Every 20 to 30 years, fashion tends to repeat itself. We’ve seen this recently with the reemergence of ’90s accessories and apparel, including fanny packs, dungarees (overalls), jelly sandals and choker necklaces. But a subcategory of the fashion world that never seems to go out of style is golfing apparel and accessories. Over the years, golf merchandise—both on and off the green—has only seemed to increase in popularity for both men and women; a constant made ever-more relevant by the athleisure movement. And still, it doesn’t seem like golf wear is going anywhere, anytime soon, which make golf-oriented promotional products a reliable way to engage clients or employees with your brand.

The likelihood is that if your client isn’t a golfer, he or she knows someone who is. According to the National Golf Association, some 23.8 million Americans played on a golf course in 2017 and an additional 8.3 million played exclusively at off-course locations, like specialized facilities, driving ranges and indoor simulators. And despite there being some 32 million golfers nationwide in 2017, there were also 14.9 million non-golfers who expressed interest in playing the sport. So, it comes as no surprise that by 2026, according to market research firm FactMR, the international golf apparel market is anticipated to be worth $6.6 billion.

No longer just used for sport, golf apparel has become acceptable in many non-sport settings. The high-performance, breathable fabrics provide comfort on the course—especially during those hot, summer days—and appropriately transition from course to clubhouse. Golf apparel is also known for its moisture-wicking properties and lightweight, flexible feel, offering all-day comfort, not to mention this apparel category has essentially become part of golf culture for some players—think golf fashion icons, like Tiger Woods, Rickie Fowler and Payne Stewart.

Aside from clothing and clubs, golfers need other merchandise to be fully prepared for the game. This allows room for creativity, where promotional products companies can take a seemingly common product and offer a golfer’s twist, imprinting their clients’ logos throughout. Options may include rain gear, hand towels, markers, water bottles, socks, shoes, hats, sunglasses and anything else that may enhance performance, such as mosquito repellant, sunscreen and beverage items. Of course, there are the more golf-related items, like golf balls, golfer’s tape, golf gloves, tees, scorecards and golf clubs.

And what about the folks who are fans of golf, but aren’t frequent players? You can reach them, too. According to the National Golf Association, the total reach of golf in the United States is 97.6 million people, which consists of 65.5 million who watch and/or read about golf, but don’t play themselves. This is equal to one-fifth of the country’s population, and a pool of clients that may be interested in using promotional products to appeal to this growing consumer market.

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Golf Is Growing

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Offer the perfect solution for transitioning from casual to golf chic and vice versus. This Organic Polo Shirt is made using organic cotton, a comfy solution for round-the-clock wear—a great opportunity for ongoing brand exposure—and it’s 100 percent manufactured in the USA. Featuring a three-button, self-jersey collar for breathability, the shirt also includes a satin label for extra comfort. And with printable real estate on the front, back and sleeves, there are endless ways to showcase your brand in a stylish fashion that’s designed to last. Available in salt, night and natural (shown).

Royal Apparel   /   PPAI 269959   /   www.royalapparel.net

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Surely you can dress the part of a golfer—but can you act the part, too? For on-the-go golfing gals, this versatile, long-sleeve polo offers UPF 30+, making it practical for prolonged sun exposure during tournaments. Offer your client apparel that will keep them safe—and looking good. Available in women’s sizes S-3XL, the Ladies Long Sleeve Quarter Zip Polo Tiger Stripe Jersey is also made in the USA, and is available in alluring shades of black, red, navy, royal and charcoal (shown).

AKWA   /   PPAI 205981  /   www.akwaapparel.com

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This lightweight, embossed polo is simply made for the golf course. Offer clients an option that’s course-ready with the Tiger Stripe Jersey Men’s Polo, a shirt that’s guaranteed not to fade, shrink or wrinkle, and is designed to see many trips to the links and beyond. Made using a special blend of fabrics to ensure flexibility, its no-curl collar will also keep clients looking sharp while they sport your brand. This shirt, also made in the USA, has UPF 30+ protection and is available in black, navy, red, hunter, charcoal and French blue (shown).

 

AKWA   /   PPAI 205981   /   www.akwaapparel.com

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Celebrate your clients’ love for golf by offering them a high-quality, Silk Golf-Themed Tie for the office. Call attention to your brand by adding your company’s logo through a custom option. Choose from a selection of six detailed, vibrant designs, including a red and blue print with a golf flag; a black tie with a colorful, allover golf club print; a forest green tie with a golfer scene; a yellow tie with a golfer scene; a royal blue tie with allover red flags; and an olive-green tie with allover golf clubs.

Essential Accessories   /   PPAI 624886   /   www.essential.com/accessories

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For many golfers, the most important quality is comfort—and a flexible fabric could mean the difference between a birdie or a triple bogey. This Under Armour Men’s Corp Performance Polo features a durable rib-knit collar to prevent curl, and a three-button placket and hemmed sleeves for a tailored look. The polo’s four-way stretch fabric allows for movement in any direction, while anti-odor technology prevents the growth of odor-causing microbes. The shirt also shields from the sun’s rays, offering 30+ UPF protection. Featuring an Under Armour logo on the left sleeve, the material is smooth, anti-pick and anti-pill fabric with a clean, snag-free finish. Available in sizes S-4XL and 10 color options, including black, artillery green, graphite, midnight navy, red, heather gray, tropic pink, white and royal (shown).

