking like a homeless guy,” he said. “It’s fun. I took the day off to travel here.”
Lawhead found out about the grand opening two weeks ago. “They’re giving away $30,000 worth of golf merchandise,” he said. “The first person in line gets to pick what I want off a list.”
The second and third person, Greg Scott and his son, came a little later on Thursday.
“There were people sleeping in hammocks in the trees last night,” Scott said Saturday,
Other features, basic info
“To add to the thrill, PGATSS will also unveil a giant check and make a generous charitable donation to support the local chapter of its longtime charitable partner, First Tee Tennessee,” the press release stated.
Gammon explained First Tee is an organization PGA TOUR partners with nationwide that tries to “advance the knowledge, acceptance and enjoyment of the sport of golf … to people who normally wouldn’t have embraced it — minorities, women.
“One of our executives, Ralph Stokes — vice president over diversity, equity and inclusion — is a founding father of (First Tee),” she added.
“... We also want to develop a relationships within the community. We’ve had the opportunity, already, to participate with organizations.”
Business hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday; from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday; and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday.
For more information, call 865-252-9058.
