Golf Store To Bring New, Used And Vintage Merchandise To The Steel District

The latest addition to The Steel District is designed to appeal to golfers and golf fans, with a wide range of merchandise.

Final Drive is a concept from entrepreneur Peter Gotner, who has a background in I.T.

“I just saw a need in the market in South Dakota and decided to take the leap and so far so good,” he said.

The store will carry new, "pre-loved" and vintage golf gear and apparel, with plans to add a golf simulator, re-gripping and laser engraving services. Gotner also plans to request a license to sell beer and wine.

"I have a lot of preloved and vintage things, but I work with a lot of new vendors as well to bring more brands to Sioux Falls brands ... where there might be a minimal amount," Gotner said. "I'm shaking it up to get some new life in the golf industry here."

While he has enough merchandise to open, he is planning to buy used gear and apparel once he opens as well as offer trade-ins.

When he discovered the available space in The Steel District, "I at first was kind of scared, because I hadn't been down there much and wasn't sure about the foot traffic," he said.

"But after being in here for a little over a month (getting ready to open) I absolutely love it. It's a lot busier than I expected and it's so beautiful in this location."

While he might hire in the future, "for now, it's a one-many army," he said.

Final Drive brings another retail element to The Steel District, in the same building that includes rotating artist space Alcove.

"What I like about Peter’s concept is that it is very approachable," said Jordan Rieffenberger of Lloyd Companies., who helped broker the deal.

"Golf has a strong following in Sioux Falls, but Final Drive is not just a traditional golf store. The mix of new, preloved, and vintage golf apparel and gear gives it personality and makes the store feel more experiential."

The store "is the type of retail concept that can draw in serious golfers, casual golfers, visitors staying downtown, office users, residents, and people simply walking through the Steel District," he added.

"Beyond club testing, I think the golf simulator will be a great attraction for the area as well. As an office user within the development, I can see it becoming another place to meet and connect with clients and colleagues."

Gotner is still finalizing plans for the simulator but has his inventory stocked to the point that he has been holding some preview shopping hours.

The hope is to open on a full-time basis later in July.