Kardashians on Kourse to Enter the Golf Accessories Market

What the Kardashian Kollection Golf Towel might look like

The Kardashians have been called celebutantes, fame whores and TV's face of evil... and granted, those labels don't conjure up a particularly appealing image.

At the same time, the flashy family is frequently described as brilliant and talented... and few would deny the raven-haired clan's ability to collectively generate buzz and make headlines.

Over the past few years the Kardashians have harnessed this ability into an international super brand that... despite the numerous haters... manages to turn legions of consumers into ardent and unquestioning followers willing to buy any and all Kardashian-branded products.

When it was announced recently that the ubiquitous glamazons were extending their Kardashian Kollection to include home decor, it's hard to imagine there was much surprise in marketing circles. "Kardashian Kollection Home" will include products like flatware.. and candlesticks.. and bath mats and... you're probably wondering where golf comes in, right?

Well, the collection will also include golf towels... "for the men in the family"!  Other manly offerings may include beer mugs, shot glasses and playing cards.  Admittedly, in the Kardashian family golf seems to be seen as something guys do.  Girls... after all... are too busy shopping, decorating, applying make-up and... building billion dollar brands.

Ryo Romance has golf journos "exceeding social norms"

Ryo At the Canon Open, Oct 2011  • • •  Photo by Sankei via Getty Images

At barely twenty, Ryo Ishikawa has already had more experience with the press than most players ever will, and he's often been praised for the grace with which he handles the throngs of reporters who track his every move.

Recently however things have been getting a bit out of hand. To the extent that the youthful golf champion's manager... who also happens to be his Mom... felt it necessary to release a statement yesterday.

The unusual statement got right to the point: "There exists a woman whom Ryo Ishikawa is going out with".

It seems the ultra-endearing "Bashful Prince" has a girlfriend.  She's actually a classmate from junior high school and the relationship's been going on for almost three years.  Rumor has it the lucky lass will be officially introduced at the Presidents Cup in Melbourne next month.  Meanwhile the story is creating a media frenzy in Japan.

It's gotten to the point where family, friends and sponsors of the superstar golfer have been bothered by "news-gathering activities exceeding social norms in the form of making surprise night-time visits and shadowing."

My good friend Norikio... always an excellent source for breaking golf news out of Japan... told me there were four security guards shadowing Ryo on the course recently,  which must be extremely distracting.  And there can be little doubt that fan frenzy, media madness and subsequent security needs will only increase as the President's Cup approaches and this story develops.

Meanwhile, the Japanese Tour heads to the ABC Golf Club this week for the Mynavi ABC Championship where Ryo Ishikawa has a stellar history.  He won the tournament in 2008, and was runner-up last year.  Right now Ryo is going for his first win of the season... and we're hoping he'll get it here. 

At Golf Girl's Diary, the self-proclaimed headquarters of the US Branch of the Ryo Ishikawa Fan Club, we wish Ryo... and his young fiancée... the best.

A Demure Naked Lady Once Rewarded Golden Age Golfers

Bartlett Hills C.C. - June 15, 1929

It was the early summer of 1929 and America was in the last frothy throes of a decade-long period of economic prosperity.  Bobby Jones would soon soon win his third U.S. Open in a dramatic 36-hole playoff at Winged Foot, while Tillinghast put the finishing touches on Ridgewood Golf Course, and few months later... on the eve of the Wall Street Crash that would lead to the Great Depression... a baby boy by the name of Arnold Palmer was born in Youngstown, OH.

But on June 15, the golfers at Bartlett Hills Country Club were focused on the fairways and greens of their own course in the pastoral countryside outside of Chicago.  It was Glen Garry Dae and members were competing for a very distinctive trophy.  This was not a standard silver loving cup or a common engraved tray.

On that long ago summer day the winning golfer was rewarded with dainty bronze sculpture of a young lady.  She wasn't carrying a golf bag...or swinging a club, in fact, her pose had nothing whatsoever to do with the game. She appeard to be doing a kind of march-mimicking dance, her eyes demurely downcast ... oh, and for some strange reason she happened to be stark naked.

 Granted, the golf apparel of the day was not particularly flattering, and certainly would do nothing to highlight the ample attributes of this statue's attractive subject, but the integral nudity does seem a bit out-of-context for a golf trophy.

Now, nearly a century later the diminutive lady has lost much of her luster.  The once-proud figurine was recently up for auction on e-bay.  The discription mentioned "some wear to thigh and navel" which was visible in the accompanying photos.

In the end, the oddly endearing golf trophy sold for a modest $85.00.

