Iliac Golf- Little i Big Impression

When you clearly remember the exact moment you noticed something for the first time, it means a lasting impression was made.  I first witnessed Iliac Golf apparel worn by Zach Johnson at the 2012 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial. An event Johnson went on to win and earn the signature red, tartan, plaid jacket.  I recall thinking Johnson had worn a fabulous style all week that complimented the champion’s jacket, as if he knew that jacket was his all along.  From that week on, I was hooked on this uniquely classic design and wanted to find out all I could about that lower-case “i” on Johnson’s sleeve.

 

Imagine a spectrum of golf apparel, with the bold designs of Puma and Sligo Wear on one end (think Rickie Fowler and Brian Gay).  Iliac Golf would be on the other end of this spectrum. Though I am a fan of both ends, you cannot deny the appeal of the refreshing and traditional charm Iliac brings to the course.  The unique style demands attention and respect, without screaming at you from across the fairway.  Want to know the really crazy part, this elegant brand that embodies a look of rich American tradition, is the creation of a skateboarder/snowboarder from California.  Shouldn’t we be back on the other side of our spectrum again?!   

Iliac Golf was formed by Bert LaMar in 2005.  After a career of competing professionally in skateboarding and snowboarding, as well as, designing revolutionary hard goods and apparel in these sports, LaMar turned his attention to golf.  Maybe he was tired of snow…but I did read that he thought golf would be easy for him since he was so good at boarding.  Huh?  By now you should be thinking of a “most interesting man in the world” nomination.  LaMar has played mini tours and many other golf events since diving into the sport and continues to refine his skill. Yet, his dedication to the pure designs and craftsmanship of Iliac is making a noticeable impact on the golf world.  

It should be evident that if Bert LaMar is going to do something, it is going to be done supremely.  How can you not admire that?  Strategic partnerships with PGA and Web.com tour pros, has lead to an increased brand awareness for Iliac.  A retail store is now open in Carlsbad, Calif., offering not only the apparel line, but an impressive collection of elite leather head covers that are used by several tour pros. 

Marinate on the Iliac brand and learn more about Bert LaMar on http://www.iliacgolf.com/.  Check back soon for a feature post on Iliac Golf’s partnership with PGA Tour pro Jimmy Walker.  I will share LaMar’s thoughts on working with Walker, as well as, Mrs. Erin Walker’s take on Iliac.  She and I both agree that an Iliac line for women should definitely be in the works!

 

More Than a Match Won

Sure, the headline is that Graeme McDowell defeated fellow Irishman Padraig Harrington yesterday in the first round of the WGC Accenture Match Play event.  Sure, it put yet another red line on my bracket.  I barely noticed that though.  I was so completely enamored by McDowell's G-Mac by Kartel shirt and sweater combination that I forgot about my bracket woes for a moment. That alone should tell you how great the style was!

McDowell has made a statement in the golf world ever since he won the 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach.  In January of 2012, he also made a statement in the golf fashion world when he began wearing his own collection of golf apparel, G-Mac by Kartel.  The G-Mac by Kartel collection is described as having a stylish, sophisticated, luxury upmarket feel.  The stand-out pieces worn by McDowell yesterday are shown and described below.  These eye-catching threads are absolutely fantastic and totally unique.  I am beyond impressed. 

 
Shirt: Gracehill in Oyster. It has a two-piece collar with a four button placket and contrast color polka dots, placket and button thread. It is a polyester shirt which is UV Cut for protection against the sun, up to factor 30 and Anti Microbial to help prevent unpleasant odors.

Sweater: McButton.  McDowell wore this in a sweater vest version during match play, but unfortunately it is only available for purchase in the long sleeve version. I feel the long sleeve is equally as fabulous.  It is a cashmere blend six button cardigan with contrast color on the inner collar and stainless steel buttons.

Learn more about the G-Mac by Kartel Collection: http://www.gmacbykartel.com/about-gmac

Not So Swede

Don't most of us wish we could be naturally talented enough to play golf for a living?  We think golf tour pros have it so easy, and sometimes they do.  Yet, they still have a lot of boxes to check off the list titled "work at, take care of and make happen." One of those boxes is labeled "find ways to stand out on tour and increase your brand awareness."  Some are better at mastering this challenge than others, but I have to give Fredrik Jacobson credit for getting it right, even if part of his standing out involves forgetting to check the "keep your shirt tucked in" box.

