There are many great sayings in the world of golf with most fitting like a glove to those who pick up a club-pro or amateur.
One which many of us hackers can relate to however is if you can’t play well you should at least look good.
Now, I don’t know what shape the golf games are for the people at Carnoustie Sportswear but I do know they are a very low handicap bunch when it comes to producing golf wear.
“I have been playing golf since 1960 and have been an avid player all these years. My father had a very successful apparel company and while I never worked for him I think it is in the genes” said Carnoustie President and CEO Marshall Mancillas “I saw an opportunity when the landscape in golf changed in the late 80’s with the advent of Bobby Jones and Ashworth and thought I could address this new sensibility.”
Carnoustie made a name in the industry with its brand of brushed fleece. So now it was decided to change gears a bit, hitting the market with outerwear which still remained true to the original quality of their product. It was a case of evolve or die in the world of fashion, said Mancillas.
“It became clear that the market also wanted outerwear that was more year round as well and maybe not quite so expensive. So we have developed other fabrications and styling which have been a tremendous success as well. We will always be known for our brushed fleece. It is simply the best in the game and that becomes more apparent every day.”
This lighter, unbrushed cotton fabric is called the MacKenzie Collection and is available in a quarter zip vest, quarter zip long sleeve pullover and new this year is the full zip vest.
“Little details, like the flat knit tipping along the zipper sets this style apart. Versatile, affordable, appropriate for varied conditions and available in wonderful melange of colours like our cotton suede,”said Mancillas.
It’s no surprise he feels strongly about the quality of his product. It’s part of the reason why Carnoustie has been around for two decades in a tough game like golf fashion. There are no gimmies in this business. Mancillas says they refuse to cut corners when it comes to quality and strive to maintain that level.
“Additionally, our styling, while very in tune with current trends, is never trendy. It is timeless and because it is timeless it is a good investment. We have proven that our goods will be in your wardrobe for a long time,” he said. “And, while you will look up to date in our product you will never look like you following a trend.”
Twenty years in any business is something to brag about but when you are talking about fashion it’s really time to stand on the mountain top and beat your chest. This business has a high mortality rate and he’s rightfully proud his company has been able to flourish. The longevity has also allowed Carnoustie the flexibility to expand its product line with this new outerwear. It’s like wrapping up the front nine with a solid score and teeing it up on number 10.
“I feel like we’re just getting started,” he said.
The game itself has had an impact of the fashion side of golf according to Mancillas. He points to how long the game takes to play, the difficulty many golfers face on the course and the cost of the game keeps rising.
“We have not as an industry attacked any of these challenges in a meaningful way. Consequently, the landscape is not expanding as it should. I am hopeful that we can do a better job in all these aspects of our game in the future.”
Having said that Mancillas is quick to add that due to Carnoustie’s ability to transition off the course he feels his line will not be as affected as others.
So you will look good whether you are playing golf or relaxing while talking about the latest round. Just never mind about the score.
