I have waxed poetically about how much I like golf in the past -- some may even say that I am obsessed (like Tiger Woods' lawyers -- kidding). With the great city of Cincinnati finally wrapping up winter and seeing that bright glowing orb known as the sun, I can't help but think about getting out there on the links and destroying some landscaping.

One sure way to tell that golf season is right around the corner is when your local Dick's Sporting Goods (NYSE: DKS) starts touting itself as the golf headquarters. Well, guess what happened over the weekend? That's right, I saw my first golf commercial. My question is, will the start of golf season be enough to help the sports retailer put the recent downturn behind itself and push forward?

There can be no doubt that the recent downturn in the economy has beaten down and battered the retail sector, and DKS is no exception. On a weekly basis, the stock has descended steadily since 2007 -- wilting under pressure from its 10-, 20-, and 50-week moving averages.

This morning, Costco Wholesale Corp. (NASDAQ: COST) announced that it is going to shut two of its home furnishing stores. The closures will take place in July, and the company is blaming the action on the recession.

Costco CEO Jim Sinegal noted, "The current economic slowdown and resulting weakness in the home furnishings business in particular have led us to conclude that the single-format Costco Home concept does not fit into our long-term expansion plans." The stores are located in Kirkland, Washington and Tempe, Arizona.

According to the company, there should be no layoffs stemming from the decision -- and the company will continue to offer home furnishings at their wholesale clubs. Moreover, the company does not believe the closing will impact the company's bottom line.