Custom golf shop marking 40 years

David and Linda Clarke embody the time-honored values of hard work, honesty and quality craftsmanship.

This year, they are celebrating 40 years in the business of building, selling and repairing top-line golf clubs.

The Clarke Stephens Golf Shop, 116 E. Nora Ave., is well-known to longtime golfers in the region.

It’s a go-to place for custom-made clubs.

The Clarkes originally went into business with D.H. Stephens, who owned Spokane-St. Maries Auto Freight. They’ve left his name on the business, but they operate now in partnership with Mike Mengert, who builds his own line of Mengert Red Hots clubs.

“We are more of a niche business,” said David Clarke, who came into the retail golf business through his family.

David Clarke’s father sold golf clubs as a factory representative and his grandfather on his mother’s side was a golf pro.

“He is very knowledgeable,” said Linda Clarke.

The shop has hundreds of loyal customers in Spokane, but fell on hard times a few years ago when the economic downturn hurt sales.

The Clarkes said they struggled back and are getting by for now.

Both of the Clarkes grew up in Spokane. David Clarke graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1971, and Linda Clarke graduated from North Central High School in 1979.

They say they’ve survived the arrival of large nationwide competitors because of their customized service and level of expertise.

A custom set of clubs offers the golfer the chance to swing drivers and irons that match their body, strength and ability.

The shop has a hitting room and analyzer to help with the fitting.

“There are a lot of variables for everybody,” David Clarke said. “It isn’t like there is a magic club, but it can be working with you, not against you.”

The Clarkes remember a time when they refinished old wooden drivers. Now, titanium shells are the club head of choice for many golfers. The use of graphite club shafts has also improved club performance.

A custom set of 12 clubs with top-line components might run $600 to $700.

For a time, the shop carried a line of Clarke-Lindeblad clubs in partnership with local golf pro Gary Lindeblad.

Now, Mike Mengert, who fits clubs at Indian Canyon Golf Course, is spending time building clubs at the shop.

He is a nephew of Al Mengert, who was probably the best pro golfer to come out of Spokane, David Clarke said. He played in the 1950s and ’60s.

The Clarke Stephens Golf Shop is in a former auto service station that was moved from Division Street and Nora to its present location years ago.

Over the years, the Clarkes expanded the building, including addition of a newer storefront in 1990. They own an adjacent home and have moved back into it.

This winter, they are offering lessons through David Fern, the assistant pro at Downriver Golf Course.

Linda Clarke said that their business has allowed the couple to raise their eight children. She said part of her husband’s success is his integrity and loyalty to customers.

David Clarke said, “I can’t think of anything I would love doing more.”