Chocolate Inn   /   PPAI 111662    /   www.chocolateinn.com

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Offer a stress-free, practical way to keep clients’ valuables safe while swinging the club. This Wrist Wallet fits securely around the wearer’s wrist, keeping their cards, ID and currency safe, while remaining in constant view—simply pack, zip and go. The polyester wallet offers one-color printing on one side, providing a front-and-center view to advertise your brand. Available in black and bold shades of yellow, red (shown) and blue.

 

APF Marketing, Ltd.   /   PPAI 169733   /   www.apfmarketing.com  

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With the Rival Towel, there’s no reason to sweat the small stuff. This item offers a two-in-one deal, with a textured microfiber side made to clean clubs and golf balls, and a plush, fleece side for the golfer to clean his or her hands and face. Select from three customization options: an eco-friendly, water-based dye, a high-definition sublimation option for white towels and maximum-detailed embroidery. Sized at 16 x 32 inches, six color options are available: navy, white and red; orange and navy; Kelly green, gray and black; white, gray and black; pro royal and gray; and charcoal, gray and black (shown).

Dynamic Brands   /   PPAI 111605    /   www.dynamicbrands.com

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For a more compact way of keeping your gear clean, the Microtech Microfiber is a trusty companion. This super soft, 14 x 21-inch towel features terry-finished microfiber material on both sides that is mold and mildew resistant. Casually attach the towel to a golf bag using the black grommet and carabiner. And like the Rival towel, this item offers the same three customization options. Available in four color options: royal and gray, white and gray, red and navy, and gray and black (shown).

Dynamic Brands /     PPAI #111605    /    www.dynamicbrands.com

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As much as golfers love the sunshine, it’s not “always sunny in Philadelphia.” The Heritage Hood sweatshirt is a cozy solution. The item boasts a specialty wash and a soft blend of fleece for luxurious comfort. Its pop-up hood offers extra coverage, while multi-needle stitching adds both character and robustness. Kangaroo pouch pockets allow for storage of smaller valuables. Customize the sweatshirt with your logo or slogan on the front, back or sleeves. Available in S-XXL and in five vintage-esque colors: black heather, dark grey heather, maroon heather, navy heather and athletic hunter heather (shown).

Ouray Sportswear   /   PPAI 112927   /   www.ouraysportswear.com

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Add an old-school feel to your golf wear with the Matrix Cap. This 100 percent polyester hat is made with performance-enhancing fabric to help your clients’ game. Its contrast visor stitching, top stitching, eyelets and inside details offer a vintage feel, while a cool-tech sweatband works to keep them cool. A pre-formed memory visor remembers shape, so it feels like putting on your very own custom-tailored cap, and adjustments can be made using a micro-velcro closure with stretch loop. Advertise a logo by imprinting on the cap for front-and-center brand attention. Available in black and white, cool grey and royal, indigo and silver, navy and white, and white and black (shown).

Ouray Sportswear   /   PPAI 112927
www.ouraysportswear.com

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This hip hoodie offers a super-soft hand feel, which is sustained by its rich, blended yarns. The heathered look of the Peppered Fleece Pullover Hood includes a solid, color-lined hood, yarn-dyed stripes on the cuff and waist, and off-white draw cords. A pouch pocket offers additional space for safekeeping items. Take advantage of the real estate on the front of the hoodie for logo printing. Available in sizes S-3XL in seven colors: navy, black, forest green, maroon, red, royal and grey (shown).

J America   /   PPAI 351699   /   www.jamericablanks.com

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Introduced by the tagline, “Always handy when your shoes are sandy,” this Golf Morph Sac provides a unique opportunity to call attention to a brand. Whether you’re distributing goodies to employees as part of a team-building exercise, or sponsoring a golfing event to call attention to a cause, adorn the front or back of this bag with your logo. For easy storing, the drawstring can be folded into the size of the golf ball graphic shown. After the game is over, the bag can be used for shoe storage, as a gym bag or as your recipients’ newest golfing buddy.

 

Southern Plus  /    PPAI 110918    /  www.southernplus.com

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If you don’t have the materials you need to golf, preparing for the course can seem like a tall order. Fortunately, with the Magnot Multi Tool and The Clip, you can make your clients’ experience just a tad smoother—and be remembered for it. The Clip holds the Multi Tool and attaches to a golf bag while pristinely displaying your pad-printed logo and including a ball marker of your clients’ choice. The Multi Tool serves as a ball retriever—which is designed to be used with any club, functioning to grab the ball like a magnet. It can also be used as a club groove and shoe spike cleaner, a ball alignment line guide, a ball mark repair tool, a club grip holder, a cigar holder and a short putt practice target. It’s truly one of a kind.

Dead Center Golf, Inc.   /   PPAI 599453   /   www.magnot.ca

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Danielle Renda is associate editor of PPB.