By Rachel Azark

Father’s Day is just around the corner and it is dad’s day to relax and do whatever he wants. Point him in the direction of these golf stores and he will be a happy camper for the next few hours while he contemplates a great excuse to buy a new set of clubs or at least the latest golf shoes. Or better yet, present him with a box of new golf balls and a print out of this list as his Father’s Day pass for good fun.

(credit: golfgalaxy.com)

Golf Galaxy

4831 Golf Rd., Suite B
Skokie, IL 60077
(There are six other locations in the suburbs)
847-324-0890
www.golfgalaxy.com

You never know what dad might end up with when he comes back from Golf Galaxy. It might be something as complex as the $250 Callaway Golf LR 550 Laser Rangefinder. The golf man’s version of Ralphie’s “Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle.” Or maybe he’ll just come home with a jazzy, new golf glove for $20.

(credit: http://www.golfsmith.com)

Golfsmith

2782 N. Clybourn Ave., Bldg. C
Chicago, IL 60614
(There are four other locations in the suburbs)
Phone: 773-281-1494
www.golfsmith.com

This store touts itself as being the world’s largest golf superstore for golf gear. In 1967, Golfsmith started as a typewritten, hand-illustrated catalog and became successful by helping transform club repair shops across the country into custom golf club makers. The store in Lincoln Park offers PGA Lessons by GolfTEC, a full service customization and repair shop, and advanced club fitting.

(credit: ultimategolfillinois.com)

Ultimate Golf

7203 S. Kingery Hwy.
Willowbrook, IL 60527
630-323-1244
ultimategolfillinois.com

This is a tiny little storefront, but they sure do pack a lot into it. They claim they have the best selection of new and used golf equipment. Their sales associates include PGA professionals and certified club fitters. If dad is looking to be fitted for clubs, they use a Dead Solid Fiber-optic Golf Simulator. They also accept trade-ins if dad is being really serious on Father’s Day about buying himself a new set of clubs. This is a great place to come if you need golf gloves, shoes, or just to have the guys behind the counter help you get the dirty cleats out of your shoes and install new ones.

Ace Pro Golf Shop

3559 W. Irving Park Rd.
Chicago, IL 60618
773-463-8333
www.aceprogolfshop.com

For the last 25 years, Ace Pro has been serving the Chicago area through their family-owned and run golf store. They are the authorized retailer of some of the best golf brands including Taylor Made, Mizuno, Ping, Titleist and Callaway. Visit their website to see some of their specials they are offering on woods and drivers.

(credit: http://www.clubchampiongolf.com)

Club Champion

216 W. Ohio St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(They also have two other stores in the suburbs)
312-846-1197
www.clubchampiongolf.com

Let’s face it – it’s all in the club and has nothing to do with your swing on where the golf ball ends up. Right? Right. So if dad really, really wants to get a new set of clubs because this is finally going to correct his awful slice, then treat him by taking him here. Because every golfer has a unique swing profile, Club Champion is set up with ultra high-speed cameras, sensors, and other technology to capture the physics of each player’s swing. After the detailed analysis, they will be able to determine the best club head loft, size and weight and grip type and size for you.

Rachel Azark is a writer and lives on Chicago’s northwest side. She gives a shout out to her dad for a Happy Father’s Day to a great golf coach and an even better dad! Read more of her work on her blog parksandpancakes.com.