Jo Menary and Lenny Jones are what you'd call a winning combination at Alta Sierra Country Club's Golf Pro Shop.
On one hand, you've got Menary, who is the store's hot-shot soft goods merchandiser. A former general manager of Como Sport — an Italian line of golf apparel by Cobra — Menary brings with her a keen eye for top-of-the-line active wear, reasonable prices and good contacts in the industry.
On the other hand, you've got Lenny Jones, a beloved shop sales representative who has worked at the pro shop for more than 28 years. Longtime club members and community members alike say Jones' high level of expertise in the shop is only matched by his winning personality. He's watched local kids grow up and come back to the shop with families of their own. Many say it doesn't take long before Jones' customers become his friends.
Jones said he is frustrated that — despite being open for decades — many people still don't realize the shop is open to the public.
“Anybody can pop into the shop, the restaurant, or to schedule a time to play golf,” he said. “We are not exclusive — we have a lot of fun.”
This time of year Jones said he helps about 90 customers a day, a number that dwindles when the weather starts to turn. Nonetheless, there are a healthy number of die-hard winter golfers who keep the shop open year-round, not to mention those who pop in to buy gifts or active wear, much of which is not specific to golf.
“We offer the best equipment, apparel, shoes, golf clubs, putters and instruction,” said Kacey Tyler, the club's golf professional who heads up the golf shop's operations. “We also do golf club repair. We've got everything do with golf right here. People really need to know they don't need to go to Roseville to get top names at a good price and a great selection.”
Don't get Menary started on the clothing line at the golf shop unless you're ready to learn about comfortable, up-to-the-minute, breathable fabrics and styles. It's her passion.
“I don't go to trade shows very often because I prefer one-on-one interactions with the clothing and accessory reps,” Menary, who was eager to show off the store's newest accessory, an elegant, sparkly ball marker necklace. “I like it when the reps them to come to me. I sit out in their big air-conditioned trucks and go through their racks with the latest clothes. I definitely know how to get good prices, fabrics and flattering styles for women of all ages.”
Women's lines include — but are not limited to — Monterey Club, DKNY, Greg Norman Collection, Travis Mathew, Jamie Sadock, EP Pro, Sport Haley, Adidas, Fairway Outfitters, Antigua and Sunice. Shoes include Footjoy, Sandbaggers and Dawgs.
Men's brands in clothing include Adidas, Ashworth, Greg Norman, Monterey Club, Smith & Tweed and Antigua.
The shop carries top names in golfing equipment and can fit clubs to a player's swing and body type, which Tyler says makes a huge difference a golfer's game. Customers can “demo” clubs on the driving range before selecting the irons and woods they want. Scores of demo days throughout the year feature such manufacturers as Callaway, Cleveland, Nike, TourEdge and others.
In addition to her experience in golf clothing, Menary lives and breathes the sport itself. She's a Nevada County Country Club golf championship winner, and her husband Dave, a former long-drive professional, is a golf sales representative. She carries an 11 handicap. Menary and her shop cohorts are busy gearing up for Alta Sierra's Ladies Invitational, scheduled for Oct. 5 through 7.
As for Jones, he says his No. 1 goal is to make sure his customers realize that life is about having fun.
“Most of our members are retired,” he said. “I'm here to help them enjoy what they've worked over half their lives to get to. They deserve to enjoy their retirement. I love it when they stop by to say hi.”
