ATLANTA -- Golf & Tennis Pro Shop, Inc. (GTPS), owner and operator of PGA TOUR Superstores, has received $25 million in investments to assist with its continued growth. The financial backing comes from a group of current investors and lenders, including Arthur Blank, owner and CEO of the Atlanta Falcons and co-founder of The Home Depot.

PGA TOUR Superstores provide an unparalleled breadth of products, services and interactive experiences for golf and tennis enthusiasts. The brand operates as Martin’s PGA TOUR Superstore (Martin’s) in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and as PGA TOUR Superstore in Atlanta, Dallas and all future markets.

“The first measurement in making a retail investment decision is the customer shopping experience, and PGA TOUR Superstore is a winner in that regard,” said Arthur Blank. “I have great confidence in this management team, and I look forward to watching the business develop.”

“This funding is an important milestone for us,” said Bill Hamlin, chief executive officer of GTPS. “The dedication and commitment from Arthur and our other partners serves as evidence of PGA TOUR Superstore’s potential and enables us to take the next critical steps to grow our business and brand.”

As part of his investment, Dick Sullivan will be joining the company’s board of directors representing Arthur Blank. Sullivan is executive vice president of marketing for the Atlanta Falcons and president of the Georgia Force Arena Football League team, both of which are owned by Blank. Since joining the Falcons in 2002, Sullivan has been a key leader in driving the Falcons brand, building sponsor affinity and selling out every home football game under Blank's ownership. Prior to joining the Falcons, Sullivan worked with The Home Depot for 10 years, most recently as its senior vice president of marketing.

“Dick brings a wealth of retail experience. He understands our strategies extremely well and will be a tremendous addition to our board,” stated Hamlin. Kim Shreckengost, executive vice present of operations for Blank's AMB Group, will also continue on the board representing Blank.

In addition to two Superstores in Myrtle Beach, four in the Atlanta area and two planned to open in Dallas in March 2007, GTPS is poised for growth and actively seeking locations in Houston, Los Angeles, Orlando, Fla., Phoenix and San Diego.

PGA TOUR Superstores provide golfers an interactive, entertaining approach to improving their game, with technology and services in store that include computerized swing simulators and launch monitors that analyze a player’s swing speed, ball trajectory, launch angle and impact zone – amenities usually reserved for professional tour vans at tournament sites. Game improvement tools that are available include the SST PURE® Shaft Alignment System (PUREing) and the Balance-Certified – Golf’s Motion Balancing Adjustment System™ to adapt clubs to each individual’s needs. PGA of America and other teaching pros are on staff to provide lessons, adjust a swing and guide club fitting. For tennis enthusiasts, an in-store, full-sized court and on staff pro offer similar tools and seminars.