Brothers tee off a hole new career

Back in the swing with baby store
TWO young golfers have quit their dream lifestyle in California and returned to Shaw to open a business selling baby goods.

Brothers Martin and Jack Barnes were California dreaming when they were accepted on to a three-year golf scholarship in Fresno on America’s West coast.

Fourteen months into their adventure the sporting world turned upside down when Jack (21) had an accident, splitting his shin and damaging knee ligaments, which ended his sporting career.

For a plus-two handicap player, with the world at his talented feet, it was a devastating blow but supported by his bother Martin (24), who plays off scratch, and his family he is carving out a new career in business.

The brothers, from Newhey, have opened Abacus Baby in the old Post Office in Rochdale Road, Shaw, and are looking forward to a whole new world of work.

Martin said: “We were playing county golf together when it was suggested we apply for the golf scholarship in America. We made it clear from the outset that we went together or didn’t go at all, so when Jack hurt his leg we came home together.”

On their return from the States the brothers had to look at career options and Jack, accompanied by his father Andy, flew to Hong Kong to visit an equipment fair with a view to setting up a golf shop.

While in China they visited a baby goods fair and were so taken by the opportunities in this market they have opted for Abacus Baby.

Jack, who still requires surgery for his injuries, said: “The accident means I can’t play golf again. I can still swing a club, but my leg won’t support me to play at the highest level.

“We were all taken by the idea of the baby goods business and it was a matter of finding the right premises. The Post Office has around 1,800 sq ft, free parking close by and is close to the town centre, but it was derelict when we took it on.”

Supported by their family, Martin and Jack have transformed the building, investing close to £100,000 to create Abacus Baby, which offers everything from dummies and toys from just a few pounds to prams and bedroom furniture worth in excess of £1,000.

Business has been brisk in the opening weeks and the brothers are on course for a whole new career.