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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
According to the editors of Golf Shop Operations magazine, one of AmericaÕs best golf shops can be found right in our state. WhatÕs the name? Why it's Uinta Golf, of course.
Gordon and Lillian O'Neil opened the store in 1971, operating out of their basement. It was Utah's first discount golf store. Within little time, the shop outgrew the O'Neil's basement and moved to a small pad in a strip mall on Wilmington Avenue in Sugarhouse. The business continued to grow and they moved to a store on 620 E. 2100 South. They soon had to increase the size of their building. Growth again made the store too small so they built a new store just up the street at 560 East.
In August of 1998, the O'Neils sold Uinta Golf to Sean Smith. Sean has entrepreneurship in his blood. He is the grandson of Dee Smith and son of Jeff Smith, of Smith's Food and Drug fame. Under his leadership and vision, Uinta Golf has opened a new store called Uinta Golfworld in Sandy, which features golf simulators and the finest indoor putting green in Utah. PGA professional, Dave DeSantis, is also on staff to give lessons.
Through the years, Uinta Golf has earned a reputation for carrying the newest, the finest and the best equipment available from all of the major golf suppliers. For new golfers, Uinta Golf carries starter sets and entry-level merchandise. The store also accepts and sells trade-in sets. And all of the salespeople are up on the latest golf equipment.
Uinta Golf's philosophy has been to take the risk out of buying what can be major-ticket items. Customers may rent clubs for a nominal fee to try them out on the golf course before they buy them. If they then make a purchase, the price is discounted by the amount of that rental fee.
Besides offering the best equipment and expert service, Uinta Golf is also investing in the future of the sport by providing regular financial support to Utah Junior golf.
So, it's with good reason that we recognize Uinta Golf. No wonder it's one of America's best golf shops.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
