The apparel section of our 2009 Golf Guide is a first for Qwowi.  In years past I may have mentioned the very occasional article of clothing, but mostly I pretended we were all golfing naked.  Since the apparel market is such a HUGE part of the golf  industry, this year I figured covering apparel in a bit more detail is probably a solid idea.  For those looking for golf shoes, or specialty gear for sunshine or rain (hats, rain gear, etc.), be patient, it’s all coming later in the guide, as is an entire section dedicated to women.

Now before anyone starts firing off angry emails about what I left out, please understand that there is simply too much out there to even begin to think of covering everything.  I’m also making a concerted effort to show some love to the lesser-knowns.  In many of  these non-equipment posts, I may leave out names like Callaway, Titleist, Cleveland, etc.  What this means is that, while Nike may make an awesome golf shirt (they do, I have a closet full of their Sphere polos), chances are you already know about their apparel (it’s available at every pro shop, Golf Galaxy, and Dicks’s in the country).  I’m here to tell you what else is out there.

Having dispensed with disclaimers and explanations, on to the apparel…

Everyday On Course Wear

I like what I call multi-function golf apparel.  No mocks here.  I’m a firm believer that my golf apparel should double as office wardrobe, and allow me to go from one to the other without missing a step.

Verterra Sport

Verterra Sport offers “A new generation of eco-friendly garments made from corn”.  Yup, I said corn.  You read that right.  Golf apparel made from corn.  Verterra Sport’s polos are made from 52% corn fiber.  In the short time since I’ve begun telling people about Verterra I’ve heard lots of jokes…”Can you eat it if you get hungry”?  “Will birds peck at it”? And my personal favorite, “Will it pop if it gets too hot”?  While I will admit to getting a chuckle out of all of these, doing right by the planet is no laughing matter, and that’s what’s really cool about Verterra.

Verterra starts with a renewable resource (corn) and runs it through an eco-friendly manufacturing process, which reduces green house emissions by 60% and uses 40% less energy than conventional manufacturing (at least that’s my assumption as to what those percentages are all about).  The end result is a lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking shirt that’s also naturally stain resistant.  And for those concerned that a corn shirt might be scratchy, the Verterra Sport line also happens to be extremely soft.

Verterra Sport also offers a line of   performance tees as well as an 88% corn fiber polo.  More information can be found at www.verterrasport.com

PUMA Invisibonding Polo

Most everyone has heard of PUMA, but if you’re like me, you may not have been aware of exactly how involved they are with golf.  Not only do they have a complete line of golf shoes, they also have an extensive collection of golf apparel and accessories.  And while I’ll never be mistaken for a fashionista, the entire PUMA line is as fashion-forward as any I’ve seen from a golf company (at least for one making clothes for men anyway), and I’m quickly becoming a fan of all it.

A prime example of PUMAs uncanny ability to blend fashion with technology is their new Invisibonding Polo.  Yeah, it’s a great looking golf shirt, but what’s really interesting is that Invisibonding (which PUMA has previously used in their soccer apparel) eliminates stitching; instead using a “light molecular bond” to weld the shirt together.  I’m not sure if PUMA would appreciate the analogy, but to me, Invisibonding sounds a whole lot like high-tech superglue.  The advantages of Invisibonding include durability and comfort (no seams means a reduction in friction that could otherwise, god forbid, cause chafing).

In addition to seamless comfort, PUMA invisibonding fabric will stretch with your swing, wick moisture away, and provide UV protection.  Available in a both classic and more daring colors, the PUMA Invisibonding polo offers a compelling alternative to whatever shirt you’re wearing right now.

Though I won’t discuss them here, PUMA also makes some pretty sweet looking golf shorts as well.  More information on the entire PUMA line can be found at golf.puma.com.

Opedix PS1 Posture Shirt

Good posture, as you probably know,  is a critical element of a solid and repeatable golf swing.  One of the more interesting finds I came across while looking for products for this guide is the PS1 Posture Shirt is from the Wellness lineup of Evidence-based Apparel™ from Opedix.

