Oklahoma City, OK - April 4, 2005 - Two new Golf USA franchise units, one on the Island of Mallorca in Spain and the other in the Czech Republic, are set to open in May, adding to the company's growing international presence. In recent years, Golf USA stores have appeared in several countries including Portugal, Sweden, Belgium, Chile, and Canada. The golf specialty retailer was named top golf franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2003 and 2004.

"Golf is really becoming an international sport," says Rick Benson, Golf USA Vice President of Franchising Operations. "It's becoming less elitist, and more women and juniors are drawn to the sport than ever before. It's reaching more segments of the population, in greater numbers. This growth is very exciting." He explains that the international community looks to the U.S. as the leader in golf in terms of participation, greatest golfers, and manufacturing of golf equipment. International franchisees turn to Golf USA in particular because of its solid reputation.

Back in the United States business is good: Over 72 Golf USA franchises are running across the nation. Benson says plenty of markets are still open in the U.S., and the company is targeting aggressive expansion both domestically and abroad. Golf USA offers two different business models to U.S. franchisees based on the population density of a future store's location, which directly affects factors such as store size and inventory requirements. To open a new store, a franchisee needs to invest between $250,000 and $400,000, of which $100,000 should be liquid capital.

Training is ongoing and intensive. It begins with 10 to 14 days of a combination of classroom training and hands-on experience working in a corporate store in either Oklahoma City or Joplin, MO. Because the first year of operation is so critical, first-year training and support is continual. "We go out to the store multiple times per year," says Benson, "and we're in contact almost daily. We help set up promotions, and we work with the franchisee on all the business details."

Staffwriter: Graciela Sholander

Copyright 2005 USFranchiseNews. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without prior written authorization.