Ive frequented Edwin Watts Golf on Cobb Pkwy in Marietta on many occasions. Ive always been impressed with the folks working there. The staff is always super-friendly, professional and accommodating, never pushy. This past week however, they went that one extra step that made a lasting impression. I thought Id share the story.Im in the market for a new putter. Lately, Ive been buying most of my golf stuff on eBay. I decide to stop into Edwin Watts on my way home from work to try out a few putters. Most likely I would then go home and start shopping on eBay.When I approached the front door at Edwin Watts, I saw the store hours and realized the store closing time (6pm) was within 2-3 minutes. I didnt want to be that guy who decided to wait until closing time to show up, and as a result keep a few employees from being able to go home to their families. Add to that I would likely then go home and buy the putter on eBay, well… I decided to just try again tomorrow so as not to be a complete tool.As I turned to walk back to my car, the door swings open and an Edwin Watts associate invites me into the store. I assumed he had to be the store owner. In my experience, employees (as opposed to owners) do not necessarily go out of their way when it’s outside of the store hours. According to his card however, the person inviting me into the store was a Sales Associate by the name of Jason Cunningham. Ive had interactions with Jason in the past. He’s a very cool guy that’s extremely knowledgeable.I told Jason I didnt want to be “that guy”. Jason said “No problem. Come on in, take your time and let me know if we can do anything for you”.I told Jason I was looking for a new putter. He offered his assistance if I needed it but as usual, without feeling like I was being pressured. I took him up on his offer of assistance.I pointed out the brand of putter for which I was looking. Jason explained a few fundamentals about different putting arcs, putter weight, balance and face specifics, and how these affected each golfer differently. Much like many mid-handicappers, I spend most of my time focusing on other aspects of my game and I wasn’t familiar with most of these essential details until Jason shared them with me.He even offered to use a mobile app on his phone. This app could help determine what type of putting stroke I had and ultimately the type of putter that would best suit me.The next day (yesterday) I went back into the store. Jason recognized me immediately. He grabbed the putter I had expressed interest in (it was the last one so he held it for me behind the counter) and headed over to the putter/practice area. I hit several putts with the putter, along with Jason’s cell phone attached to the shaft of the putter. It took about 60 seconds to decide this was the putter for me, and another 60 seconds to decide I’d be purchasing it from Edwin Watts that day, not eBay.There are a couple of additional details to point out. I went home and looked up the putter on eBay. Turns out the price I paid at Edwin Watts wasn’t any more than I would’ve paid had I purchased it on eBay. Also, I played golf yesterday with the putter - I putted as well as I’ve ever putted.Pretty much any good golfer can attest that a major key to low scores is a refined short game. Its not a secret that golfing is much more enjoyable when you’re shooting lower scores.Most likely, had Jason not opened the door to Edwin Watts and invited me into the store at closing time, Edwin Watts may have missed a sale. Additionally, there’s a distinct possibility that my golf game wouldn’t be as enjoyable as I’m hoping it will be moving forward, with better putting and lower scores.There’s a lot to be said about the one-on-one personalized service that you just won’t get when making a purchase online. Major props to Edwin Watts and Jason Cunningham!- C. Berry