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We Tried It – The Golf Garage
There is a lot of cool gear in the golf equipment world that doesn’t always fit neatly into Most Wanted Tests or Buyer’s Guides. You still want to know how it performs. In our We Tried It series, we put gear to the test and let you know if it works as advertised.
What is the Golf Garage?
The Golf Garage specializes in refinishing, restoring and personalizing golf equipment. The main objective is to “make golf look good.” As technology advances, the demand for personalization continues to skyrocket. The golf industry is no different. I love to add some flair, obnoxiousness or mesmerizing art to my golf. If you can relate, look no further because Kyle Campbell at the Golf Garage will add some serious flavor to your bag. He prides himself on recreating and personalizing golf equipment, especially putters.
Product Expert
I’m Phillip Bishop, the new Hard Goods/Golf Club Testing Manager here at MyGolfSpy. I get to facilitate the 10,000+ golf shots during Most Wanted testing. I also have a soft spot for art, craftsmanship and flair. After all, I wear a piece of art every day … my prosthetic leg.
Inspiration Behind the Golf Garage
As a teenager, Kyle Campbell experimented with stamping his initials on his wedges and changing paint-fills. Later, he gained a background in metals. While working in specialty-steel R&D for eight years, he witnessed the processing of raw materials used in golf club manufacturing. Thus, what began as him using basic equipment and some yard-sale putters has developed into a specialty service and business through the power of social media.
(@the_golf_garage)Initiating The Creation
Placing An Order
I reached out to Campbell via his contact page. He responded promptly and we got the ball rolling. I wanted him to show off and surprise me with the finished products. I left him a lot of creative room and didn’t ask for anything specific, but Campbell is receptive and open to specific requests and design ideas. I sent him two putters: my personal Sik Flo and an Evnroll ER10.
To place an order, you need to contact the Golf Garage through the website or Instagram. Then you’ll need to discuss with Campbell the make and model you intend on sending plus what type of service you would like. He offers a wide range of options and has numerous examples on Instagram if you are struggling with a decision or just need some inspiration. After discussing design and interpreting your ideas until you’re happy with the customization proposal, he’ll send you an order form. Fill it out and send your club or clubs to him and let the anticipation begin.
Turnaround Time and Cost
We live in a world of instant gratification. If we buy something, we want it immediately. Well, patience is a virtue with the Golf Garage. After all, art takes time. Campbell quotes four weeks turnaround time for in-house finishes. In the instance of PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) or DLC (Diamond Like Coatings) finishes, that can take up to 12 weeks due to outsourcing. Is the turnaround time worth it? Absolutely.
Between shipping and in-house labor, it took roughly five weeks for the putters to return. The majority of my wait time was due to the slow down of the US Mail Service. It took 12 business days for the putters to arrive back at our facility. Certainly, that timing was out of Campbell’s control once the putters were shipped.
Cost versus value is always a debatable topic. But after seeing the finished product, the Golf Garage experience is worth the money. Campbell’s pricing is based on make, model and requested services. A basic putter finish runs between $150 and $200. Iron heads range from $35 to more than $100 per head depending on make, model and service. Not everyone believes in spending money to customize, but if you’re a putter fanatic, this is certainly worth the investment.
Evn Sik(er) in Person
These putters are SIK! The attention to detail, the lines, the finishes and the colors scream CHECK ME OUT! Since the Sik Flo is my personal putter, I can’t wait to play my first round with it. The Evnroll ER10 will be on full display in our testing facility. Both are unique but both showcase the craftsmanship necessary to make such a piece of art come to life.
The Sik Flo features a Chromatic Bronze Finish with a laser-milled Micro Annealed Damascus Pattern. Trust me. I had to look up some technical details on that one. Needless to say, it is beautiful.
The Evnroll ER10 showcases a Black Cherry Polymer refinish on the body. On the back weight, it has a Chromatic Bronze Finish.
Leaving the Garage
Buying new equipment is always at the forefront of most golfers’ minds. But if you have a gamer putter or a set of irons you simply will not switch from, check out the Golf Garage. From refinishing to personalization, you can add new life or flair to your golf clubs.
Campbell has taken his expertise and passion and delivers a unique, personalized product. And, although the holidays have come and gone, I’ve given you a game plan for your next badass golf gift. For someone else or for yourself.
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