So, I recently began searching for some replacement clubs for the season. I’ve been away from the game for a while, but have decided to rejoin the ranks of those folks chasing small white balls over the several acre course. In an effort to enhance my clubs, I bought a Scotty Cameron putter late last season (but haven’t actually taken it to a course). Realizing the need for better distance clubs, I went to our local RedTail Golf Course and asked to demo some clubs. The pro turned me onto two different clubs: The TaylorMade Rescue Dual Hybrid, and the Ping G2 15.5 driver. He also mentioned I should complete my wedge kit and finally put a 60-degree wedge in the bag.
So I started perusing the local Ebay auction to see what I could come up with. Low and behold, I found an entire world of products, both new and used, at fabulous prices, in fabulous condition, just waiting to be bought. To say I was thrilled at this discovery was a gross understatement. I’ve always been in the “brand new, I want to make the first scuff” crowd; however, that doesn’t need to be the case at all. I’m content to bottom feed off others clubs. In fact, I’ve made some very solid purchases in the last couple of days. I won’t bore you with the boring stuff, but one club in particular, had my full attention.
I found the Ping G2 15.5 driver (high lofted driver with a large face means higher, straighter shots on the fairway). Research raves about this club but Ping no longer make it. With the advent of the G5 Ping, the replacement was the 13-degree loft version. Too expensive to be sure. Anyway, I went surfing for the 15.5 variety.
Over the last two weeks, I’ve been struggling to find anything even remotely close to what I want, at the price which is reasonable. Finally, last Sunday, I saw my club. The Ping G2 15.5 driver in NEW CONDITION listed for $99 Buy-It-Now. I was initially shocked at this offer. I checked and rechecked the seller, making sure everything looked good. It did, so I pulled the trigger and began bragging to my friends about just how good a deal I was going to get. Errrrr, not so fast, sparky!
I received an email, informing me my paypal money was refunded (it was) and the company was out of stock. Sorry. Hrmmmmm, wait a moment. So I send an email to the company expressing displeasure at their policy, at my frustration over the unsolicited refund, and my strong desire for that particular club. I also asked, nay, demanded, the company to notify me as soon as a replacement club was available.
You see, deep down, I’m think they had some goon working in the Ebay section, who mis-priced the driver when he put it up for sale. I mean $99 for that product, brand new, is about half of what everyone else is selling it for. So, I figure they attempted to play footsies with me, tell me it was out of stock, and hope I went away. Well, I did not go away. I sent the email and low and behold, a day later then responded. “I have some more in stock. Please call me.” The guy didn’t leave a name or phone but I quickly researched the latter and called.
Ended up speaking with a golf discount store in Texas, and was quickly referred to their Ebay department. After a conversation with Josh, and some quick confirmation of my previous attempted purchase, Josh reluctantly agreed to send me the driver at the original Ebay price. Based on tracking, FedEx should drop tha package off on my doorstep Thursday morning. I’m looking forward to it.