THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 15, 1996 TAG: 9609130238
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LINDA MCNATT, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 67 lines
DAVID MABE might be considered by some as one of the world's most persuasive men.
He retired early from a high-pressure position, started a shop specializing in supplies and accessories for his favorite sport and convinced his wife and business partner that he must play golf at least three times a week to keep his handicap low and to test additions to the merchandise line.
It all came together when Mabe opened Play Golf and Sports Inc. at Holland Plaza Shopping Center on Holland Road nearly a year ago.
``He said to me - as much as 10 years ago - that he wasn't going to make the job he had then the rest of his life,'' said Cherie Mabe, a former English teacher. ``He said, at mid-life, he was going to do something else.''
In the early '90s, things in the corporation Mabe worked for began to tighten. The company was downsizing, and Mabe got the opportunity he'd hoped for.
Now looking toward their first anniversary in business, the Mabes are certain they made the right decision.
Dave Mabe, a natural athlete who has always enjoyed participating in sports, had played golf for years. He used it as a stress reliever from work, his wife said.
``Golf is for everyone from 6 to 80,'' she said. ``We have all ages coming in. You can go out and whack that stick and relieve all of your stress.''
The shop, opened intentionally across from Suffolk Golf Course - one of Mabe's favorite haunts - offers supplies for golfers from beginners to pros: head covers, in shapes from sharks to teddy bears (and the traditional, knitted variety); copper bracelets to avoid wrist strain and carpal tunnel syndrome; desk accessories such as golf club letter openers; and novelties, including a vanishing golf ball and whacky tees that won't hold a ball.
Play Golf has complete repair and custom work service. A certified Golfsmith technician, Steve Rogers, does contractual work for Play Golf. Custom work includes lengthening or shortening clubs to fit the golfer.
If there's an item Play Golf doesn't normally carry, the Mabes say, they are happy to try to find it for their customers.
Cheri Mabe said: ``We like small. We like knowing our customers. We like the idea that people simply stop in. They don't always have to buy. And Dave loves to negotiate. I know he has spent some of his most fun afternoons haggling, bartering.''
Many of his other fun afternoons are spent golfing.
``It's important,'' he tells his wife. ``We have to test the new things that come in. And technology is constantly changing.''
Dave Mabe has a handicap of about seven.
``If she lets me play three times a week, it stays in that area,'' he said.
The Mabes live in Chesapeake.
They said the closest similar shop is in the Greenbrier area of Chesapeake, so Play Golf attracts customers from northeastern North Carolina and most Hampton Roads cities.
Look for a Play Golf team in the upcoming Muscular Dystrophy tournament at the Suffolk Golf Course. The event is sponsored by Sentry Mart, and all proceeds go to the charity.
Play Golf is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Around the end of October, with the beginning of standard time, the shop will close at 6 p.m. ILLUSTRATION: JOHN H. SHEALLY II/Staff
David Mabe gets in some putting practice as his wife Cherie watches
in their shop, Play Golf and Sports Inc., which they opened nearly a
year ago at Holland Plaza Shopping Center in Suffolk. David likes to
keep his golf skills polished and stay up on the latest equipment so
he can offer advice to customers. by CNB