Jacobson, is recognized by the short-brim Callaway painter's cap he wears, as well as, the Oscar Jacobson polos that he can never seem to keep tucked in during his golf rounds.  That's right, Jacobson, a native of Sweden, wears Jacobson, a Swedish design label.  Jacobson began his partnership with Oscar Jacobson Golf in 2012.  I must admit though, I have to question, if Oscar Jacobson's loyalty to Swedish golfers is giving them the representation they are aiming for.  A look at the collection's website reveals Fredrik looking just as disheveled as he does on the course, in a sweater vest that appears a bit short and has the top and bottom buttons both undone.  Maybe no one else notices these points, but isn't great design all in the details?

Fredrik isn't the only Swedish golfer that has drawn attention under Oscar Jacobson's label.  Actually, I'm pretty sure European Tour pro Joel Sjöholm gets plenty of attention wherever he is found.  Some would describe Sjöholm's dress as "Payne Stewart Style."  I would refrain from using style at all when discussing his look.  It is way too kitchy, in my opinion, to wear knickers on the golf course in this decade.  I have seen photos of Sjöholm in other attire, and assure you that he is capable of a more attractive showing, sans his adopted uniform.  Sjöholm, similarly to Fredrik, found a unique way to create brand awareness for himself and in return, for Oscar Jacobson for the duration of that partnership.  The Swedish Toro, as he is nicknamed, did pair some fun socks with those knickers, and he totally comes across as the kind of guy you would want to hang out with at the 19th hole.  According to Sjöholm, his "clothing deal" with Oscar Jacobson has come to an end.  I took it upon myself to email the press information department at Oscar Jacobson to suggest they remove their feature on Sjöholm as one of their tour pros.  Which they promptly did remove, stating their "web people forgot to take him of the website."   
Oscar Jacobson may not always be represented as the classiest line of clothing by their tour pros, and they may not be on top of their website updates either, but do not write them off as a design house that doesn't deserve your attention.  Several of their sweaters and trousers are gorgeous.  Again, please ignore the rather rough looking model wearing the pieces below.  At this point, you should go ahead and remind yourself that Sweden is known for tall hot blondes, so they can surely make a fabulous sweater, right?!

Learn more about Oscar Jacobson http://oscarjacobson.com/golf
Purchase Oscar Jacobson Online http://www.golfsupport.co.uk/p-oscar_jacobson_kent_tour_v-neck_sweaters-%2811182%29.aspx

Let's Get it On

Welcome to the one day a year in which women are obsessed with the love they have, or have not, and men are only concerned with whether or not they will get lucky after dinner.  This tip comes a little late to put into action tonight, but is one for you studs to keep in the closet for your next hot date.  

Invest in this Alial Fital beauty, the “Lets Get it On” Golf Polo.  This turquoise short sleeve dress polo has a grey gingham signature stand up collar and pocket with blue stars detailing the collar stand, hem and armband.  Dates make you nervous?   No sweat! The polo is made of moisture wicking fabric.  Plus, she will be so impressed at your unique polished style, there will be no need to stress over which cheesy music play list you will need to turn on once you get home.   

Feel like you have seen Alial Fital's designs somewhere before?  The line is worn by PGA Tour pro Bo Van Pelt.  It is one of the most memorable labels seen on tour and has helped Van Pelt develop a style that allows him to really stand out. 

          

Purchase the Alial Fital “Lets Get It On” Golf Polo Now: http://www.alialfital.com/collections/mens-collection/products/lets-get-it-on

Boss Man

I have to be honest, I feel a bit sorry for Hugo Boss.  Nick Watney signed with Hugo Boss in 2010, and was in my opinion, the best pick on the PGA Tour to wear the label.  When Nick Watney walked up to you wearing his perfectly suited attire with the word "BOSS," across the chest...well, you just kinda had to stop and umm...smile.  However, Watney joined team Nike to start the 2013 season, leaving Hugo Boss Golf out one of their most solid advertisements. I am not sure I will ever get used to the change.  Watney was just soooo Hugo Boss in my mind.  The face of Hugo Boss Golf is almost solely Martin Kaymer now, though they also have Henrik Stenson and Ben Crane under their umbrella.  Kaymer now has his own collection by Hugo Boss, as a matter of fact.  "Martin Kaymer" by Boss Green, one of Hugo Boss' Sportswear lines, is described as relaxed, fresh and sporty. I agree, it is fantastic.

During the final round of the AT&T National Pebble Beach Pro-Am, a more unsuspecting tour pro caught my eye, wearing a Hugo Boss Tour Collection black and white sweater paired with white trousers.  Actually, Chicago native, Richard Lee, wore several striking Hugo Boss sweaters throughout the week.  Against the majestic views of Pebble Beach, this line of sweaters was not only a smart performance choice, with their invisible water repellent coating, but the style also stood out amidst the natural scenery.  I normally prefer splashes of color but this crisp look was perfect at Pebble.  Way to wear it Richard Lee! You earned my vote for the week.   

