FootJoy Grows Its Contour Franchise

FootJoy has added the Contour Casual to its Contour Series franchise.

The Contour Casual features soft, premium leathers, lightweight underfoot comfort, water protection and size options.

“These shoes are an ideal option for the golfer who enjoys the convenience of wearing the same shoes from the practice area to the grill room, but still demands the premium materials, comfort, style and fit that FootJoy is known for,” said Mike Foley, FootJoy’s director of marketing for footwear.

Contour Casual will deliver a wide range of sizing options in its spikeless category, with 47 possible length/width combination. They will be offered in four colour combinations, including dark brown/green, black/taupe blaze, white/taupe blaze and navy/red.

XPS-1 Built To Provide A Foundation

XPS-1, the name of the new shoe from FootJoy, stands for Xtreme Platform Stability.

The design of the XPS-1 features TPU lateral outriggers that extend beyond the upper with the objective of creating a wide platform under foot for maximum ground contact. A lightweight fiberglass support structure provides a medial and lateral wrap for mid-foot support.

“XPS-1 is a breakthrough product for our shoe team,” said Doug Robinson, FootJoy vice president of design and development worldwide.

“Every detail in the design and engineering is geared to deliver the ultimate platform stability for golf. Like a sprinter using starting blocks for explosive thrust, XPS-1 provides an extremely stable base for a golfer to transition from backswing to downswing and drive the lower body,” he said.

“XPS-1 is the most stable golf shoe I have ever worn in my life.  Having proper footwork is critical to the game of golf.  For me, balance is everything.  With XPS-1, I can get explosive and fire off my right side,” said PGA Tour player Gary Woodland, who has a ball speed of over 200 miles per hour.

“The golf shoe is crucial. It is the only thing keeping you in contact with the ground. If you want to create power in your swing, you better be wearing the best shoe. XPS-1 is the best shoe I have ever worn, ” added Padraig Harrington, who has been wearing it since March.

The XPS-1 features a 3D Viscoelastic GelCollar to provide custom fit and comfort around the collar, while a LaserPlus Last is contoured to precisely match the shape of the foot.

A high-performance Multi-Density Fit-Bed with EVA support and HeelLoc technology add to stability, cushioning and shock absorption.

DryJoys Rainsuit Designed To Bead Water

FootJoy has introduced the DryJoys Premier Rainsuit with its shell that features the proprietary FJ Protect Waterproof System.

This exterior treatment is designed to instantly bead water to shed it from the garment for protection in tough golf conditions, while offering breathability.

Removable sleeves, lower leg panels and underarm vents go along with its FJ Four-Way Nylon stretch fabric to allow for complete range of motion in the golf swing.

The DryJoys Premiere Rain Suit features three interchangeable liners that allow the player to adapt to all types of weather conditions – the Mesh Liner for warm, wet, windy conditions; the Taffeta Liner for wet, windy conditions and the Softshell Liner for cool, wet, windy conditions.

“The Premiere Rainsuit is designed for players who put themselves and their equipment to the ultimate test, under variable, often extreme conditions,” said Whitney Trimble, director of marketing for FJ Apparel.

“From the FJ Protect Waterproof System on the exterior to the interchangeable liners on the inside, this unique product delivers the performance and versatility of multiple garments in one rain suit.”

Additional features include:

• Lycra Cuff with adjustable strap for comfort and a water tight seal.
• Reinforced shoulder panels protect the shoulder area from the weight and friction of a carry bag.
• Double zipper two-way front zipper creates a custom fit.
• Sta-Dry grip system keeps your club grip dry until you are ready to take your shot.
• Waterproof scorecard pocket stores your scorecard and keeps other valuables protected from the rain.
• Lined waterproof hand pockets protect your hands from the cold, wind and rain between shots.
• Bonded seams help keep the jacket light and waterproof.
• “It’s a Cinch System” adjusts the fullness of the jacket by pulling a cinch-cord, easily accessed through the side pocket.
• Two-year limited waterproof warranty

The DryJoys Premiere Rainsuit is offered in sizes S-XXL and comes in two colour patterns to accompany the black pants.

