A LOCAL businessman has hit the retail fairway with a new online golf store.

Paul Farzam has launched GolfMad Online from a base in Clive House, Redditch, taking 671 sq ft on a three-year lease through property agents John Truslove.

He said: “It has been challenging, getting great suppliers, finding a warehouse, setting up a postal system and the list goes on! But it’s worth it. Having worked in retail for 30 years I always wanted a little family business.”

The former Sainsbury store manager added: “Many moons ago when my friends asked me to go to the driving range with them, I thought golf? Rather kick a ball! Bag full of clubs and one little stationary ball, how difficult can this be? I found out soon enough! Swung the club and missed. Many attempts later the club head connected and although the ball went 50 yards in the wrong direction it felt great.

“As can be deduced from our company name, I became ‘GolfMad’, playing before work, after work … what a game. No one tackles you, no one rushes you, it's you, your clubs, a ball, small flag and more importantly your mates, all having a great time. I don't have to dream about golf at work anymore, I work in golf.”

GolfMad sells clubs, clothing and footwear, bags and trolleys, balls and accessories, caps, hats, gloves, all sourced directly from manufacturers and authorised suppliers in the UK. Products are shipped to customers across the UK and Europe by a five-strong GolfMad team.