Get Acquainted

You may, or may not, have not heard of Ted Potter, Jr. or Georgia-based apparel company Oxford Golf, but it’s time to get acquainted with both.  The two have formed a new partnership for the 2013 PGA Tour season, and are hoping it will increase the likelihood you take note of their already established presence in the world of golf.  

Potter and Oxford have in common a pretty solid resume.  Potter began his PGA tour career in 2012 and already has one PGA championship to boast of, with a win at the 2012 Greenbrier Classic.  The 29-year-old from Ocala, Florida, has three finishes inside the top 25 this season including a top ten finish at the Northern Trust Open in February.  Potter may not be a PGA superstar, but he has still shown he is on tour to compete and be noticed.        

Oxford Golf has been in existence for over 60 years, and adds style to fairways at every level of the game.  “Oxford Golf is thrilled to add a rising star such as Ted Potter, Jr., to our already outstanding list of golf professionals,” says Dave Leveille, President, Oxford Golf.  Oxford is also worn by 2001 PGA Championship winner and 13-time PGA Tour winner, David Toms. The LSU grad has had a loyal partnership with Oxford since 2004.  Oxford has a few other noteworthy ambassadors, including Web.com Tour pro John Peterson, also an LSU grad, and even Sirius/XM Radio host, Brian Katrek.  

Potter will be wearing Oxford Golf apparel, with a left chest Oxford Golf logo, at all remaining 2013 PGA Tour events, including the Masters.  “After carefully considering my clothing options, I decided on Oxford Golf because of the classic style of the apparel, coupled with the performance fabrics,” Potter says.  “Partnering with Oxford Golf is a great fit because I can be confident that what I’m wearing will not only look great, but also help me play at my best level.”  

Oxford expresses that their apparel “richly personifies the same sophistication, tradition and performance as the game of golf itself.”  The collection is definitely traditional and on the conservative side of golf fashion, yet adds finishing touches, such as the Cavan Belt, that are worth a second glance.  The sophisticated Cavan belt is braided with leather trim.  The stretch in this belt allows it to move with you as you swing.  Oxford’s polos are made of  stretch jersey CoolMax® fabric, which features the right amount of Spandex to create comfortable and well-performing quality, while wicking moisture away from the skin to leave you cool and dry.  The Oxford Golf polo also has an anti-microbial finish that repels odor. (This is a good thing guys.)  So, you may have not heard of Ted Potter, Jr. or Oxford Golf until now, but you should definitely take some time to get acquainted with both.  For one, you may need to give Potter a nod in your fantasy golf league this season.  You also might want to stock up on a few Oxford Golf pieces in fresh spring colors for your next golf outing.  Looking sharp just might help you get acquainted with someone else of interest on the golf course, or at the 19th hole!      Check out Oxford Golf: http://www.oxfordgolf.com/ Follow Ted Potter, Jr. 2013 Season: http://www.pgatour.com/players/player.27556.ted-potter-jr-.html  White Cavan Belt Downings Polo in Purple Rain  Belfield Polo in Sea Breeze

Powerful Partnership: Iliac Golf & Jimmy Walker

So much of life is about relationships.  Surrounding yourself with people that are well suited to help you enjoy life, accomplish your goals and put forth your best.   One of the most important things to develop in life is strong, successful partnerships.  It seems Jimmy Walker is a man that understands this notion. 

Prior to the 2013 season, Walker’s agent, Thomas Parker, expressed that he really wanted Walker to “stand out” on tour and wear a unique apparel line that would help him do so.  It’s simple product marketing.  Like it or not, the tour pro is a product, a brand.  One of a golfer’s objectives must be to find ways to stand out and create a style that will increase their brand awareness.  So, I give Walker credit for partnering with an agent that is not only smart, but knew the absolute best choice for Walker in an apparel company to achieve this goal.  Parker got Walker connected with Bert LaMar, founder of Iliac Golf, creating one powerful partnership. 