FootJoy Introduces New StaSof Glove

FootJoy has introduced a new StaSof to its premium line of gloves.

Taction 2 Advanced Performance Leather, the nine generation of Pittards leather technology, is used for feel, moisture management and improved grip in all climates, particularly hot, humid conditions.

The extended Taction 2 APL leather cuff has been extended by a quarter-inch to fit further up the wrist for improved comfort, while the new ComforTab closure adjusts for improved fit and feel.

PowerNet mesh inserts have been added across the knuckles for flexibility and breathability.

“All the feel in your golf game is coming through your hands so you have to have the glove with the best feel,” said PGA Tour player Adam Scott. “I get great feel on every shot and this new StaSof fits even better than before.”

Acushnet Sale Completed

The sale of Acushnet from Fortune Brands to a consortium led by Fila Korea Ltd., and Mirae Asset Private Equity was completed on Friday. The sale was first announced on May 20.

Acushnet, which includes brands such as Titleist and FootJoy, reported sales of over $1.2-billion in 2010.

 
“The Fila Korea and Mirae Asset Private Equity group understands and appreciates our golf industry leadership, passionate associates, and enduring culture,” said Wally Uihlein,  chairman and CEO of Acushnet.  

“Together, with our new owners, our team is looking forward to strengthening and building upon the global success of the Titleist and FootJoy brands,” he added.

Acushnet will remain as a stand-alone company through separate operation from Fila Korea, with its worldwide headquarters remaining in Fairhaven, Mass.  

 
The new ownership group includes Fila Korea, Ltd., the owner of the Fila brand globally, Mirae Asset Private Equity, the largest private equity firm in Korea and the National Pension Service of Korea, the fourth largest pension fund in the world.  

The Korea Development Bank, Korea’s largest government-owned bank, is also providing financing for the acquisition.

“We are excited and proud to be part of the storied history of successful growth and evolution of Titleist and FootJoy, two revered and world-class brands,” said Gene Yoon, chairman and CEO of Fila Korea, Ltd.  

“We are impressed by the decades of accomplishments achieved by the management team at Acushnet and fully support its continued focus on the core golf expertise at which they excel,” he added.  

“We look forward to growing the brands around the globe, especially with the opportunities in the emerging markets in Asia.”

Sneak Preview: FootJoy Apparel

FootJoy held a fashion show in downtown Toronto on Tuesday evening to preview its new line of apparel for key accounts and media.

The colour schemes, in true Canadian fashion, are Tremblant (shades of coral), Jasper (purples and blacks) and Muskoka (shades of blue).

GNN was on hand and below is a small sampling of what to expect when you get your first look:

Fila Part Of Group That Will Purchase Acushnet

Acushnet Company has announced that its parent company, Fortune Brands, Inc., has signed a definitive agreement for the sale of the company to a group led by Fila Korea, Ltd., the owner of the Fila brand globally, and Mirae Asset Private Equity, a private equity firm in Korea.

The deal is said to be worth $1.23-billion.

“The Acushnet Company has long been the trusted steward of two of golf’s most revered and iconic brands and has perpetuated the longest running records of golf equipment success in the game,” said Wally Uihlein, chairman and chief executive officer of Acushnet.

“The Fila Korea and Mirae group understands and appreciates our golf industry leadership, passionate associates and unique and enduring culture. Together, with our new owners, our team is looking forward to strengthening and building upon the global success of the Titleist and FootJoy brands.”

After the acquisition, Acushnet will remain as a stand-alone company through separate operation from Fila Korea, with its worldwide headquarters remaining in Fairhaven, Mass., and led by Uihlein and Acushnet’s current management team.
 
“We appreciate what Fortune Brands has contributed to the growth of our business over the last 35 years,” said Uihlein. “The support, encouragement and guidance they provided helped fuel our leadership position in the industry and marketplace. Together, we achieved record-setting milestones.”