Visit Golfposer (@Golfposer) now to purchase the Hugo Boss Zelchior Pro Black SS13 Sweater or learn more about the Hugo Boss 2013 Spring/Summer Tour Collection.  http://www.golfposer.com/pr/2828/hugo-boss-zelchior-pro-black-ss13

Black & Yellow On Parade

Welcome to the California coast.  Where the sun shines bright and black and yellow falls from the sky as parasailers paint the backdrop of a Sunday round at Torrey Pines.  On January 24th, adidas Golf launched the new adizero footwear at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego.

The adizero golf shoe is 10.6oz, with adidas touting they are so light that is feels like wearing nothing all.  Tour staff professionals Dustin Johnson, Jason Day and Brandt Snedeker were on hand at the launch to discuss the adizero difference and help promote the new footwear.  The trio engaged in a promotional activity that you would more likely see at La Jolla's famed Scripps Park, as they flew remote controlled flying people in their own likeness.  Branded flag banners and adidas staffers with black and yellow painted faces and wigs could be found throughout the remainder of the event.  Meanwhile, at the Quatar Masters European Tour event, Sergio Garcia made a bold statement finishing T2 displayed in adidas adizero black and yellow attire and the new 3-stripes footwear.

 A short two weeks later at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, TMaG (Taylormade - adidas Golf) was on the west coast once again showering out the black and yellow.  This go-around, Taylormade kicked off the #OneBucket Challenge, a marketing initiative to encourage golfers to try their new RocketBladez irons.  At participating retailers, for one month, Taylormade will provide #OneBucket of balls for golfers to try out the RocketBladez irons, with the hope that in "one bucket you'll know" the irons are right for you.  The buzz around this campaign launch were the bright yellow bucket hats with black trim that Taylormade dealt out to those taking the #OneBucket challenge at Pebble.  The yellow bucket hats were prominently displayed for the week, adorning not only PGA tour pros, but conveniently those of celebrity pro-am players, such as actor Josh Duhamel and 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh.  Taylormade also teamed up with the Monterey Peninsula Foundation to donate $50K to their foundation and another $50K to the charity-of-choice of any player making a whole-in-one on the famous par 3 no.17 hole at Pebble Beach.

Taylormade was well represented at the top of the leaderboard heading into final play of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am with Snedeker sitting in the lead and Day, Robert Garrigus and Retief Goosen T6.  Pretty smooth marketing strategy to tie in black and yellow into both promotions  for TMaG at two of the most beautiful course stops on the PGA tour, for increased memorablility.  I suggest they top it off by blaring out Wiz Khalifa's Black and Yellow on the 18th green if Snedeker putts in for the win on Sunday.  Now THAT would create lasting brand awareness!

Learn more about adidas adizero footwear: http://taylormadegolf.com/adidasGolf/adizero,en_US,pg.html  
Take the Taylormade #OneBucket Challenge: http://taylormadegolf.com/onebucket/onebucket,en_US,pg.html

Team Nike Tops 2013 Power Rankings

In golf, the end of a year always tends to feel like the nearing of trade deadline.  Tour pros, golf equipment manufactures and golf performance apparel labels start promoting their new loyalties.  Some simply give a shout out on twitter, and others (well actually just one) unveil their new decision via smoke and lights in the Abu Dhabi desert with hype rivaling a Lebron move to Miami.  Trade deadline has come and gone, and Nike Golf has come away from it with a stacked roster akin to the New York Yankees.

Nike Golf signed Tiger Woods to a 20-year, $40 million contract in 1995, before they even had a line of golf equipment.  To begin the 2013 golf season, Nike announced something bigger.  What's bigger than Tiger Woods?!  Tiger Woods AND world golf number one, Rory McIlroy.  The highly anticipated announcement of Rory McIlroy's addition to team Nike at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship on January 14, 2013, was a huge win for the Swoosh.  Nike Golf added two other champion PGA tour members to their roster in Nick Watney and Kyle Stanley, replacing Stewart Cink and Lucas Glover.  They call 2011 Masters Champion Charl Schwartzel their own, as well.

Tiger has already secured a win in his power red at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in January.  Rest assured, a Sunday red shirt is not the only item in the Nike Golf line that will stand out on the golf course this season.  Nike Golf has a fresh line of performance threads, with a palette that always pops on the fairway.  They also do a nice job of capturing their pro's unique style and personality.  Be sure to watch for Kevin Chappell on the course.  The Fresno, California native will be decked in pure Cali style.  You might even see him in classic 90's inspired large Nike print shirts that make you wanna scream "Just Do It," as he tees it up.  Or you could always just scream "mashed potatoes."    

Check out Team Nike here: http://www.nike.com/us/en_us/c/golf/nike-golf-team