Hi Tom and Donna, I'll second Al's point. I started up about 4 years ago, and doing the Golfsmith schools gave me a real jump start in learning the practical side of the business. The other thing I did was to link up with another local clubmaker and "apprenticed" myself to him for several months. I got to do all the grunt work that you have to learn how to do efficiently in a golf shop, and got to tap into the 20 years of experience he had. Also got to see what tools you "really" need. After I got started, I even worked in the local Golfsmith store here in Houston doing repair work, and got another perspective.
Another benefit of going to the GS school is the contacts you'll make there. Although several of them have moved on from Golfsmith since then, the guys I met there have been invaluable sources of information and good friends as well. I'm sure the same is true for Dynacraft and Golfworks' schools. I got certified through GCA, then certified through PCS. IMHO, the GCA test was a good warmup for the PCS test. I did the PCS practical during my "apprenticeship", so had access to my mentor's tools, and of course, the work had to pass his quality standards before it went back to PCS for grading. I got far better grades on the practical than I did on the written for obvious reasons. And finally, someone else mentioned the PCS Expo....I think it's well worth the trip. GREAT opportunity to network with other clubmakers. You'll see everything from part timers to guys who operate big shops. If you get down to Houston, give me a shout, I'm always ready to take time out for a round. Best Regards, Royce Royce Engler PCS Certified Class "A" Clubmaker custom-golf-clubs.com 1418 Trace Dr. Houston, TX 77077 (Office) 281.870.1839 (Fax) 281.558.5299 (Mobile) 281.615.0381 mailto:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> http://www.custom-golf-clubs.com -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Al Taylor Sent: Wednesday, January 08, 2003 8:17 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: ShopTalk: Books Tom and Donna, I would strongly suggest you use your money for the school. You will learn more in 1 week there than you will learn in 2 years here. Going to school will show you what tools you really need and which ones you don't. It will also show you which ones you will need first etc. Tools can be picked up as you expand your projects on an as needed basis. Of course as you make your decision on the next tool, the input from this forum will be invaluable as to brand selection. Good luck and I agree with you about Austin. Don't forget that San Antonio is just down the road. Al At 08:21 PM 1/8/2003, you wrote: >I received GolfSmith's Basics of Clubmaking book today and will >investigate those offered by other venders. Arnie suggested using the >school money for equipment while pursuing the creation of a well worn >library on making and fitting clubs. That is a good idea and it may >very well be the route I take depending on what I come up with in the >way of tools. However, being that Austin is one of our favorite cities >in Texas and having the opportunity to play golf in the hill country for >the second week of a two week vacation, the school is still a strong >consideration. With eight golfers in the family, five who are still >growing in size I will have a few guinea pigs to practice on regardless >of which way I go.. > >Oops, I said I would stay in the back ground, sorry! >-- > ------------ >Tom and Donna Mason >Athens, Texas >[EMAIL PROTECTED] >ICQ #1294190