Established in Italy in 1911, Fila is asport and leisure footwear and apparel brand that is distributed worldwide. The group, led by Fila Korea and Mirae, also includes the National Pension Service of Korea, the fourth largest pension fund in the world and Korea Development Bank, Korea’s largest government-owned bank.

“The acquisition of Acushnet transforms our platform with a stable of premier world class brands,” said Gene Yoon, chairman and chief executive officer of Fila Korea, Ltd.

 “We are equally excited to embrace Acushnet’s exceptional management team led by Wally Uihlein. With our extensive knowledge and reach in Asia, we believe that the Acushnet brands have incredible new opportunities for growth in the emerging markets in Asia,” he added.

J.H. Ryu, CEO of Mirae Asset Private Equity, echoed those thoughts.

“We are very impressed with what Acushnet management and employees have accomplished so far,” said Ryu. “We will fully support the company to remain focused on its core golf expertise and continue driving the growth of the industry.”
Uihlein added that will continue to grow in emerging golf markets. “Titleist and FootJoy are powerful global golf brands,” said Uihlein.

“The fact that Asia Pacific represents over 30 per cent of the world’s total golf equipment spending and that South Korean golfers are among the most passionate and organized in the game, is testament to the significant investment in the Acushnet Company by the Fila Korea and Mirae group,” he said.

“They recognize the strength of the brands and opportunities for growth particularly in golf’s emerging regions,” added Uihlein.

The sale is subject to certain closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and the transaction is expected to close this summer.

FJ Attitudes Adding Style To Women’s Gloves

FootJoy has introduced the FJ Attitudes, the latest addition to it’s women’s glove lineup with a new argyle design.

Colour combinations in the argyle design include white/light blue, white/pink, and white/black and white.

Other features of the FJ Attitudes include Aloe Vera Scented Tac Leather on the palm for control and grip, PowerNet mesh across the knuckles and gussets for comfort, flexibility and breathability and FiberSof material along the back for comfort, fit consistency and moisture management.

FJ Attitudes also come with a Power-Locking closure and faceted ballmarker.

FootJoy To Introduce Full Line Of Apparel

FootJoy will produce a full line of golf apparel, with shipments beginning next January.

The line will feature a complete range of men’s golf apparel comprised of performance fabrics to go along with FootJoy’s existing outerwear line.

“Following our success in the outerwear category, including the recently launched and highly popular layering system, the time has come for FootJoy to enter the full line men’s golf apparel business,” said Andy Jones, vice president of worldwide gloves/accessories/apparel for FootJoy.

“This strategic initiative has been carefully considered for several years and is supported by an extremely sophisticated and comprehensive study of the golf apparel category,” added Jones.

FootJoy entered the golf outerwear category in 1997 with the launch of DryJoys rain wear.

Last year, the layering system was developed to meet the needs of golfers seeking performance apparel that regulates body temperature and adapts to changing weather conditions.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to move into an adjacent business and believe the timing is right,” said FootJoy president Jim Connor.

“We’ve talked to golfers and our trade partners, who enthusiastically support the plans and offerings, and we have the right people and support in place to be as successful in performance golf apparel as we are in our golf footwear, glove and sock categories,” he added.

“This represents an important step forward in FootJoy’s mission to enhance enjoyment of the game for golfers everywhere.”

Industry Notes: Jan. 18, 2011

FootJoy, based in Newmarket, Ont., is looking for an apparel product manager.

Duties will include managing the product through its life cycle, gathering and prioritizing product and customer requirements, defining the product vision and working closely with global apparel product teams.

The position will also include working with sales, marketing and operations to ensure revenue and customer satisfaction goals are met. It will also include ensuring that the product and marketing efforts support the company’s overall strategy and goals.