The impetus behind the shirt is this; a good bit of the pain we experience is caused by bad posture.  By improving our posture we can reduce pain, and even improve strength.  There is no doubt some solid logic at work here, right?  I’m actually finishing up a course of physical therapy, the source of which is, in fact, bad posture.

Anyone who has ever worked with a personal trainer (a good one anyway), has no doubt been lectured on the importance of good posture for strength training.  There are countless devices on the market designed to monitor your posture, and remind you when it needs adjusting.  Opedix takes things a step further.  The PS1 shirt is designed to improve your posture simply by wearing it.  Here’s what I’ve been told about the Posture Shirt (this is a little more cutting and pasting than I would normally do, but I certainly couldn’t have explained it better myself):

The PS Posture Shirt is medically proven to promote proper body alignment, increase shoulder strength and mobility, and reduce neck, back and shoulder pain. The new Opedix Posture Shirt uses a combination of mechanics and proprioception (the body’s internal innate sense of orientation) to properly align the body and correct posture. Worn next to skin, it can be layered for invisible posture support at work, on the course, or out on the town.

It’s no doubt an interesting claim, and one golfers who suffer from some sort of back pain (most us I think) will probably be interested in finding out if the Posture Shirt is for real.  The company was recently featured in Men’s Journal’s “Gear of the Year” apparel division, so clearly the technology is being well received.  Qwowi has a sample on the way, so you can expect a full review sometime this Spring (if not sooner).

The Opedix apparel lineup also includes Ski and snowboard tights, running tights, as well as long-sleeve and long-sleeve mock versions of the PS 1 shirt.  More information can be found at www.opedix.com.

Making a Statement

Last year I told you about GolfKnicker.com and their line of, well, knickers, hats, socks, and belts for the golfer with a sense of style that reaches beyond khaki pants and a ball cap.  While I still love the GolfKnicker lineup, this year I wanted to tell you about a couple of other manufacturers producing clothes for the golfer who wants to look anything but average.

Vecci Sportswear

A family owned business, Vecci offers a complete collection of knickers.  The lineup includes microfiber and cotton options in both solids and Scottish Tartans.

As with any good knicker collection, matching shirts, socks, and caps are available.  Vecci even offers a selection of gold toe shoes to complete the look.  While I’d be lying if I said that the Vecci website didn’t need a little work, I have nothing but respect for an apparel collection that reflects on the fashion sense of a time when golf was played with hickory-shafted clubs, and when no respectable golfer would be caught on links without his niblick and mashie.

The complete Vecci Sportswear colleciton can be viewed at www.veccifashions.com.

Loudmouth Golf

Have you ever looked at Ian Poulter and thought to yourself, “Damn, that guy looks good”?  If you have, boy do I have an apparel line for you.  The team at Loudmouth golf has created a collection that is, in a word; unique.  From argyle, to houndstooth, to discoball patterns, Loudmouth has something for everybody (accept the guy who wants to look ordinary).  The lineup includes a selection of pants (big & tall, and slim fit options available), shorts, and caps.  In this golfer’s opinion, what really makes the Loudmouth collection stand out is their Apres Golf Jacket.  It is without a doubt, a one of a kind item equally at home in your club’s lounge, and a Caddy Shack convention.

The lineup also includes repair tool/ball marker sets, and a collection of Loudmouth golf grips.  While I might feel a tad out of place wearing most of their apparel, there is one item (which I’ll cover in just a bit), which I would absolutely love to own.

Casual Wear

The problem with the overwhelming majority of casual wear (t-shirts and such) designed for golf fans is that it tends to be a bit irreverent and often plays to what I’ve heard described as (no offense) the redneck crowd.  You know the ones I mean…shirts with slogans like: “Play golf with your BIG JOHNSON”, or “It takes balls to play golf”.  Now I certainly won’t begrudge anything to the makers, or wearers of this type of apparel, but it’s certainly not my style, and I was delighted to learn I’m not alone.

B.G.D. (Birth Golf Death)

The Birth, Golf, Death name summarizes the way many of us feel about the game.  We’re born, we play golf, and then we die.  Occasionally something else of importance may happen, but mostly we live for the links.

