Antigua on tour.
Antigua golf apparel
Being in the golf apparel industry 30 years, it shouldn’t surprise anyone you’d have a presence on the pro tours. In Antigua's case, you’ll see its fine threads worn by Brittany Lang, Stacy Prammanasudh and Wendy Ward on the LPGA Tour, and Billy Mayfair and Notah Begay III on the PGA Tour.
As evidence of its long standing relationship with the PGA of America, Antigua marked its 15th consecutive championship when it provided men's and women's apparel for the retail pro shops and corporate apparel needs during the 2009 PGA Championship at Hazeltine.
"I attribute our long relationship with the PGA of America to Ron McPherson, President and CEO of the Antigua Group, Inc.,” said Sean Gregg, director of product development. “An avid golfer, he started out as a golf professional and has always shown his appreciation for the sport.”
Keepin’ it sexy.
Knowing that 20 percent golfers are women Antigua designs its clothing lines accordingly. As an example the company often weaves Spandex into the fabrics used in women’s apparel that you won’t find in the men’s lines. The designers also are keen on making the clothing flattering.
“One thing I learned in more than twenty years designing apparel in New York is that women want to be sexy,” explained Gregg. “Women like the fit to be flattering, not be restrictive and to be able to say this is a stylish outfit on and off the course.”
The PGA, NBA, NHL and MLB.
For years Antigua has created shirts and outerwear for the volunteers at many PGA and LPGA Tour events. The company, through its license sports division, also holds license agreements with MLB, the NHL and the NBA. It also has agreements with numerous universities and colleges for men's, women's and children's apparel, headwear and outerwear.
Socially responsible.
In a time when Kathie Lee Gifford came under fire (1999) for alleged ties to sweatshop labor conditions for Salvadorian women making her signature Wal-Mart apparel and Nike was taking heat for reportedly similar labor abuses (2003), Antigua has made a point to be mindful of human rights as it relates to manufacturing.
“Ron is the ‘right thing to do’ kinda person,” Gregg commented. “The company has always been compliant in making sure we’re working with the right factories.”
In fact, colleges and universities working with Antigua insist that the company is socially compliant, making certain that there are no child labor abuses, and that the factories are inspected for cleanliness, providing good workplace and paying a decent wage. That alone earns props on my scorecard. If you'd like to save 20% on Antigua stuff log on.
Next Time: Did your Santa Fe cheeseburger make RMG’s Top 5?
Email
Print
Feed