 Beginning in 2011, the face of Iliac golf on the PGA Tour was 2007 Masters Champion, Zach Johnson.  After, two years, Johnson moved his agreement to Oakley, along with 2012 Masters Champ, Bubba Watson.  Johnson was a fantastic ambassador for Iliac, as the classic style fit his character perfectly.  This void left LaMar in need of another tour representative, one that would help his brand continue to flourish.  The doors opened on both sides, and I am positive there is no one on tour more fitting for this role with Iliac than Jimmy Walker.  Actually, I’m not sure who benefits the most from this alignment, which solidifies the partnership even more.    

“It's been a pleasure and honor to work with, play golf with and become friends with JW this year,” says LaMar.  “Jimmy embodies all the qualities I look for in a player. There are lots of guys with talent, but Jimmy is a first class gentleman, professional, family man and most important he is a pure golfer.”  LaMar continues, “Jimmy is serious about all aspects of golf including his equipment, fitness and apparel. Together we are pushing the envelope in design, style and function.”

In 2012 Walker had six top ten finishes and only five missed cuts.  He is a fun player to watch and has a lot of grit.  However, Parker was wise to suggest Walker needed to do more to propel himself into a golfer people would easily recall.  Walker has had a strong start in 2013, finishing inside the top 25 in four out of six events, no missed cuts and a third place finish at Pebble Beach.  Some TV time has definitely been earned, and Walker has looked so sharp in his custom made Iliac threads, there has surely been ROI for LaMar.  I know for a fact, at least one new Iliac fan has come from this unity. 

Perhaps, Walker has no stronger partnership than that of his headstrong and lovely wife Erin Walker.  (Quite entertaining to follow on Twitter @tourwifetravels)  The opinion of a wife always weighs heavily when it comes to what a man is wearing, after all, she knows best what works for her husband and what does not.  “So far, we have LOVED the clothing,” says Erin.  “Iliac has been great about supplying Jimmy with plenty of items.  Golfers are pretty hard on their apparel, so it’s great that Bert has been so accommodating.   Plus, everything is custom made for Jimmy so it fits perfectly!” 

Erin likes the Iliac style so much, she has convinced LaMar to create a few works of art for her to hit the fairways in, as she supports her husband on the road.  Erin expressed, “We are really happy with the relationship (with Iliac) so far, now if I can just get Bert to make some great, slim fitting women's stuff!”   Attention ladies, we will be reaping the benefit of this persuasion.  I already have a fabulous Iliac Rancher polo on delivery and, you should order yours right away too.   

It’s important to develop strong, successful partnerships in life.  LaMar has built a fine group of brand representatives for Iliac in addition to Walker, including new sponsorship agreements with PGA Tour pros Jin Park and Matt Jones.  There is also a growing group of pro golfers using the elite collection of personalized Iliac leather head covers.  The powerful partnership of Jimmy Walker with Iliac Golf will only continue to grow the awareness of both brands involved, and in the business of golf, that is the goal.  Finding those you can partner with to achieve your goals, is success.  

Follow and learn more about Iliac Golf Apparel @IliacGolf http://www.iliacgolf.com/ 

Follow and support Jimmy Walker @JimmyWalker PGA http://www.pgatour.com/players/player.25632.jimmy-walker.html 

  

Erin Go Celebrate

It's the one time of year that it is perfectly acceptable to wear any shade of green from head to toe.  Actually, everyone thinks you are totally lame if you don't.  St. Patrick's Day weekend is a time to celebrate.  Which  means I have very little time to write, and you should have very little time to read blog posts. So, here is a quick cheers to the creators of what seems to now be the unofficial go-to sweater line in the world of golf.  Peter Millar Luxury Apparel.  If you haven't seen Peter Millar's signature crown on a finely designed sweater, you haven't watched a minute of the Golf Channel.  Peter Millar Sweaters are worn by almost every man employed at the "home of golf."  Of course, only Gary Williams was fortunate enough to inspire a twitter handle with his loyalty to the crown.  (@MDGarysSweater)  The collection is also worn by 2012 FedEx Cup Winner, Brandt Snedeker on the PGA Tour.  So, toss on every piece of green in your closet and head out to celebrate.  Raise your glass to Peter Millar's fantastic style, before kissing every red head you encounter!  