Expectations include:

• Determining the product line selection
• Forecasting, purchasing and managing all apparel inventory
• Executing product and sales presentations to Sales Team and Key Accounts
• Working with internal teams to develop annual sales forecast and marketing plans
• Developing sales tools and collateral
• Designing and implementing customer training program
• Be an expert with respect to the marketplace

To meet these objectives, the following is required:

• Minimum of 3 years experience as a product manager or product marketing manager
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• University or college degree in marketing or equivalent field
• In-depth knowledge of the apparel industry
• Excellent teamwork skills
• Achieve goals with minimal direction
• Ability to travel extensively to participate in Canadian key account presentations, trade shows, local and international sales, marketing and product development meetings
• Work experience in the golf industry preferred
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite

Candidates should e-mail their resumes to Lesley Hawkins, lesley_hawkins@acushnetgolf.com.

Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

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Tournament Deadline Approaching

The 2011 Vancouver Cup Golf Tournament for Turf Research will be held March 3 at Northview Golf and Country Club, prior to the start of the Canadian International Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show.

Hosted by the British Columbia Golf Superintendents Association and the Western Canada Turfgrass Association, the deadline for registration is Friday, Feb. 18.

For more information, click here.

FootJoy Introduces Layering System

FootJoy is introducing its FJ Layering System, developed to regulate body temperature and adapt to changing weather conditions and featuring thinner, stretchable, breathable materials designed to allow a full range of motion during the golf swing.

Pieces within the system include the DryJoys Tour Collection Rain Jacket as an outer layer, Performance Half-Zip Pullover with four-way stretch fabric as a mid-layer  and ProDry Performance Base Layer with non-restricting construction that fits closely to the skin to help regulate body temperature.

Also available will be the ProDry Pique Solid, Lisle Stripe and Pique Sport shirts, designed to wick away perspiration, provide UV sun protection and easy care. The Pique Sport Shirt is designed with a sport cut for a more athletic fit.

Past and Present Unite in FJ Icon

The new FootJoy FJ Icon shoes are created with a combination of design stylings from over 100 years and technological advancements such as memory foam and a perforated alloy stability bridge.

“FJ Icon is a new, premium, high-performance category of golf shoes that exemplifies tradition and performance and is the new flagship product of the FootJoy brand,” said Jack Erickson, vice president of golf footwear for FootJoy.

“Never before have we developed a category of shoes that integrates the very best features from our other categories until now,” he said.

FJ Icon shoes will debut in five patterns and 19 total inline styles, including two that incorporate the BOA lacing system.

Four of the five patterns will also be available through the MyJoys program, which allows consumers their shoes with thousands of colour and personalization options. With the inclusion of FJ Icon, there are now over 2.5-million custom combinations available through the MyJoys program.

FJ Icon shoes feature premium full-grain leather uppers to offer waterproof comfort, breathability and durability, as well as calfskin detailing for aesthetics, fit, and resistance to stretching.

They also come with a two-year limited waterproof warranty, with FootJoy backing that this shoe will be waterproof in normal use for two years.

FJ Icon shoes also have leather linings to provide comfort, slip resistance, and in-shoe breathability, while the leather-covered dual-density PU Fit-Bed creates an underfoot base that more closely mimics the natural shape of the foot to provide a quality fit and cushioned support.

Memory Foam located in the tongue and around the collar is in place to provide a custom fit to enhance comfort.

The FJ Icon Laser Last in all styles except plain-toe saddles, offers a modified contemporary toe character, standard fit across the forefoot and instep, with a slightly narrow heel. The Laser Last is a composite of thousands of digital scans of the FootJoy Laser Fitting System.

EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) midsoles are in place to provide lightweight cushioning underfoot. EVA does not take a set, so the cushioning will remain constant for the life of the shoe.

Varying densities of TPU (thermoplastic urethane) are strategically placed throughout the outsole to produce a stable hitting platform.

An Icon Torque Bar, made from perforated alloy, is used in the shank area of the outsole to increase midfoot stability and support. The perforated treatment also gives the Torque Bar a contemporary look.

