Olean’s premier boutique golf store is buzzing this time of year – and FORE good reason! Located at 228 N. Union Street in downtown Olean, Rick’s Golf World is the go-to shop for all the latest golf gear and accessories. Carrying well-known and loved brand names like TaylorMade, Titleist, Ping, FootJoy, Callaway, Cobra, and Mizuno, Rick’s Golf World is “Olean’s one stop shop for all your golf needs,” as the website touts.

And that’s not the only reason to go - Rick’s Golf World offers a state-of-the-art golf club fitting experience with its GCQuad Launch Monitor by Foresight Sports, which measures critical data to match the right clubs to the player’s swing style. EllicottvilleNOW caught up with owner Pete Lisi to get the latest on this breakthrough technology and to hear about what’s trending this season.

“Every year, there is new stuff,” said Lisi. “The new Titleist GT Drivers have been the hot product; it will certainly be one of the top selling ones.” He added the TaylorMade Qi35 and the Ping G440 will also be hot this year. “The ladies’ business has been growing the last few years,” he said. “Ladies [golf] has been the fastest growing segment in golf - we have a lot to offer for the lady golfer.”

In addition to offering the latest in clubs and gear, Rick’s Golf World is known for its personalized customer service and strong community ties. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or a weekend warrior just picking up the game, Pete and his knowledgeable staff take pride in helping every customer feel confident and prepared before hitting the course. “It’s not just about selling products – it’s about making sure people walk out of here with something that truly suits their game,” said Lisi.

Opened in December of 1990 by Pete’s father, Lisi took over the reins in 2000 after graduating from St. Bonaventure five years prior. After Lisi purchased the new space on N. Union, the store moved from its former location on West State Street and has been servicing the golf community ever since.

A trip to Rick’s Golf World is a golfer’s paradise. Expect gear and accessories of all sorts, running the gamut of anything from golf bags, clubs, shoes, rain gear, gloves, hats, balls, tees, and everything in between. The store also offers professional regripping and club repair services and recommends regripping once a year to maximize performance.

No trip to Rick’s Golf World would be complete, however, without a custom club fitting, one of the big draws for golfers. The GCQuad Launch Monitor by Foresight Sports carries a steep price point of just shy of $16,000 and hails itself as “the most advanced launch monitor ever produced,” according to its website. Using Quadrascopic imagining, it tracks all kinds of critical club data, including but not limited to, launch angle, side angle, ball speed, total spin, club head speed, loft/lie, face angle, smash factor, and more.

“What makes the GCQuad so unique is that it is the most accurate launch monitor in golf, and we have it here,” Lisi said. “Pairing with the GCQuad monitor with all of our manufacturers’ different fitting components gives us endless fitting possibilities.” He added that for wedge fittings, the store has the Titlist Vokey Wedfe Fitting app that also works with the GCQuad, providing the perfect wedge fit for everyone.

To make a reservation for a golf fitting, go to the Club Fitting tab from the store’s homepage (www.ricksgolfworld.com) and scroll to the bottom where there is a link to available dates and times. According to the website, the fitting fee is $100, all of which is accredited to a purchase within 30 days of the fitting.

“March and April were extremely busy, and hopefully it continues through the summer,” Lisi said.

Rick’s Golf World is located at 228 North Union Street in Olean and is open Monday through Friday 9:30am-6:00pm and Saturdays from 10:00am-3:00pm (closed Sundays). For additional information or to reach the store, call 716-373-6400, email ricksgolfworld@gmail.com, or visit its website and Facebook page for all the latest store news and new arrivals.