If you like golf antiques and collectibles you may also enjoy these posts:

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Sergio Garcia Reclaims Golf's Most Whimsical Trophy

THAT WAS THEN      Photo: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images Europe

It's been a while since Sergio Garcia last hoisted a trophy.

Back in the fall of 2008 when he won the HSBC Champions and ascended to the rank of World Number Two, Sergio seemed poised to fulfill long standing predictions of golf greatness as the planet's top player.  

In reality it was the beginning of a three-year title drought, and an abrupt reversal of fortunes for the tempestuous Spaniard.

Shortly before HSBC, there had been a win at the first ever Castello Masters... an especially meaningful win because Señor Garcia actually hosts this tournament, at his home course, surrounded by friends and family.

At that time we were introduced to the Castello Masters' decidedly unusual trophy.  It looks like... well... some have suggested Mr. Potato Head, and frankly, I've got to agree. With a golf club in hand and a hat that looks like something Bill Murray might put on for the Pebble Beach ProAm, the effigy does resemble that tuberous toy we all had so much fun with as kids.  In other words, it's adorable. And in October of 20008 El Niño was the first to win it.

THIS IS NOW               Photo: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images Europe

Fast forward three years. Today a more mature Sergio Garcia has reclaimed the sirenic statuette, winning the Castello Masters winning by 11 strokes on a course he first concquored as a child. A year ago it was 17 year old, Matteo Manneserro who took home the trophy, becomming the youngest to ever win a European Tour event,  and in 2009 Sweden's Michael Jonzon broke a daunting 12 year drought, at this event and earned a "thumbs up" when he kissed the cute trophey... on the lips.

Sergio seems to have saved his kisses for girlfriend, Nicole Horrex,  however there's little doubt that the hugely talented player was very pleased to be reunited with the whimsical Castello Masters mascot.

If you like Sergio you may enjoy these posts:

Much Maligned Mr. Garcia Wins the Players and Praise
Golf Gossip: Sexy Sergio Flying Solo at Valhalla
The Saturday Sergio Sat on the Sidelines
Sergio Garcia - Masters '09 Status: It's Complicated
Sergio Garcia - A Tempestuous Golfer Explained
Sergio Garcia's Milestone Birthday Signals Maturity
Sergio Garcia's Haircut Gets Mixed Reviews
Masters Tradition: My Pic is Sergio Garcia (video)

Play Your Way to an Awesome Indoor Putting Green

Here's a unique contest... and it that might even help you keep your putting up to par during the upcoming winter respite.  

It takes place at SteveLaporte.com.  What you'll notice first when you get to the site is green... a lot of green... and quite a selection of greens too, as in putting greens.  A variety of expertly engineered, high quality mats... like the one that was famously featured on the HBO show, Entourage.  And if you're an aspiring Ari Gold's or a would-be Luke Donald... or even if you just want to hone your skills at home from time to time... you now have a chance to win a Steve LaPorte putting green for your abode. 


All you have to do to enter is putt... virtually. This is how it works: make your way over to Steve's place, that is  www.stevelaporte.com, and play 18 holes of Mini Putt.  Get a score of 30 or better and submit it to Mr. Laporte to be registered to win a 4'x9' indoor putting green to be given away on Dec. 16th. 2011. 

Visit www.stevelaporte.com for additional details and don't forget to bring your flat stick. 

Golf Apparel & Accessories: The Asia/America Disparity - Part 2

A couple of weeks ago a lively Linkedin discussion broke out concerning global preferences in golf attire.  The topic was launched by Dennis Allen of Back Nine, the new multi-media golf lifestyle and entertainment network.

He posted this: "Golf fashion - is it boring in the USA or is it just me?" 

The thing is, Dennis has a unique perspective.  He's an American who majored in Japanese and International Business at the University of Washington, then spent 25 years in the sports industry.  Fluent in Japanese, he's traveled the globe in top positions with some of the world's most prominent golf manufacturers including TaylorMade-adidas, Acushnet and Bridgestone.   Well, there were numerous responses to the sartorial query.  They came from men and women involved with golf in a variety ways both here and in Asia... and indeed, most agreed that there IS less variety on US fairways, and on our golf retailer's shelves.

Some attributed this to customer preference, suggesting that, in general, Americans don't care much about dressing stylishly for golf and would often prefer not to make a statement with their golf apparel. Others feel that years of draconian, country club dress codes have created a culture of golfers unable to see beyond the most basic boxy, polo shirts and correspondingly shapeless kahkis.  It was also suggested that the US Market's preponderance of portly golfers... might be part of why there isn't more style on our courses.

