Dick's Sporting Goods lays off 478 PGA professionals as sales of golf gear decrease

The Dick's Sporting Goods chain has laid off 478 Professional Golfers' Association teaching pros months after the company reported that sales of golf gear are dwindling.

Dick's didn't immediately respond Thursday to the layoffs, which were announced by the PGA on Wednesday.

Dick's operates more than 500 stores nationwide, most under the Dick's name. Those stores sell golf equipment as do 79 stores the chain operates under the Golf Galaxy name. Dick's is based in the Pittsburgh suburb of Findlay Township.

Earlier this year, Dick's announced it expected its year-end profits to drop about 10 percent because of reduced sales in golf equipment, which the company says was offsetting gains it made selling other sports gear.

The PGA says Dick's still employs PGA pros at its Golf Galaxy stores, but not at Dick's locations.