Authenticity is essential for both shopping online and specifically, buying golf items. Unfortunately, fakes items are more common than we think. Having someplace to shop where you can be sure an item’s authenticity is priceless. Let’s delve a bit further to see if HurricaneGolf.com makes the cut.
About HurricaneGolf.com
Based out of Sycamore, Illinois, the company got its start in 2008 from its early beginnings as a component business. Right away, they had an edge on selection and prices. They maintain their inventory through purchases of older models of product lines as manufacturers update their offerings.
HurricaneGolf.com is a private company, with an estimated annual revenue of $4.2 million, according to Owler.com. They have a stronghold on this market, and its nearest competitor is NickelPutter USA, founded in the same year. The latter’s yearly sales are less than $1 million.
The company’s product line changes continuously, which means that there are often limited selections, just like you’d expect from a discount warehouse. You may not necessarily find the size or color you want.
However, it also translates into excellent pricing if you find what you need. Overall satisfaction with the site is nearly 10 out of 10, based on customer reviews online. It scores high marks for both the shopping experience and use of the product after the purchase.
What Sets HurricaneGolf.com Apart
The prices are the primary reason to shop at HurricaneGolf.com. You will see substantial discounts that make it worth signing up for its email newsletter to keep up with the prices. The site also features a Deal of the Week that is appropriately named. There are also closeout sales, whether you need a new driver or want a whole set.
HurricaneGolf.com carries products from a broad range of manufacturers, including TaylorMade, Wilson, and Callaway. You’ll find hybrids, drivers, irons, wedges, and putters and they sell men and women’s complete sets. They also have golf bags, shoes, and other must-have items.
The selection of men and women’s clothing is also good with brands such as Under Armour, Adidas, and Ashworth. The inventory is primarily performance wear that the non-golf would enjoy as well.
Given its history, visitors will find a huge inventory of club making parts and supplies. They carry both grips and shafts in a variety of colors and materials. Visitors can filter their choices by size, brand, and shaft flex. You can even find cross-branded items from the NHL or MLB.
The accessories section has all the little extras that a golfer needs from GPS rangefinders to gloves. There are also items that a non-golfer can appreciate, such as sunglasses or golf umbrellas. The site sells e-gift cards too.
The “Section 86” clearance section is a must-see when visiting the website. While limited, most items are half-price or more. HurricaneGolf.com buys overstock items from pro shops and manufacturers. The savings are substantial, with an inventory that is replenished constantly.
HurricaneGolf.com has a News and Review section with info on golf trips, the rundown on famous courses, and fantasy golf. Alas, the company hasn’t kept their blog current, which is a shame since the content is informative.
HurricaneGolf Prices
Prices at HurricaneGolf.com are competitive, especially given the fact that their products are new. You may find cheaper ones elsewhere online, but make sure they are not used. There’s also a risk of buying counterfeited items if you don’t know what to look for, especially with clubs.
The adage about something looking too good to be true doesn’t apply here. The site gives the manufacturer price along with the discounted one. The savings typically range from 20 percent of more. You also have the peace of mind of dealing with a business that has been around for over 11 years.
Criticism About HurricaneGolf.com
The company’s website is barebones and it is clean without popups or other annoyances. The only marketing is suggested items, and even those are unobtrusive. The site’s simple design makes shopping quick and easy—as long as you know what you want to buy.
HurricaneGolf.com is not the place to research for clubs. The product descriptions are limited on many items with a brief overview along with the condition and price.
While nitpicky, it’s worth mentioning that the site doesn’t display prices of all items on the results page. Users must click to view them, with an explanation that they must do it this way because the costs are lower than the manufacturer’s minimum advertised price. That can detract some users since you have to add it to your cart to see it.
The company’s website has a section within each product description to add a detailed review, but you won’t see them on the site. Instead, you’ll need to its BizRate page to get the scoop on the consumer experience and testimonials.
HurricaneGolf.com will try to match competitor prices and the item must be new and in stock at the other site. The company also states that they must have a satisfactory Better Business Bureau rating. Ironically, HurricaneGolf.com itself is not accredited by the BBB.
Returns are the one bogey on an otherwise stellar customer satisfaction rating. HurricaneGolf.com requires that they are unused in their original packaging. They also charge a 15-percent restocking fee. You can avoid the latter if you buy a comparable replacement. This process is problematic given the fact that people typically return items if they don’t fit or in this case, if the grip isn’t right.
Customer Service
Product support from HurricaneGolf.com ticks off all the right boxes. They offer several ways for visitors to the site to connect. They have live help and you can contact them via email or by phone. The company has an active presence on social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. However, they are only available 9 a.m.-4 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday.
The purchase process is straightforward. It’s easy to find what you want. The website is well-designed and intuitive. The home page contains links to popular searches and the deals above the fold. The site states the information, availability, and prices clearly, so there’s no confusion about what you’ll end up paying. And you’ll get a reasonable price too that is better than other online retailers.
HurricaneGolf.com also sells on eBay which it has done since 2008. As of this writing, they had 76,983 reviews with a 99.7 percent positive rating during their stint. They received full marks for accurate descriptions, communication, and shipping. They have only 40 negative ratings in the last 12 months.
Checkout is quick and buyers have the option of creating an account and signing up for the newsletter. The site only accepts credit cards with no opportunity to use Paypal on their website. Purchasers can use the latter if they go through eBay. Of course, the real test of any e-commerce site is its shipping.
HurricaneGolf.com uses UPS and USPS for delivery. You can opt for 2nd Day Air for rush orders. However, they are subject to approval. There are set shipping fees with orders over $149 free. However, the costs run a bit high if you must pay. Once you add your address to the form, you may see additional options.
The feedback on eBay includes a specific one for shipping. HurricaneGolf.com has a 5 out of 5-star rating. Many cited the quick delivery that arrived sooner than expected.
Order fulfillment is top-notch. Ones received by 2 p.m. CST ship the same day. The company provides the tracking numbers, but it also takes the added step of insuring all products for their full value. That’s welcome reassurance if you’ve just dropped several hundred dollars on a new set of clubs.
You can even shop in person if you prefer. If you live in northern Illinois, you can visit their retail shop in Sycamore, but it is open Tuesday through Friday by appointment only.
Final Thoughts
HurricaneGolf.com is an excellent option for buying overstock items that you can be sure are authenticate. The prices are outstanding even if the selection is narrow. You’re not going to find the full line of PING or Nike clubs here. But you will find last year’s TaylorMade or Callaway one. And you may see a cute top—not in your size.
However, you will find great prices on what they have in stock. You’ll get a new product backed by a guarantee against defects. And the order process is user-friendly from start to finish. The website is easy to navigate, which also gets extra props. It may not have the most information for product research, but it’ll give you what you need to know to buy with confidence.
If you’re looking for a deal on anything golf-related, HurricaneGolf.com is worth browsing if just to stock up on extra balls or to add to your golf wardrobe. It has a small-town feel in the big world of the internet.