Dual OptiFlex in the FJ Icon features two-part forefoot flexibility channels, constructed of TPU (thermoplastic urethane) for walking comfort and flexibility.

FJ Icon shoes come with Stinger III cleats by Champ.

“We’re all excited to get to create and design our own FJ Icon shoe from start to finish. It’s a very exciting time for the shoe to evolve and take us to the next generation,” said PGA Tour player Ian Poulter.

Feel’s the Deal with PureTouch Glove

The new PureTouch glove will be available in a limited number of golf shops beginning May 15 due to its exclusive leather specifications and strict manufacturing process, according to FootJoy.

“Every aspect of this glove, from the leather that’s selected to the extensive manufacturing process, has been scrutinized to ensure it is the finest, most luxurious glove on the market,” said Maria Bonzagni, director of golf glove marketing for FootJoy.

The Cabretta leather in the PureTouch offers a soft feel that is enhanced by its preparation techniques, while performations on the fingers have been removed to eliminate any disruptions between the player and golf club.

The back of the hand was designed to deliver a contoured fit with a tailored cut and targeted elastic placement.

Each PureTouch glove is hand-inspected before packaging, which allows consumers to experience the feel of the glove from the outside of the package.

PureTouch will also have a tour presence through its use by players such as three-time major champion Padraig Harrington.

“The quality was excellent, it was a precision fit and it felt very soft and luxurious,” said Harrington. “I’ve been wearing it for several months now and just love the fit and soft feel.”

Titleist & FootJoy CPC Field Announced

Eric Landreville from the Belle Vue Club de Golf in Ville de Lery, Que., will return to defend his Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship at the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

The tournament will be played Nov. 17-19 and will include several past champions, including Landreville, who won the 2007 title by three shots over Jean Louis LaMarre from St-Jean, Que.

A total of 107 club professionals will be competing for an overall $85,000 purse, with the winner also earning an exemption into next year’s RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey in Oakville, Ont.

In addition to individual play, a 36-hole InterZone competition will also take place with four-player teams representing each of the nine Canadian PGA zones. Team scores will be calculated from the best three of the four scores accumulated over the first two rounds.

Here’s a look at the field for the 2008 Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship:

Scott Allred, Alta.
Kevin Fraser, Ont.
David Main, Ont.
Mark Anderson, BC
Brian French, Ont.
Kevin Marushak, Sask.
Rob Anderson, BC
Dan Garagan, Ont.
Robert McClure, Ont.
Levi Arcega, BC
Kyle German, BC
Phil McCluskey, Alta.
David Banks, Ont.
Jason Giesbrecht, BC
Frank McMulkin, Ont.
Yvan Beauchemin, Que.
Marc Girouard, Que.
Eric Mercier, Que.
Marc-Andre Berthiaume, Que.
Dan Greenwood, Ont.
Scott Mikkelsen, Ont.
Yannick Bibeau, Que.
Jeff Gross, Sask.
Glen Mills, Man.
Jeff Boismier, Ont.
Brian Guenther, Man.
Joel Monk, Alta.
Dave Bolton, BC
Gar Hamilton, Ont.
Kyle Mulligan, Sask.
Ben Boudreau, Que.
Greg Hickey, Ont.
Dean North, Man.
Louis Bourgeois, Que.
Taras Humeniuk, Ont.
Hocan Olsson, Que.
Gary Boyce, Ont.
Brian Hutton, Ont.
Matt Peavoy, Ont.
Kevin Broderson, Alta.
Derek Ingram, Man.
Dale Pedersen, Ont.
Henry Brunton, Ont.
Greg Pidlaski, BC
Abe Buckle, Ont.
John Irwin, PEI
Tom Jackson, Ont.
Martin Plante, Que.
Brett Burgeson, Alta.
Jeremy Johnson, BC
Eric Robillard, Que.
Jean Châtelain, Que.
Mark Kappes, Ont.
Bruce Rogerson, Ont.
Adam Cherry, Ont.
Geoff Kehler, Man.
Luke Saunders, Ont.
Dan Clark, Ont.
Bill Kelly, BC
Rick Schmidtgall, Ont.
Gordon Courage, Alta.
Danny King, Ont.
Paul Schweyer, Ont.
Scott Cowx, Ont.
Scott Knapp, Sask.
Travis Spiess, Ont.
Ryan Danberg, Sask.
Terry Kolar, Ont.
Daryl Stubbs, BC
Jefferson Davis, Ont.
George Lacy, Ont.
Ken Tarling, Ont.
Ryan Davis, Ont.
Jean-Louis Lamarre, Que.
Randy Taylor, Ont.
Dave Deluzio, Ont.
Eric Landreville, Que.
Eric Thorsteinson, Alta.
Steve Deschenes, Que.
Ken Lane, Ont.
Dale Tomlinson, Alta.
Scott Dickson, BC
Eric Laporte, Que.
Steven Toombs, NB
Pascal Edmond, Que.
Robert Larocque, Alta.
Claude Tremblay, Que.
Olivier Edmond, Que.
Richard Larwood, PEI
Mike Verhagen, Alta.
Jocelyn Falardeau, Que.
Chris Learmonth, Que.
Doug Warner, Ont.
Jim Farrelly, Ont.
Jean Leduc, Que.
John White, Ont.
Michael Fenske, Alta.
James Legault, BC
Bill Wogden, Ont.
Todd Fiske, Alta.
Marc Levac, Ont.
Steve Wood, Man.
Bob Flaro, Ont.
Derek MacKinnon, NS
Sam Yawney, Ont.
Marc Foucault, Que.
Emerson Mahoney, Man.

