American Apparel has launched a new pique shirt which it says is perfectly suited to the golf enthusiast.

Beechfield has launched two new golf cap designs for 2008 in the shape of the B185 Pro Style Ball Mark Golf Cap and the B180 Sports CoolMax Cap.

Golfwear has had a positive impact on sales within the corporate sector, says Beezer.

The Blue Max Stag range includes a lightweight yet waterproof garment that's ideal for the golf course - the best-selling Mistral Jacket.

Under an exclusive arrangement for the imprint market, BTC activewear represents PING, the high quality range of fashionable and technically advanced golfing apparel. Together they have developed a collection specifically aimed to capitalise on the growing popularity of the sport, using luxury fabrics and a wide range of performance features.

"Golf is one of the most popular games in the UK and could arguably be associated with an array of misjudged golf clothing such as day-glow pants and diamond knits," says Finden+Hales. "But golfwear doesn't have to be unstylish." Finden+Hales offers a premium range of polo shirts in a soft cotton pique. Pique is a traditional golfing fabric as the very construction allows stretch in all directions, ensuring the golfer's swing is not restricted.

Colchester-based corporate wear distributor I.S. Enterprises handles a variety of different clothing and apparel brands, including Fruit of the Loom, Gildan, Jerzees, Kustom Kit and Result jackets and caps. Many of these brands offer clothing that is appropriate for the golfwear market including good quality polos shirts from Kustom Kit and Fruit of the Loom, Result soft shell jackets and caps and Quadra umbrellas.

Golf wear has long been a staple of the promotional/corporate apparel market, which offers constant change, allowing the golf wear to evolve and improve, says Henbury.

A placket polo shirt is to a golfer, what a set of wheels is to a cyclist - you're not going to get very far without one. All but the most relaxed golf clubs have a strict dress code and at the heart of that code is the collared sports shirt; the placket polo. Smart, but sporty: casual, yet refined - the polo shirt is as much a part of the fabric of the game as the putter or tee. As such, it makes an affordable, highly valued giveaway, incentive or prize for any player.

James & Nicholson offers a range of products for the golf course with matching head wear from Myrtle Beach.

To cater for the personalised golfwear market Kustom Kit offers a range of premium cotton polo shirts for both men and women in an unbeatable choice of plain colour options, and polos with tipped or contrasting collar and cuffs for a smart appearance with a sporty edge.

PenCarrie's customer services manager, Andrea Charteris, stresses a key fact about the golfwear market. "This is a sector where it is essential to offer premium quality, specially designed clothing from recognised brands," she says. PenCarrie stocks four such brands, namely Ashworth, Glenmuir, Callaway Golf and adidas. Charteris continues: "Their branding adds significantly to the value of the end product, whether this is to be sold in club pro shops, or to be given away as a prestigious gift or prize at corporate and charity golf events."

The corporate golf wear market continues to grow and Prestige Leisure offers its customers a vast selection of branded and unbranded clothing. For further details of the full 2008 Collection see http://www.prestigeleisure.com/.

Quadra claims to offer a shoe bag ideal for golf pro-shops on the look out for high margin, easy to brand products. The QD116 NuHide Shoe Bag offers the look and feel of quality leather at a fraction of the cost, says Quadra.

Whether it be for the pleasure of getting some fresh air into the lungs, or played on a more competitive level, Golf is one of the country's most popular leisure time activities. In a year which sees the Ryder Cup, golf's pinnacle international event, being played out in America, golf will once again receive maximum exposure across Europe, thus increasing interest and popularity in the sport. With that in mind, says Ralawise, the scope for golfing apparel sales is fantastic and it is an area that offers plenty of potential profit for decorators.

Golf to the non-player seems like just another of those leisure time activities, but to the initiated it is a deeply competitive and stylish sport. The range of Golfwear available from UKL reflects the diversity of this market.

The R121 Classic Soft Shell active cut jacket is a versatile Soft Shell that can be used for a wide range of activities in an equally wide range of conditions, says Result.

From the wettest, windiest day to the sunniest, a keen golfer will want to brave any weather to feel victory on the fairway. Protection from the elements, then, is an essential consideration when choosing the perfect golfing get-up, but what golfers really want is attire that combines this without restricting movement. Sportswear expert Tombo says it knows the importance of allowing for free range of movement - knowledge it combines with the latest in fabric technology and garment design.

The brand new 100% cotton, Penthouse Polo from leisurewear specialists Blue Max is ideal for golf enthusiasts, says the company. The new shirt is lightweight, featuring the Penthouse extra tight knit fabric, side vents, taped neck seams, open hem seams and self-coloured buttons. It is available in five adult sizes and seven colours.

Under an exclusive arrangement for the imprint market, BTC Activewear represents PING, a high quality range of fashionable and technically advanced golfing apparel. Together, they have developed a collection specifically aimed to capitalise on the growing popularity of the sport, using luxury fabrics and a wide range of performance features.

One of the most important factors to consider when dressing for the golf course is the weather, which can be unpredictable. The key is to dress in golf clothing for all eventualities whilst maintaining a great look, says Finden + Hales.

