In the span of just a few short months (5 if you’re looking for specifics), I’ve gone from basically not knowing that PUMA even made golf apparel to loving just about everything they make (don’t make me give you a list).  I’m a fanboy.  Whatever.  What’s it to you?  Anyway, my buddies at PUMA have just announced the availability of their 2009 Special Edition Collection, which amounts to a fashion-forward study in black and white.

Now I’ll grant you that black and white is often boring (there’s a reason why your TV’s got color), but this is PUMA we’re talking about, and as PUMA fans know, PUMA doesn’t do boring.  What PUMA tells me about the Special Edition Collection is that that each piece is “done up in premium fabrics, luxe finishes, and an attention to detail that’s second to none”.  Now once upon a time I thought spandex was a premium fabric (it’s so stretchy), and I still couldn’t tell you what a luxe finish is, but what I do know is that the Black & White collection from PUMA is hotter than Tiger Woods after a double bogey -- and I want it -- All of it.

Did you watch the US Open?  Did you see Geoff Ogilvy?  How about Johan Edfors?  Actually, if you did, you’ve seen some of cornerstone pieces of the SE collection. You’ve gotta love the new Invisibonding Polos (see Ogilvy & Edfors), the new Cut Out Belt, and of course, the Swing Crown GTX White (my personal favorite from the collection).  Also worth an immediate mention are a handbag for the ladies, and two seriously sexy golf bags (even if it they are $800).  Yeah…that’s right, I think golf bags are sexy.  Again, what’s it to you?

PUMA apparently thinks you can have too much of a good thing, so the Special Edition Collection is available in limited quantities and only from FairwayStyles.com (my new favorite golf apparel site), as well as in a select group of retailers nationwide, including Olympic Golf (Los Angeles, CA) and Golf Headquarters (Reno, NV).

I’ve attached the full press release below, but before you get to that, check out the PUMA Brigade in action at the US Open.  How do I get that job?

PUMA^® GOLF GOES FROM THE GREEN TO BLACK AND WHITE
Black Meets White On and Off the Green

Westford, Massachusetts – You’ve seen gold in 2007, you’ve seen chrome in 2008, and, in 2009, PUMA^® Golf is stepping it up again.  The 2009 Golf Special Edition Collection makes a bold statement in pearlized black and white.  Classic and simple, the collection has an “all or nothing” approach when it comes to style.  

A study in contrasts, the black and white details of each piece give the collection a luxurious touch.  Using premium fabrication and intricate detailing, PUMA Golf continues to produce the lightest and most versatile golf products for on and off the course.  With the mix of texture and surface finishes and matte and shine fabrications, each piece transitions easily from the clubhouse to the club.  

Key Highlights from the 2009 Special Edition Collection

Footwear
Power through the course with speed and edge.  The Swing Crown GTX White features all the benefits of the original Swing style – Smart Quill technology for ultimate traction, comfort and a more lightweight feel – but with an added advantage: the powercage.  This extra medial arch support will help shore up your swing; but with its sleek, minimalist design, you’ll barely know it’s there.  You can tell your competitors, it must be the magic feet!

Apparel
Play like a pro in the Golf SE Invisibonding Polo, available in styles for both men and women. Featuring PUMA’s innovative new seamless technology, the polo’s unique color contrast is sure to turn heads.  

Early morning tee time?  Don’t forget to grab the Golf Special Edition Sweater to ward off the chill.  The comfortable yet stylish cotton sweater is ideal for layering.  Never bulky or cumbersome, it’s ideal for layering with the PUMA Golf Polo. The sleek, stylish lightweight design allows for ease of movement.  Ribbing along the hem and cuffs and a PUMA Golf 18-hole graphic tee creates a relaxed but sophisticated look on or off the course.  

PUMA’s Golf SE Invisibonding Polo for women offers a longer length body form that creates a streamlined silhouette, allowing for increased comfort.  Pleated puff sleeves add a feminine touch, and the top’s bold color contrast will turn heads up and down the fairway.  

Accessories
Happy clubs equal a happy golfer.  With the bold SE Staff Bag, even the rustiest of nine irons gets a facelift.  This Special Edition collection centerpiece commands attention on the course, with a sharp black and white block print and exceptionally durable construction.  The bag features a 14-way, full-length divider system with a velvet lined top.  With the SE Staff Bag in tow, you’re sure to develop a reputation as a fashion-forward golf guru.

Ladies, get ready to look good on and off the course and push style to the limit with the Golf Handbag SE. This versatile and inclusive design features a two-way zip opening into a main compartment, slip-in pocket and mobile-phone pocket inside.  The traditional silhouette is constructed from soft leather in black and white contrasting colors.   It’s the perfect accessory for going from the clubhouse to the club.