Norwich alum Ryan Evans holds the 2023 Dick’s Open trophy inside the new Dick’s House of Sport. The grand opening of the large recreational complex is this Friday, August 18 through the 20th at the Oakdale Commons in Johnson City. (Submitted Photo)

JOHNSON CITY – The new Dick’s House of Sport is now open in Johnson City, located at the Oakdale Commons, formerly the Oakdale Mall. It is noted to be the largest Dick’s Sporting Goods store in the nation. This new two-level, 140,000 square feet complex features large sections devoted to individual sports such as golf, fishing, and even baseball, as well as other sporting equipment.

Norwich alum Ryan Evans recently started working at the store as a PGA Golf Professional. Evans, who graduated from Norwich High School in 2007, had spent the past five years as the head of pro golf at the Conklin Players Club. Evans obtained his pro status from completing a series of tasks like bookwork, a playing test, and other work experience to earn his pro card. He also competes in events through the Central New York PGA Section, where he has three wins.

Evans accredits his work experience and passion for golf from his time on the Norwich and SUNY Delhi golf teams as well as from working at the local Canasawacta Country Club. Evans graduated from SUNY Delhi in 2011 with a degree in business and pro golf management.

“From my time in high school and at the Canasawacta Country Club, it really grew my passion for golf and the members there pushed me to be more involved,” Evans said. “Both Bob and Dave Branham are among those people who helped influenced me and the game of golf.”

As a PGA Golf Pro, Evans helps teach golf, helps with club fitting, and is involved in community engagement across the Binghamton area. The new large space in the House of Sport leaves plenty of room for Evans to achieve his duties and share his passion of golf to others.

Evans said he is very excited for the Dick’s House of Sport and feels that with this new establishment, “life is brought back to the Oakdale Mall.”

The official grand opening of the Dick’s House of Sport will be on Friday, August 18 and will run through the 20th. Each day will feature an appearance from a national sports legend. In order to attend all athlete appearances, there will be wristbands available on a first-come, first-serve basis each day. On Sunday, Jim Kelly and Thurman Thomas, two NFL Hall of Famers who played for the Buffalo Bills, will be signing autographs. Also, be sure to visit the golf section to see and/or take a lesson with Ryan Evans.