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If you run a small golf shop for a smaller membership, every decision you make impacts your member experience and your bottom line. One of the most common questions we hear is: “Should our small club really have an online...

Country clubs today are vibrant social hubs, offering much more than just golf. Many clubs now feature tennis, pickleball, swimming, yacht programs, and a host of other activities designed to engage the entire family. As club life evolves, so too must the retail experience. With Tee Commerce, clubs can cater to non-golfers and multi-sport families, providing a wider range of merchandise—without the risk of overstock or added operational burden.

For golf professionals who own the shop, launching an online store is more than a business upgrade, it’s a strategic move that boosts income and delivers a meaningful amenity to your members. With expanded reach, greater convenience, and proven partner support, you can ensure your shop remains the heart of the club’s retail experience, both in-person and online.

An expanded brand catalog through an online shop isn’t about replacing your golf shop—it’s about supplementing it, giving members more ways to engage with your club, and ensuring your retail program remains both relevant and rewarding.

As more golf shops consider launching online retail, a common question arises: will an online shop cannibalize sales from the physical golf shop? The answer, supported by industry trends and best practices, is that e-commerce and in-person retail can work hand-in-hand—benefiting both your bottom line and your members’ experience.

If you help manage a small local golf shop, you might wonder whether launching an online shop is worth the effort. Supporting local businesses and fostering community spirit are vital, but the digital age offers new opportunities for even the smallest golf clubs to grow, engage, and thrive. Here’s why an online shop—especially with a service like Tee Commerce—can be a smart move for your club.

Launching an online shop for your golf or country club is a major step toward modernizing your retail experience and creating new revenue streams. But to ensure your shop thrives, you’ll need a thoughtful marketing strategy tailored to your unique club culture and member expectations.

In today’s golf and club industry, many private clubs are expanding beyond local communities. National and even international memberships are on the rise — and while that’s great for revenue diversity, it also presents a challenge: how do you sell merchandise to members who aren’t on property regularly?

Many private clubs offer special member pricing in their golf shop, giving members exclusive discounts and preferred access to merchandise. When considering an online shop, the key to success is positioning it not as a replacement for the pro shop, but as a distinct member amenity—one that expands brand and product offerings well beyond what’s available on-site.

Mill River clubs are known for their unique approach to golf shop pricing, offering members special access and discounts on merchandise purchased in the physical shop. When it comes to adding an online shop, many Mill River clubs have found success by framing it not as a replacement for the pro shop, but as a distinct new member amenity—one that expands access to brands and products well beyond what’s available on-site.

Watch this 3 minute video to learn how you members can start shopping for merchandise online today with no extra work or inventory risk.

It's an easy 3-step process to start with working with us once you're signed up.

Running an online shop at a golf or country club is a tall order. Staff members wear dozens of hats and distractions are endless. Meanwhile, it's very difficult to run a a sucessful e-commerce site even if it's your man focus! And, of course, the risk you have to take with an investment in inventory.