On a golf outing in Greenville, it has always been imperative to come fully equipped because, besides Cambrian Ridge and Wal-Mart, there is nowhere to buy golf equipment.

That is until now.

On June 13, Larry Blackmon opened up Greenville Discount Golf on Commerce Street in downtown Greenville, filling the city's golfing needs.

Blackmon, who lived in Greenville from 1971-80 and still owes a cabin in the city, said he wanted to open a business in Greenville that would fill some sort of need.

&#8220I wanted to find something in Greenville, some sort of business, that could do something Greenville would benefit from,” Blackmon said. &#8220I've played golf all my life, I love the game and love the business.”

So, opening a golf shop is just what Blackmon did.

While shops like the one at Cambrian Ridge offer a larger variety of brand name equipment and clothing, Blackmon's store also offers brand name equipment and clothing, just at a more affordable price.

Blackmon carries clubs, bags, balls, shirts, hats, umbrellas, shoes and towels for men, women and kids.

Among the brand names Blackmon carries are Ping, Callaway, Bridgestone, Wilson, Srixon and Top Flight, just to name a few.

&#8220The Cambrian Ridge people have been extremely nice and helpful to me,” Blackmon said. &#8220We kind of compliment each other in that a lot of things here I carry, they don't, and visa versa.”

Blackmon even offers a repair service, something people used to have to either send their clubs off for or go to Montgomery.

Todd Norman of Norman-Blackmon Motors said he has shopped at Greenville Discount Golf and would recommend it to anybody.

&#8220I know Larry and he is a good, honest guy who does good business,” Blackmon said.

Norman recently bought a Cleveland 60-degree sand wedge from Blackmon for his son and he said he got a great deal and a great club.

&#8220I have (a club) just like it so I knew what to expect price wise,” Norman said. &#8220After talking to Larry and looking around a bit, I juts couldn't beat his excellent price.”

Norman has also had clubs repaired by Blackmon.

&#8220All my friends have frequented (Greenville Discount Golf) and having it here makes it so convenient to repair clubs because now you don't have to drive to Montgomery,” Norman said.

When Blackmon decided to open the store, he chose between two sites: one in downtown and one by the interstate.

Blackmon said he chose the downtown location because the building better suited his needs and because he hopes more businesses will revitalize downtown.

&#8220(Greenville Discount Golf) just gives people in Greenville a better selection,” Blackmon said.

As a lifelong Arnold Palmer fan, Blackmon hopes his business can emulate the longevity of the legend Palmer's career.

&#8220We have had a good response since opening three weeks ago but there are still a lot of people who don't know we're here yet,” Blackmon said. &#8220I know it can only get better.”