A local resident is branching deeper into the retail realm to bring the latest golfing trends to the metro area.
Ron Smith is opening Pebblehurst Golf & Putter Lab at 2915 Linden Ave. in Homewood. A soft opening is April 10, and regular store hours begin April 12.
The 1,200-square-foot store will offer a golf simulator, custom putters and clubs, brands not easily found in Alabama and the latest in golf apparel and accessories. Three employees will work in the store, and PGA-certified golf instructors will be available by appointment.
Pebblehurst Golf and Putter Lab will carry exclusive brands and putter designers including T. P. Mills, Bettinardi, Piretti, Fujimoto, Strokes Gained, Miura, Cleveland, Golden Soul Golf, True Links, G/Fore, Linksole, Criquet, Greyson Clothiers, Smathers & Branson, Mackenzie Golf Bags, Raen Sunglasses, Bushnell, Srixon, Cobra and other custom designed items by Pebblehurst.
Smith, who will operate the store, has been in sales for most of his life and operated Mark's Outdoors in Vestavia with his wife, Shelly Smith. He has also worked at a local golf shop and managed downtown auto shop RMR 4x4. He has loved the game of golf since being exposed to it when he was 2 years old.
"Pebblehurst has a story to the name to match the story," Shelly Smith said. "His granddad treated Ron to a trip to Pebble Beach together years back, and Ron returned the favor to his granddad, Jack, by taking them to Pinehurst the same year. So, Pebblehurst is a tribute to him and all he has shaped Ron’s life to be."
Shelly Smith, who is a Realtor, said Homewood was the ideal spot for the shop and to take his love for the game to the next level.
"We chose the location for proximity to be walking distance to most of the downtown Homewood businesses and residential areas," she said. "The building was designed by local architect and friend Chris Reebles, and we knew that his design would be a perfect setting to take Pebblehurst from more than an e-commerce business and create a storefront. The contemporary design, window filled business allows for us to bring the outdoors inside to showcase our high end golf brands and one-of-a-kind putters."
She also said the pandemic has caused golf to gain popularity, and it became an ideal time for a storefront.
"With more families and individuals getting outdoors, golf is one of the many sports on the rise," she said. "The gentleman’s sport of golf brings together families, friends, business partners and people of all kinds as the golf course is a stress reliever and healthy way to balance life. Truthfully, we all need balance in this wild world, and bringing a golf store to Homewood was just what the community needs. With more than 20 courses in a 10-mile radius, why would we not create a unique and personal store that serves all ages and skill levels of golfers?"
Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.