We're back this week with a brand new "Ask the Shop" - a relatively new segment brought to you in partnership with Tee Commerce! We're pulling back the curtain on the world of golf shop life, giving you an exclusive look into the people behind some of the most innovative and established pro shops in the country.
I recently had the chance to sit down with Jake Pleczkowski, the head golf professional at Sankaty Head Golf Club on Nantucket, and I've got to tell you—conversations like this one remind me why I love what we do.
There's something special about talking with someone who has truly found their "home" in the golf world. Jake's love for Nantucket and Sankaty Head isn't just professional—it's deeply personal. You can hear it in every answer he gives. Not everyone finds their dream job or exudes the kind of genuine passion that Jake has for his career and club community.
That authentic connection is why I love having these conversations and sharing them with you. Whether you're managing a shop, working in the industry, or just passionate about the game, I think you'll find Jake's insights both practical and inspiring.
So grab your coffee, take a few minutes, and enjoy this peek into how one of New England's most distinctive clubs balances tradition with fresh retail approaches.
Ready to learn?
Let's Grow Golf.
What do you love about working at Sankaty Head? How would you describe it to people who haven't been there?
It's truly my dream job. I worked for Mark Heartfield as the First Assistant from 2012-2014, and during my time there I fell in love with the island and the club. I met my wife Peggy in 2013 and we were engaged a year later. The island and the club seem to showcase the best in people. I highly encourage all of the viewers/readers to stop and see!
GG POV: This response reveals the profound personal connection great golf professionals develop with their clubs. The head pro isn't just working a job—they've built their life around the club community. This authentic passion translates to member experience and creates a natural ambassador for the club's values.
Sankaty Head embraces tradition and classic elements that set it apart from other clubs (but similar to others close by). How do you balance honoring that heritage while still keeping the pro shop merchandise fresh and appealing?
My friends, colleagues, and my Assistants help me the most. I want to make sure we continue to stay with the trends in the golf business, however we may be on a slightly slower or more conservative trend in some categories.
What merchandise items or brands have you found resonate most strongly with your membership's appreciation for the regional style?
Peter Millar, Holderness & Bourne, and BDraddy are essential pieces to our Golf Shop. A cotton polo, relaxed shorts, and a nice smathers belt can usually cover most of our male customers! Some unique items that have seen a trend upward in sales include: Dog bandanas, playing cards, Yeti items, Ellsworth + Ivey ladies sweaters, and logoed sun sleeves.
GG POV: The pro's merchandise strategy demonstrates how successful shops balance classic core offerings (like having brands that offer items in Nantucket Red!) with carefully selected trendy items. Note how he specifically identifies brands that align with the club's aesthetic while highlighting unexpected items that perform well. Understanding this balance between tradition and novelty is crucial for shop managers looking to maximize revenue while maintaining their club's identity.
How do you stock the pro shop knowing the unpredictable weather conditions that can be found on the island?
Its challenging, thankfully the pandemic is behind us so ordering gear is much more efficient than past seasons. I usually just do a little opposite of last seasons trend. For example 2023 was a rainy season, so of course in 2024 we sold the highest amount of men's and ladies' golf shirts!
GG POV: This insight into inventory planning reveals sophisticated forecasting that goes beyond simple year-over-year comparisons. The pro describes an almost contrarian approach that acknowledges how previous weather patterns affect current purchasing behavior. Shop managers should note this psychological dimension to buying patterns—members who experienced rainy rounds last year are primed to purchase fair-weather gear the following season.
Note: Jake did share that 25% of his merchandise is men's outerwear/rain gear! Check out their Sankaty Head's Tee Commerce shop. I'm sucker for simple logos, and the lighthouse is as good as it gets.
When you look at what other prestigious clubs like Newport or Seminole are doing with their merchandising, what elements do you observe or take into consideration?
I am ALWAYS looking at ways to make our Golf Shop better. Playing other places whether casually or in Member-Pro events, reaching out to peers and colleagues, and trusting my assistants on what's worked at their facility.
Could you elaborate on your management philosophy? How does that translate to staff training and development?
I am an extremely hands-off supervisor. I love watching my Assistants grow and develop, and its important for them to work together and ask questions to learn, versus me breathing down their neck. I really stress time management, whether it's getting ahead on projects or finding time to work on their own games. I hope to continue to help my staff reaching all of their personal and professional goals.
GG POV: This management approach demonstrates how leadership in top clubs has evolved beyond micromanagement. By empowering assistants and creating space for their growth, the head pro is actively developing the next generation of industry leaders while creating a positive workplace culture. This philosophy also recognizes that staff who balance their professional duties with their personal golf development make more credible ambassadors for the game and the club.
Conclusion
Thanks for joining us for this edition of Ask the Shop presented by Tee Commerce. Jake's insights from Sankaty Head give us a valuable window into how thoughtful merchandise selection and management philosophy come together at a prestigious club. His approach balances tradition with innovation, creating a shop experience that honors Nantucket's unique character while meeting members' evolving needs. We hope these perspectives help you think about your own operation in new ways.
That's it for this week. Special shout-out to Jeff Piltch at Tee Commerce for being an early subscriber and supporting what I'm building here at Grow Golf. We'll be doing these each month, and I'm looking forward to sharing more stories and insights from the growing Grow Golf community.
Have a great week, y'all.
-Rich Calabrese
Find Grow Golf on LinkedIn
Send Me an Email at hello@growgolf.co
P.S. Since it's Kentucky Derby week, I feel inclined to give you an unsolicited Derby pick. Don't hold me to this but I feel like "Journalism" is an appropriate horse to bet on knowing this is a golf newsletter :) 🐎 Good luck!
ICYMI
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