Fruit of the Loom says its Slim Fit Polo enhances the traditional golf shirt style with a modern, sporty silhouette, and stretchy, comfort-driven fabric.

The new polo boasts a fitted masculine cut that is influenced by developments at the fashionable end of the retail golfwear market. It is made from 97% cotton/3% elastane pique fabric (210/220 gm/m2) and features styling details such as the narrow, open, two-button placket.

Golfwear has long been a staple of the promotional/corporate apparel market, says Henbury, and is continually evolving and improving.

Henbury predicts that niche styles and bright colours are set to be at the forefront in the golfwear promotional and corporate market this year, as well as products that can offer a level of performance. It offers a wide range of clothing suitable for the golf course, starting with the new H170 Fior Collar Polo with plastic stiffeners sewn into the collar edge to prevent it curling after laundering and general wear.

Headwear and leisurewear specialist International Insignia, which has recently re-located to new premises in Wolverhampton, has launched a new brand “Oakridge”.

Kustom Kit provides a wide range of polo shirts, many of which it says are particularly suited to the golf wear market.

The men’s KK606 and women’s KK706 St Mellion polos are sporty with a single tipped collar and cuffs and contrast placket. The KK602 Henley, KK604 Wentworth and KK608 Sunningdale also feature contrast and tipped collars and cuffs.

Whether competing in your local club’s competition or playing the courses on the PGA tour, Tombo’s professional standard sportswear will allow you to tee-off in style.

Made from lightweight 125gsm polyester fabric, Tombo’s TL61 Performance Sports Top is designed to keep you cool when the pressure is on, allowing air to flow around the body with its mesh panelling at side panels, across the top of the back and underarms. It teams well with the TL41 Sports Training Top and TL48 Open Hem Training Bottoms, both of which are made from 100% polyester microfibre Teflon® coating to repel water and oilbased spills.

Also from Lea Sportswear is the Mumbles MM12 Golf Tiger, which makes a novel team mascot or something a little bit different to remind your customers of a fun-filled golf tour.

The 2007 Harvest Golf range comprises 20 men’s and ladies styles from T-Shirt and polo shirt to fully functional waterproof and windproof jackets designed to be worn in the worst of weather by amateur and professional alike.

The new Eagle and Birdie Men’s and Ladies’ polo shirts feature enzyme wash fabric for a smooth and comfortable fit and 5% Lycra for added flexibility.

PenCarrie now stocks Callaway Golf clothing in addition to its three other premium golfwear brands: adidas golf, Ashworth and Glenmuir.

Technical fabrics help a player’s performance, says Pencarrie. With this in mind, Callaway Golf’s CW14 X Series™ Performance Stretch Pique Polo Shirt is made from Performance Drysport® fabric, which is moisture-wicking and quick-drying and also gives good UV protection (UPF 15+).

As a previous co-sponsor of the PGA Seniors Tour, Quinn Direct British Masters and the Official Clothing and Merchandise Supplier for the 2006 World Match Play Championships; McForsum has strong and established links to the game. With a reputation as a serious golf brand in the promotional incentives industry, McForsum offers a wide range of products with a real retail edge. This year sees three additions to the range, which includes bags, polo shirts, windbreakers and golf tool kits.

There are currently over 48 major PGA TOUR and Champions TOUR events offering over $250Million dollars in prizes. And with The world’s top players and global television coverage, the PGA TOUR attracts major corporate partners such a Coca Cola and MasterCard to name but a few.

Prestige Leisure UK has a vast selection of golfwear to choose from in its Collection Brochure 2007, including eight products from new brand Callaway Golf, which incorporates the traditional golf look with modern fibres and rich colours.

Callaway’s CW13 Ottoman Knit Turtle Neck is 60% Cotton, 40% Polyester, and has hemmed sleeves, small side vents, and branding on the left sleeve and locker patch.

In 2006 Ralawise introduced a dedicated golf section to its brochure in recognition of the developing intricacies of the game, which has been developed further for 2007.

The millions of people watching last Autumn’s Ryder Cup would have seen the victorious European team kitted out in Glenmuir garments, which are stocked by Ralawise.

Golfwear is an important consideration for promotional and corporate wear companies. Corporate golf days are becoming more and more popular, not to mention the abundance of golf tournaments, supporter clubs and boys’ and girls’ weekends away. Coordinated outfits are a must for establishing a sense of unity and creating an impression on the green, says Tour Collection, which has created a range of golfwear garments with this in mind.

The little touches make all the difference to a corporate day or promotional event and a golf towel is the ideal giveaway item to endorse a brand or company.

Golfers today are demanding stylish golfing apparel that is comfortable to wear and versatile. UK Leisurewear plc distributes a selection of golf merchandise and accessories, which are available for next day before noon delivery and UKL operates a no minimum order value service.

The Professional Golfers’ Association offers the following advice for novice golf enthusiasts: “Every golfer should wear a hat… The modern preference is a baseball cap… while in the plunging temperatures of winter the bobble hat is the most vital piece of kit in the bag.”