Golfsmith, one of the nation’s largest specialty golf retailers, will be opening in the Lutherville-Timonium area in mid-April, according to a company spokesman.

The grand opening will mark one of 10 planned new store openings for Golfsmith in 2012–bucking an industry trend where interest in the golf game has lapsed.

The Timonium store will fill the vacant lot left by the closing of Borders Books and Music at 170 West Ridgely Rd.

The decision to open the golf-specific retailer in Timonium wasn’t coincidental, said Aubrey Haznar, a company spokesman.

“We go where the golfers are,” he said, harkening to the half-dozen public and private courses within 8 miles driving distance to the new store.

Golfsmith is emerging as a leader in golf retail supply, as other chains continue to close up shop, according to a release.

“The game of golf has been hurt hard by the economy. In the last decade, almost half of all traditional golf stores in America closed, according to the National Golf Foundation (NGF),” Haznar provided in a release. “Just last month, the Edwin Watts golf chain announced they are ceasing operation of stores located inside Sears department stores and the Golf Galaxy chain shrunk by thirteen percent in 2010 when parent company Dick’s Sporting Goods shuttered a dozen Golf Galaxy locations.

“By the end of 2012, there will be 89 Golfsmith stores from coast to coast resulting from an aggressive growth strategy. The company will have 1.9 million square feet of retail space when the expansion is complete,” the release goes on to say.

To celebrate the grand opening, Golfsmith plans to give away approximately $40,000 in prizes, gift cards, and golf essentials over a two-day period, according to Haznar.

Haznar said the key to Golfsmith’s success has centered on custom-fitting clubs and providing an “interactive” atmosphere where golfers can tee off from hitting bays, putting greens and get a swing analysis from sales professionals.

“When you empower them to play better with the best gear, or custom fit clubs, you end up with a happy customer with tremendous brand loyalty and that’s why Goldsmith is growing,” Haznar said.

About 20 to 30, full- and part-time employees will work out of the new Timonium location. 

Other golf shop locations in the Lutherville-Timonium area include:

• Baltimore Golf
• Baltimore Washington Golf
• Longview Golf Shop
• Pine Ridge Golf Course Pro Shop

(If we missed your golf store, let us know at nickd@patch.com and we'll add you to our Patch Places directory)

Have your say: How do you feel about Golfsmith opening in Timonium? Do you like the option of another golf store? Or is there too much competition already? Are you curious how they've survived the recession? Will you shop at Golfsmith? Start the conversation in the comments section below.