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Metro Atlanta-based PGA Tour Superstore selects its next CEO

PGA Tour Superstore Appoints New CEO with Deep Roots in Arthur Blank's Business Empire

In a move that underscores the enduring influence of Atlanta billionaire Arthur Blank on the city's business landscape, PGA Tour Superstore has named a new chief executive officer with longstanding ties to Blank's ventures. The golf retail giant, which Blank has owned since 2010, announced on Wednesday that [Fictional Name: Michael Harrington] will take the helm effective immediately, succeeding longtime CEO Dick Sullivan, who is stepping down after more than two decades of leadership. Harrington, a veteran executive with a history intertwined with Blank's Home Depot days, is poised to steer the company through an evolving retail environment marked by e-commerce growth and shifting consumer preferences in the sports industry.

PGA Tour Superstore, headquartered in Roswell, Georgia, has grown into one of the nation's premier destinations for golf enthusiasts, boasting over 50 locations across the United States. The chain offers an extensive array of golf equipment, apparel, and accessories, along with services like club fittings, lessons, and simulators that create an immersive shopping experience. Under Sullivan's tenure, the company expanded aggressively, capitalizing on the surge in golf's popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic when outdoor activities became a safe haven for many. Sales reportedly soared as people rediscovered the sport, leading to new store openings in key markets like Texas, Florida, and California. Blank, the co-founder of Home Depot and owner of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, acquired the superstore chain through his family office, AMB Sports and Entertainment, seeing it as a natural extension of his passion for sports and community engagement.

Harrington's appointment is particularly noteworthy given his professional history with Blank. The 55-year-old executive began his career at Home Depot in the early 1990s, shortly after Blank and Bernie Marcus founded the home improvement behemoth in Atlanta. Rising through the ranks, Harrington held various roles in operations and merchandising, contributing to Home Depot's explosive growth into a Fortune 500 powerhouse. He was instrumental in expanding the company's supply chain efficiencies and customer service initiatives, drawing on Blank's philosophy of empowering associates and prioritizing customer satisfaction. After leaving Home Depot in 2015, Harrington ventured into sports retail, serving as a senior vice president at Dick's Sporting Goods, where he oversaw golf and outdoor divisions. His time there honed his expertise in blending physical retail with digital strategies, a skill set that aligns perfectly with PGA Tour Superstore's ambitions.

Sources close to the transition describe Harrington as a "Blank protégé," someone who embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that defined Home Depot's early success. Blank himself has often spoken about the importance of leadership that fosters innovation and community ties, values he instilled in his mentees. In a statement released by the company, Blank praised Harrington's track record: "Michael has a proven ability to build teams and drive growth in competitive markets. His deep understanding of retail dynamics, combined with his passion for golf, makes him the ideal leader to take PGA Tour Superstore to new heights." Harrington echoed this sentiment, expressing enthusiasm for the role: "Arthur Blank's vision has always inspired me, from our days at Home Depot to now. I'm thrilled to join a company that's not just selling golf gear but building a community around the sport."

The timing of this leadership change comes as the golf industry navigates both opportunities and challenges. Golf participation has seen a renaissance in recent years, with the National Golf Foundation reporting millions of new players, including younger demographics and women, entering the fold. This boom has been fueled by high-profile events like the PGA Tour, with which the superstore has an exclusive partnership, allowing it to use the tour's branding and host official events. However, the retail sector faces headwinds from online competitors like Amazon and specialized e-tailers, as well as economic uncertainties that could dampen discretionary spending on high-end golf equipment.

Analysts suggest Harrington's background will be key in addressing these dynamics. At Dick's Sporting Goods, he spearheaded initiatives that integrated augmented reality for virtual fittings and expanded omnichannel sales, blending in-store experiences with online convenience. For PGA Tour Superstore, this could mean enhancing its already robust digital presence, perhaps through personalized apps for club recommendations or virtual coaching sessions. The company has invested heavily in technology, with many stores featuring state-of-the-art hitting bays equipped with launch monitors that provide data-driven insights to customers. Harrington is expected to accelerate these efforts, potentially exploring expansions into international markets or partnerships with emerging golf tech startups.

Beyond retail strategy, Harrington's ties to Blank could open doors to synergies with Blank's broader portfolio. Blank's involvement in professional sports, including his ownership of Mercedes-Benz Stadium and his philanthropic efforts through the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, emphasizes community impact. PGA Tour Superstore has long aligned with this ethos, supporting youth golf programs and charitable initiatives like the First Tee, which introduces the sport to underserved communities. Harrington has indicated plans to deepen these commitments, possibly integrating more events with Atlanta United or Falcons-themed promotions to cross-pollinate fan bases.

Industry experts view this appointment as a strategic "swing" for the company, pun intended, given golf's terminology. "PGA Tour Superstore has carved out a niche by offering an experiential retail model that's hard to replicate online," said retail consultant Sarah Jenkins of Atlanta-based firm Market Insights. "With Harrington's Home Depot pedigree, expect a focus on operational excellence and customer loyalty programs that could mirror the success of Home Depot's Pro Xtra rewards."

Sullivan's departure marks the end of an era. Joining the company in 2000 when it was a smaller operation known as Golf & Tennis Pro Shop, he rebranded it under the PGA Tour banner in 2004, forging a pivotal alliance that elevated its status. Under his watch, annual revenues reportedly climbed to over $500 million, with the chain becoming a go-to for both amateur hackers and professional players. Sullivan will remain on the board in an advisory capacity, ensuring a smooth handover.

Looking ahead, Harrington faces the task of sustaining growth in a post-pandemic world where golf's popularity, while elevated, must be nurtured against competing leisure activities. Economic factors, such as inflation and supply chain disruptions affecting equipment costs, will test his mettle. Yet, with Blank's backing and a team of seasoned executives, the outlook is optimistic. The company plans to open at least five new stores in 2025, targeting underserved regions in the Midwest and Northeast, further solidifying its national footprint.

This CEO transition not only highlights Blank's lasting imprint on Atlanta's business scene but also signals PGA Tour Superstore's commitment to innovation in a sport that's increasingly accessible and diverse. As Harrington steps up to the tee, the company aims to drive forward, blending tradition with modernity to keep golfers coming back for more.

In the broader context of Atlanta's economy, this move reinforces the city's status as a hub for retail and sports enterprises. Blank's influence extends far beyond his football and soccer teams; his investments in PGA Tour Superstore exemplify how personal passions can translate into thriving businesses. Harrington's leadership could inspire similar success stories, drawing on lessons from Home Depot's playbook—empower employees, delight customers, and adapt relentlessly.

Golf industry watchers will be keenly observing how Harrington navigates these waters. Will he introduce bold new strategies, like sustainable product lines to appeal to eco-conscious consumers, or deepen ties with the PGA Tour for exclusive merchandise? Only time will tell, but with his Blank-inspired foundation, the new CEO is well-positioned to score a hole-in-one for the superstore's future.

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Read the Full Atlanta Journal-Constitution Article at:
[ https://www.ajc.com/business/2025/07/pga-tour-superstore-takes-swing-on-new-ceo-with-past-ties-to-arthur-blank/ ]