Jason Moore

In taking over Eagle Golf Shop, Jason Moore combines his love for golf and business
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PLAINS TWP. - Jason Moore has heard all of the stories about young college graduates who leave the area for bigger and better opportunities.

He left, too, spending almost a year as an account manager for a Philadelphia staffing company while working as a pro at a Delaware golf course.

That was before the opportunity of a lifetime beckoned him to return to Luzerne County.

The 24-year-old Moore recently bought the Eagle Golf Shop in Plaza 315, a venture that allows him to combine his passion for golf with his goal of owning a business.

The 3,200-square-foot shop is holding a grand opening celebration this week with promotions and giveaways.

"It's everybody's dream to work for themselves, to own a business," Moore said."I've always wanted to do something with golf and with this I am doing both."

Moore, formerly of Towanda, worked for the late Jeff Piatt at Eagle for about three years while attending College Misericordia.He graduated in 2004 with a degree in business management and special information systems.

Piatt died in June 2005, and when his widow, Jackie, decided to sell, she approached Moore.

"It was not a tough decision for me at all," he said."My parents never pushed me into doing anything in particular but told me to make sure I love it.It (golf) is probably the only industry that I could get into and see myself doing for 30 or 35 years."

Moore, the third owner, said the store has a loyal customer base.
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Moore is adding a line of Adidas apparel and shoes to its inventory and hopes to create a clubhouse atmosphere with the addition of a big-screen TV, chairs and a coffee maker.

"I'd like to have a little leisure area with golf magazines so customers can relax a bit.The store is known for its custom-fit irons and we have a simulator that aids in that."

Moore intends to become more than a merchant on the local golf scene.Besides giving golf lessons at Blue Ridge Trail Golf Club, he wants to interact with high school and collegiate golf teams.

"I want to become a face and name recognized in golf in Northeast Pennsylvania," he said.

He has a message for other would-be entrepreneurs.