'Try before you buy' online service launched by Rentaclub
February 16, 2010

Golfers will now be able to test top brand equipment whenever and wherever they want for five days, thanks to the first online golf equipment rental service in the UK launched by Rentaclub.co.uk.

The service will offer new products from Callaway, TaylorMade, Nike, Cleveland, Srixon and Mizuno, among others, with clubs arriving just 24 hours after ordering online.

The new website – www.rentaclub.co.uk – features a simple, five-step process with a virtual assistant to help golfers choose equipment suited to their game. Clubs are then delivered securely by UPS to the golfer’s home, or a location of their choice, ready to be tried out.

Matthew Fagan, Managing Director of Rentaclub.co.uk, said: “Golfers love talking about new equipment, including the latest drivers, and how it will improve their game. However, new clubs can be expensive, so this is an ideal way to test drive clubs thoroughly on your own course before making a purchase.”

“Having returned the club, if the golfer then decides they want to buy the product, Rentaclub.co.uk will refer them to an experienced local PGA professional within the TGI Golf network for a free custom fitting to ensure the clubs are perfectly set up for their game, guaranteeing optimum performance. They will also benefit from a £25 discount off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.”

The new service, backed by leading brands, will initially only offer drivers, such as the new Callaway FT-iZ, Nike Victory Red Tour STR8-Fit, TaylorMade R9 Super Tri (available March) and Cleveland Launcher DST (available late February). Driver rental starts from £25 for five days, including free delivery, pick-up and return.

Graham Martin, Callaway’s Regional Sales Director UK and Ireland, said: “Callaway invests heavily in research and development to create equipment that give golfers an advantage. The best way for consumers to experience this is by enjoying playing and testing the clubs themselves, so we are fully supportive of Rentaclub.co.uk.”

TGI Golf, the UK’s leading network of green grass golf professionals and retailers, also supports Rentaclub, and its 400 members will offer free custom fitting services to the website’s customers.

Matthew Fagan added: “Although renting clubs is a new concept in the UK, it is a well established practice in the USA. From our own market research, we know that golfers here are keen to try new products in this way and that they will appreciate the value, convenience and fun of turning up at their home course with the best new products – and hitting their best shots.”

Rentaclub customers will receive their clubs in pre-paid packaging, making them easy to return. On the fourth day of their rental they will receive a text message reminding them to call UPS to arrange a pick-up the next day from a location of their choosing.

Rental prices for fairway woods, hybrids, sets of irons, wedges, putters and full sets of clubs will be announced as the clubs are added to the rental list.

For further information visit www.rentaclub.co.uk