Christina Thompson is another highly authoritative voice who weighed in on this subject.  She's the founder and owner of Golf4Her, one of this country's top on-line destinations for women's golf apparel and accessories.

Golf4Her features an expansive collection of the best pieces from dozens of the best women's golf wear brands, including many of the awesome independent brands that aren't often available at the big-box stores and country club shops.  It's all carefully curated by Christina herself, and with their stellar customer service, a great rewards program and an engaging social media presence, and it's no surprise that Golf4Her has customers from all over the world.

Christina posted some observations on international shopping styles: "Based on what we see every day, our European and Asian customers love the high-fashion styles, our customers here in the US are a little slower to take those risks"  She added that she sees that changing now, as fashion-forward golf styles are becoming more accessible to US golfers.  --->

Golf Apparel & Accessories: The Asia/America Disparity - Part 1

I've often marveled at the sheer variety of golf apparel and accessories available in Japan... not to mention the unabashed whimsicality of many their designs.   You may have seen my musings on the subject right here a time or two. Or ten.  

Well, once again I'm pondering the puzzle of Japan's disproportionate, golf-product plenty.  This time due to a online encounter with the item above.

It's a putting mat, and it's pink... and that probably seems implausible to many here in the US because... who would ever buy a pink putting mat?   Particularly one emblazoned with hearts and flowers, like the Women's Flat Putt L.

East/west cultural differences not withstanding, I think it's safe to assume that this product is targeted at a young, female market.  As would be most of the items featured here, and a seemingly endless number of similar sites.  Clearly, there are many dozens of Japanese companies large and small, targeting this particular golf demographic... each offering a plethora of product in a multitude of colors. 

The abundance isn't limited to the young ladies market either.  When it comes to golf stuff, men, women and juniors... avid and occasional golfers alike... all seem to be served with a dizzying array of options in Japan and remarkably, one notices that in addition the voluminous offerings of local companies, US companies like Callaway offer an impressive selection of products exclusively for Japan.

Here in the US, our choice of products just seems to substantially more limited than in Japan... and that's what I've always wondered about... because when you look the number of golfers in each country the disparity doesn't seem to make sense. What is it that makes the two markets so different?

With the game's increasingly global reach this is a timely topic, and a couple of weeks ago it inspired a lively LinkedIn chat I'll talk about later today tomorrow in Part 2 of Golf Apparel & Accessories: The Asia/America Disparity.

Read Part 2

Of Golf Girls, Golf Refugees And The Perfect Golf Course

"Expectations have gotten totally out of control"

I've been a fan of Golf Refugees... and their elegant black balls... for years.

I first discovered the indie eco-golf brand several years ago and was immediately impressed by their passion for golf and their unwavering efforts to fostering a more sustainable game.

Cheeky British humor and killer design are the hallmarks of their awesomely eclectic line of products.  An unwavering commitment to carbon neutrality, organic cotton and a "greener" game are what sets them apart.  Earlier this year, as the world was celebrating Earth week, Golf Refugees submitted proposals to the governing bodies of golf to revise their Rules of Golf to incorporate "green" measures. 

As expected, the initial response from the "powers-that-be" has been... tepid.  However, encouragement has come from enlightened golfers across the globe and there's evidence that more courses are now using using recycled or reclaimed water and returning their tracks to a more natural state.

In a Facebook discussion on the topic of golf and sustainability, Golf Refugees' Peter Gourse asked for my thoughts on "the perception of the perfect golf course".  Here's what I told him.

Shop Golf Refugees Awesomeness here
The Most Awesomely Innovatice Golf Product Ever

A Chance To Play Winged Foot While Lending a Helping Hand

Winged Foot, The Putting Green at Dusk                                            Photo: Golf Girl Media

"Winged Foot is, in sum, a temple to the spirit of golf." -- Joseph C. Dey 
 
Winged Foot is magic. You feel it the moment you pass through its stately stone gate.  Even if you've never played golf... and know nothing of it's history... you sense the magic of the place. It's something that goes well beyond the iconic tree-lined fairways and sloping pear-shaped greens.

The exclusive slice of Westchester County that contains two of the country's top golf courses is beautiful... but not breathtaking.  What's breathtaking is an ambiance of cloistered contentment that surrounds the  majestic stone clubhouse and envelopes its private parkland.  Its allure transcends Tillinghast and his masterful "Golden Age" architecture.

I consider myself very luck to have been able to play both the East and West Courses and they remain my most memorable golf experiences to date, but as a private, invitation-only club, the opportunity to play at Winged Foot is very hard to come by.  So when a good friend of mine told me the story of Sue Memhard and the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation it resonated on a couple of levels.

The Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation provides assistant to women facing cancer.  Sue is it's founder and a two time breast cancer survivor, she's now in treatment for the third time and has accumulated substantial uninsured medical bills herself.  As founder however, she's not eligible for Emerald Heart's grants so the foundation's Director of Grants, Elyn Jacobs has organized a raffle and is selling raffle tickets, in the form of tax-deductible donations for Sue, via Lend a Helping Hand charity.
The lucky winner and two friends will enjoy a round of golf and lunch at Winged Foot Golf Club. 

Tickets are $50 each and only 200 will be sold.   The drawing will be held on October 12th, 2011.  For additional information about Sue and Helping Hands see Elyn's blog post and feel free to email her with any questions you may have at elyn@emeraldheart.org.

To buy a ticket

Go to Sue's page at Lend A Helping Hand, click the DONATE button under Sue’s photo/bio, and follow the instructions for Paypal or credit card payment. In “Special Instructions” put “GOLF” and provide the email address at which you would like to be contacted if you are the winner.  You will receive a receipt for your taxes.

Helping a woman who's helped so many others is a truly commendable.  I thank you in advance for your support and wish you the best of luck at a chance to play Winged Foot. 

Map Your Golf Travels: An Artful Display of Places You Play

Everyone has a dream... or two. Actually if you're a golfer you probably have several.  They're the courses you long to play... and I'm guessing you have them on a list somewhere.  I know I do.  I keep mine in a golf journal I've created. It takes up two pages.

There is however a more dynamic, inspiring... artful... way to keep track of the US courses you've played and/or those you dream of playing.

It comes from a company called Map Your Travels, it a graphically striking map of the United States that features a hundred top public golf courses in the country and it's mounted so that you can use the included pins and flags to mark past golf adventures and future golf dreams. Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, Blackwolf - they're all there.  The map can be personalized and comes in a dark wood frame, ready to hang.

It makes a great gift... for yourself or for a golfer in your life.  And with gift-giving season right around the corner... timing is quite propitious.

Visit MapYourTravels.com

Sergio Garcia In An Awesome Omega Olympics Ad

Sergio Garcia in a gorgeous setting... what more could one ask for on dismal Monday?

Thanks to my German friends at Hook & Slice, I discovered this breathtaking video earlier today. It's from watch maker ...and global golf sponsor... Omega and it promotes the 2016 Olympics.  As most know by now the games will be held in Rio in 2016 and will include golf for the first in over a century.   

In other Sergio news, guess who now holds the PGA Tour's three-putt-avoidance record?  Well, that would be El Niño at 131 consecutive holes, which is almost as impressive as his tee shot in this video.

Is Bubba Watson Justin Bieber's New Swagger Coach?

Newsflash: The "coolest job in the world" is officially available.

You see, word is out that tween-dream singing sensation Justin Bieber, has lost his "Swagger Coach".  One can only assume a replacement is being sought and it appears big-hitting PGA golfer Bubba Watson might be on the singer's short list.

What's a "swagger coach"? you may be asking as I did this earlier this morning.

Well, for those of you not in-the-know, a swagger coach is an integral part any self-respecting pop culture idol's team these days. They shape a star's style in subtle ways and... just... sort of... keep said star on a swagtastic trajectory to ever-increasing awesomeness.  OK, I think we used to call them stylists, but clearly the job discription has evolved... and along with it, the title.

Justin Bieber's swagger coach, Ryan Good, was responsible for the singer's headline-making haircut earlier this year... and "The Biebs" himself explained the job to journalists thusly: "I have a swagger coach that helps me and teaches me different swaggerific things to do."  Now however, Mr. Good has left to "pursue his own dreams" ...and suddenly Bubba Watson's tweeting about hanging with "The Biebs"?   That's where the  "swagger coach" speculation comes in.

I know, it may seem like a stretch, but don't forget Bubba once had his own apparel line, he also appears to have a well-honed sense for when an all-important hairstyle change-up is called for.  Then there's the "Golf Boys" video that came out earlier this summer... and showed the world that Bubba Watson can "Swing it like a boomerang-a-tang tang" with the best of them.

So who knows?  I can only suggest you follow @BubbaWatson on Twitter for updates.

If you liked this post you may also enjoy these Bieberific stories:
Golf Games: Sex + Justin Bieber = A Birdie on Twirdie
Rickie Fowler is Hot, Justin Bieber is Cool
Justin Bieber Golf Video: He Putts... and Goes Nuts.