Erin Go Meet Peter Millar  http://www.petermillar.com/  

 

Basically Better

If I walked into your closet right now (yes you) would I find golf shirts in black, white and navy, including a couple with small horizontal stripes, that you would describe as edgy?  Would you then proudly show me that you do, indeed, have a couple colorful shirts, that just so happen to have your alma mater's logo embroidered on them?  If yes, I get it.  Not every guy has the desire to wear bright colors and bold patterns on the golf course.  This discussion is for you Mr. Basics. I don't believe there should be a single wardrobe lacking in color and fun patterns to keep it interesting, but I do understand wild and wacky doesn't fit everyone's personality.  Before you head down to the local pro shop or sporting goods store and load up on Cutter & Buck, just hear me out. 

Take a look at Callaway Golf Apparel.  Absolutely functional, a superior golf brand and a collection that offers stylish basics.  I have spent some time the past couple of weeks checking out the 2013 spring and fall lines from Callaway and I have to admit, there are some pretty fashionable choices available.  The Callaway Golf spring color pallet includes bright Nordic Blue, Fresh Salmon and Blazing Yellows, as well as, Deep Ultramarine and Peacoat (dark blues), complimenting grays and an earth green color called Woodbine that I better not see any of you in (you can't win 'em all guys.)  The fall colors appropriately adjust to cooler options of Tawny Port (wine), Dynasty Green, Fiery Red, Super Lemon, Raspberry Rose and Limoges Blue.  Callaway's use of industrial inspired stripes, houndstooth and herringbone prints for shorts and trousers is paired with performance shirts that display color block graphics and abstract prints.  These more fashionable threads nicely compliment the line's core technical gear offerings.   

Be on the look out for Callaway Apparel displayed on the PGA Tour by such pros as, Colt Knost, Ernie Els, Phil Mickleson and Tommy Gainey.  Let me know if you catch any of those four wearing dark sunglasses and carrying their own clubs on the course though. 

  Spring 2013 Lithia Collection: Johan Polo with color block graphics and Edvard Sweater in Nordic Blue

Fall 2013 Freeze Collection: Flux Polo in Caviar and Chev Featherweight Tech Pant in Tawny Port

Take a look at Callaway Golf: http://www.callawaygolf.com/global/en-us.html

Turn Up the Fun

 
You know those stores in the mall where you can't quite put your finger on it but they are just fun to be in? The clothes are bright and unique, there is music playing while you bop around browsing and the sales reps are hip and interesting. Sure, you hold up a few pieces off the rack and ask yourself, "are they serious with this?!" You will also, however, walk away with at least one purchase that gets you way more compliments than all the other items in your closet combined. Welcome to Sligo Wear Inc.

Golf is one of those sports you either love or you don't so much.  People tell me all the time they don't understand how I can watch golf.  The terms, "I'd rather watch paint dry" and "I watch golf if I want to take a Sunday nap" are often expressed.  To some golf is in a word: boring.  Though I enjoy the classic tradition and majestic views of the golf course, the sport needs color.  Someone simply had to turn up the fun.  If you have watched any amount of PGA Tour action in 2013 you have seen the new 13A collection by Sligo.  With tour staffers Brian Gay and Graham Delaet earning some well deserved TV coverage, it is hard to miss the bold, bright memorable pallet that is Sligo Wear.  One visit to their website instantly affirms Sligo's solid hip factor.   I immediately started dancing.  Though it doesn't take much to get me to dance, I suppose.

Moving into the third round of the Honda Classic, Team Sligo tour pro, Graham DeLaet was tied for third on the leaderboard.  DeLaet finised with a shared ninth place finish for the week at PGA National.  A somewhat forgetable finish.  You should remember, though, the steel plaid paints and black Kern v-neck sweater DeLaet wore Saturday.  Proof that it doesn't take a an entire crayon box to make a statement.  Sligo Wear does do a fabulous job of mixing color and patterns.  While there will be items we all may question, the answer is still yes.  Yes, you should totally take some chances and explore the fun and daring world of Sligo Wear for yourself.  We cant' play it safe all the time guys.

Browse the Sligo Wear Inc 13A collection or dance around your living room here: http://sligowear.com/