B.G.D. was created by Joseph Coonick for what he calls the jeans and t-shirt crowd.  Make no mistake, the B.G.D. line is designed with serious golfers in mind; guys who care more about their next shot than they do about when they’ll see the beer cart again.  B.G.D. is for guys who don’t take mulligans.  But most of all, B.G.D is for those of us who want great-looking, golf-inspired, casual wear, without all that giant testicles stuff.

Joseph’s B.G.D. collection includes several golf-inspired, ringer-style T’s (for both men and women), skullcaps, hats, and towels.  The T-shirts were designed to look and fit great (no baggy, over-sized, hefty bag  cuts here).  They’re made from a 50/50 cotton-poly blend, and double-stitched for durability.  Joseph’s designs have already proven to be extremely popular with golfers of both genders, and all ability levels.  For those looking for the absolute latest in casual wear, Joseph has just released his new for 2009 designs.  More information about B.G.D. is available at www.birthgolfdeath.com.

Belts

I’ll admit I’ve never given much thought to how I hold my pants up while playing golf.  Golf style has never really been a concern.  Apart from what I call my “wedding and funeral belt”, I own a black belt, a brown belt, and a darker brown belt.  Quite obviously any of the 3 work well on the links (I know this because my pants have never fallen down), but while researching products for this guide, I came across a few belts that really caught my eye, belts that deserve to be worn on the golf course.  Most of all, they’re belts, that despite an obvious nod to a higher fashion sense, I’d actually wear.

TMAX Gear – Adidas Men’s Trophy Leather Belt

There’s not much you can say about a belt. It loops through your pants, you buckle it, and ideally your pants stay up. If they don’t, you’ve most certainly done something wrong.  I’m quite certain you already knew that.

A belt is all about the buckle, which is why I really like the Trophy Leather belt from TMAX.  The 3-stripe, brushed metal buckle will be a hit with any Adidas fan, while the split leather with accent stich design gives the belt enough class to wear anywhere.  The Trophy Leather Belt features and interchangeable buckle and is available in both black and white.

Loudmouth Golf (part II)

Yeah, I could have tossed the belt up there with the rest of the Loudmouth stuff, but I thought it deserved to be with the other belts.  Slightly more reserved that the rest of their lineup, the Loudmouth Golf belt has a bit of hip hop appeal (minus the bling).  Perhaps it’s a bit golf course cowboy…I don’t know.  I’m struggling to find the words to describe the “LM” logo inspired buckle in terms of fashion.  That might have something to do with the fact that I know very little about fashion (or at least fashion as it’s portrayed on Bravo).  What I know is that I like the belt, and I like that it comes in red (as well as black, white and patent leather).

PUMA

PUMA has a few belts in their golf collection, two of which really appeal to me.  The High Shine belt is made from genuine leather, and as the name suggests, features a buckle with a sleek, shiny finish.  The buckle also features the trademark Puma, well, I guess it’s the PUMA puma.  Glad I could make that clear for you.  Does the PUMA’s puma have a name?  Can we hold a naming contest?

The 18 Hole Belt (not shown) also features that PUMA logo I just mentioned, this time embossed on larger hexagonal buckle.  It’s not quite the wild wild west, or even Stuckey’s on a Friday night, but it’s big enough to draw the attention it deserves.  If nothing else, PUMA’s belts prove that even if you don’t play well, you can still look good.

For the Lil’ Ones

Maybe in next year’s guide I’ll take a crack at a complete section on golf for kids, but for now, let’s focus on a single item designed for the cutest of aspiring golfers.

LittleChickieWear

Gwen Gardner’s LittleChickieWear line for babies includes a couple of golf inspired designs.  Her products are particularly popular with new grandparents who also happen to be golfers.  Her collection, which includes onesies, t-shirts, and hats, is made from 100% Certified Organic Cotton and printed on undyed fabric.

Gwen’s current golf-inspired designs include “Miniature Golfer” (shown left) and the soon to be available “I’m the result of fore–play!”

More information is available at www.littlechickiewear.com