Established or emerging lines. Men’s or women’s. Classic or modern. Fashion- or function-driven. There’s a bit of everything to be found across the apparel aisles at the PGA Show, where the popularity of golf kept more than 400 vendors busy with back-to-back appointments through the first two days of activity.
Some of the general trends on display were clean and sophisticated silhouettes, smaller prints, slightly shorter shorts and skorts, lightweight sweater layers, bottoms in a variety of lengths and styles and updated hoodies – still very much in demand across brands.
“There are so many golf companies here; it’s bigger than it’s ever been,” said Leslie Glover, Merchandise Manager at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando. “I’m always looking to rotate women’s brands into my shop for more variety, and this is a great place to discover them.”
Puma showed the evolution of its brand from the “skittles” palette to a more refined aesthetic in items like the 101 Premier Short in a stretch warp knit fabric for men and Boulder quarter zip featuring a slightly looser fit and cropped length for women.
“We remain a sports brand, but we’ve updated the line to offer more versatility and thoughtful detail at an accessible price point,” said Puma VP of Product Creation Krisin Hinze.
At the more premium end, Turtleson had “relaxed refinement” on display in items like its best-selling piece, the Bellfield Hoodie, available in new colors like sky, mulberry, emerald and bay, and a new quarter-zip in a mineral-infused fabric that’s thermo regulating, anti-microbial and moisture wicking.
Ashworth continues to grow its line post-relaunch with a combination of solids, simple stripes and prints and hybrid layers that are fashion-driven and water repellent and work across multiple types of facilities and climates. “We were very intentional with our merchandising philosophy for the booth, viewing it as the one opportunity to put the brand out there in its full glory before buyers interpret it for their own club’s needs,” CEO Andy Bell said.
In the outerwear category, FootJoy emphasized the Thermo Series of cold weather layering product with new colors like vintage navy and eucalyptus, while also building out its women’s collection with items like a quilted vest, skort with side pleats and subtle zippers and new SKUS that underscore the rising importance of sweaters in golf.
And Galvin Green introduced the Abby women’s waterproof jacket in a Pertex fabric balancing weight, durability, breathability and protection, as well as the men’s Arlo waterproof jacket with features like retractable zippers and a functional neck that keeps rain from dripping through during play.
“Function is the main thing we think of when we design product,” Galvin Green Sales Manager David Birn said. “Everything goes through a two-year design and testing process with an emphasis on playability, stretch and softness/comfort.” —Lisa Goulian Twiste