Golf USA owners Tom Parsons and Jack Sims have been a good fit for Texarkana.

It was 15 years ago when a 22-year-old Parsons introduced his business at its original location on Richmond Road. Last July Golf USA moved to its new location (5035 West Park Blvd.), which is roughly twice the size of the old one.

Sims’ vast knowledge of golf has contributed to the store’s success for four years. The former Texas High and North Texas State University golfer worked as an assistant pro at Northridge Country Club for 13 years before becoming part of the Golf USA family.

“We have far more inventory and can service the customer much better,” Parsons said. “We can give the customer exactly what they need for their game. Our club repair, fitting area and club selection is the best anyone can find from Dallas to Little Rock.”

Parsons boasts that Golf USA deals with almost every major golf company on an individual basis, adding the sales representatives he has dealt with have all been impressed with his Texarkana store.

“We specialize in custom fitting golfers,” Parsons said. “Golf is a very personal, hands-on business. We take extensive measures to assure that our staff is trained by all the manufacturers. We’ve also invested in the latest in fitting technology with ‘About Golf Simulators.’ It’s the most accurate launch monitor available. Ping has instituted the next step in club fitting and I was told by a Ping rep that we’re the first store in the country to have their unique setup.”

A lot of these companies participate each spring in the Golf USA Carnival at Oak Grove Golf Club. This event raised $68,000 for the Texarkana Boys and Girls Club in 2008. This year’s Carnival will be April 25, benefitting The First Tee of Texakana.

“Jack is such an asset,” Parsons said. “He knows everybody and a ton about the game. He’s obviously well-versed in the equipment. He knows the business.”

Parsons and Sims have a staff that includes six part-timers. They are Mickey Spencer, Ronnie Stewart, Wayne Hawkins, John Flippo, Chris Chewning and Bill Drabble.

“We’ve got a great staff, some really experienced guys,” Parsons said. “Our employees love to work here. I think we’ve been blessed to have a staff that wants to stay here.”

Both Parsons and Sims are married to local businesswomen (Tobi and Hollie, respectively) and have daughters. Parson’s 11-year-old Camryn is a member of the golf program at TISD, while 5-year-old Peyton Sims has just started school in Red Lick.