Golf 'shop in lane' is back on course

Ltd in Mitchell Street, Glasgow.

Under new ownership and management, the ''shop in the lane'' has been

known to generations of West of Scotland golfers and returns in a

phoenix-like way.

Regarded as the oldest established golfing business in Glasgow, with a

history which went back over 80 years, it ceased trading at the same

premises a few months ago.

''As the new owners, we plan to carry on the same long-established

service to sportsmen,'' said Mr Gordon Drummond, managing director of

Crowleys of Glasgow Ltd. ''But we will ally to that a modern

presentation of the latest golfing equipment by very experienced staff

in totally refurbished surroundings.''

Gordon Drummond is already personally well known to many in the

Scottish golfing fraternity. A golf enthusiast in his own right, he

already operates the Clydeway Golf Centre at Uddingston. Over a span of

13 years -- six as manager, the past seven as owner -- he built Clydeway

up to its present position as one of the largest golfing centres in

Scotland. His wife Helen is also associated with the new Glasgow venture

as a director and as company secretary.

''The first major change we have made in this new enterprise is that

we will concentrate on only two sports -- golf and bowls,'' said Gordon

Drummond. ''These are the sports we know best and I am a great believer

in it being better to stick with the things you know best.''

Their staff are new faces in the Mitchell Street location but all have

long experience in the golf and bowling world. The new manager, Mr

Norman Hunter, has had more than 25 years experience in the Glasgow

retail golf world.

The Mitchell Street premises, 2000 sq.ft spread over two floors, takes

on a bright, totally fresh air with new panelling and carpeting, modern

display stands and grouped presentations.

The link with the Clydeway Golf Centre at Uddingston includes a full

computer link-up for stock control.

At Mitchell Street, expert staff are on hand to advise on the best

choice of bowls and on the bowling dress code. The full range of

clothing laid down for both ladies and gents by the Scottish Bowling

Association is available and a close eye is kept on possible future

changes.

But golf is where much change is always to be seen and the Crowley

display keeps up with the best of it. Gordon Drummond and Helen Drummond

make regular research visits to check out the US golfing scene, to note

the newest developments in sales ideas, and to introduce the best of

what they have seen to Scotland on their return.

There next US trip will be to the American PGA show at Orlando in

Florida in January. It is also typical of their joint determination that

although their new Mitchell Street enterprise officially opens tomorrow

they have spent a large part of this week in Birmingham, checking out

the wares on offer at the annual UK-European golf show at the NEC.

''We want to re-establish the name Crowley as the upmarket golf shop

for the centre of Glasgow but in genuine l990's style,'' said Gordon

Drummond. ''In terms of equipment, we have a staff who are able and

qualified to discuss and advise on customers needs. The wide range of

clubs we offer include Wilson, Titleist and Howson, the latter an

English make fast growing in popularity. Previous Crowley customers will

also be pleased to know that we will continue the Crowley's Snapshot

line of clubs, selling them individually as before.''

A golfer from the age of eight, and still a single-figure handicap

player despite pressures of business which cut down his golfing

opportunities, Gordon Drummond is keen to see the Crowley stock include

a large range of junior equipment as well as adult -- and to back that

aspect with the best modern standards of service and merchandising.

''We are a totally Scottish firm, but we incorporate the best of ideas

wherever we come across them, including the United States.''

Helen Drummond agrees with her husband about the way in which golfing

fashion is briskly changing and is enthusiastic about the way in which

ladies golf clothing will have its share in their new-look Mitchell

Street displays.

Golfing fashion has altered in many ways.

''Golf bags, for instance, are now more lightweight and are more often

made of nylon and are generally brighter,'' said Gordon Drummond. ''And

although golf is not a cheap sport, the wise buyer who seeks advice can

as a beginner get started for a modest outlay. That is exactly the kind

of advice we are delighted to offer.''

Golf clothing is an area where Crowleys stock a very wide range of the

best available. Pringle, Lyle and Scott and Oscar Jacobsen are among

prominent quality names on display as are Pro Quip and Sunderland

waterproof wear -- both of the latter being made not far away from

Mitchell Street.

''The Crowley name is back,'' said Gordon Drummond. ''But we are out

to combine the best in modern customer service and stock in both golf

and bowls and add them to the long tradition.''

The Crowley name is back. But we are out to combine the best in modern

customer service and stock in both golf and bowls'