By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

HOOVER—Alabama’s first PGA Tour Superstore opened its doors in Inverness June 6. Grand opening ceremonies for the Inverness Plaza location were held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and included $30,000 in giveaways.

The 25,000 square-foot store carries a variety of golf equipment, apparel and footwear from a wide range of manufacturers.

“We carry everything, all the major brands are out there,” Inverness PGA Tour Superstore manager Michael Connell said.

The store employs more than 30 associates and uses advanced technology to help customers find the right equipment and the right fit. Four swing simulators and a 1,500 square-foot putting green enable customers to find the correct club.

Golfers can also take lessons with trained Professional Golf Association and Ladies Professional Golf Association instructors using the store’s three practice bays with swing analysis technology.

The Inverness location is convenient to numerous golf courses, including Shoal Creek, Greystone, Inverness and Ross Bridge golf courses, and Connell said he hopes to serve “all of the golfers out here—women, children, men, everyone.”

The store also created a partnership with local schools, presenting two $3,250 checks to Inverness Elementary School and Greystone Elementary School during a friends and family opening event on June 4.

“(We’re) getting golf programs started for them,” Ralph Stokes, PGA Tour Superstore director of partnership marketing, said. “It’s our way to help grow the (game).”

The Inverness Plaza store is the 23rd PGA Tour Superstore location nationwide. It is located in Inverness Plaza off of U.S. 280. The store is open Mondays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit Pgatoursuperstore.com/birmingham.jsp.