DryJoys Tour Collection Offers Many Features, Pieces

The new DryJoys Tour Collection from FootJoy offers a wide range of outerwear featuring lightweight construction, waterproof stretch panels, sealed seams, waterproof zippers and technology to allow water to bead off the shell.

Included in the Tour Collection is a rain jacket designed to be waterproof, breathable, windproof, lightweight, comfortable and quiet.

Features of the rain jacked include the “It’s a Cinch” system that adjusts the jacket by pulling a cinch-cord that is accessible through the side pockets.

Other features include a waterproof front zipper and stretch panels, sealed seams, inside scorecard/cellphone chest pocket, lower side pockets and adjustable waterproof cuffs. The Tour Collection rain jacket comes with a two-year, limited waterproof warranty.

Many of the same features are available in a Tour Collection rain shirt, short-sleeved rain shirt and rain vest, while the Tour Collection rain pants feature a Gripper waist for comfortable fit, a full-length, two-way zipper and Velcro closure on the bottom for length and fit alterations.

For more information, see the website, www.footjoy.ca.

Bouchard Wins CPGA Assistants Title in Playoff

Remi Bouchard of Le Mirage in Terrebonne, Que., outlasted John McCann of Ontario’s Fairtree Golf Centre in a one-hole playoff to win the 2008 Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Assistants’ Championship at Club de Golf Beleoil in Beleoil, Que., on Thursday.
Bouchard carded 67-68-66 for a 12-under 201 total before going to the extra hole to win his second national Assistants’ championship, exactly 20 years after his first victory in 1988.
“It definitely felt a lot easier to win a championship 20 years ago, but this is a great feeling to once again be at the top of the field,” said Bouchard, who started with two consecutive birdies, with seven pars to follow.
“I was happy that I got off to a strong start, but I didn’t truly feel comfortable out there until I hit the back nine, when I drained a 10-foot downhill putt for birdie on the 10th hole,” he said.
“I left a lot of putts short on the front nine and I knew that I had to pull it together on the back because the conditions were great and I knew someone was going to shoot low out there today.”
Bouchard went on to birdie 10 and 11, then bogeyed the 15th where he pulled a shot and ended up in the rough. “The turning point for me in my game was on 17 where I hit my drive slightly longer than I expected and was about 270 yards away from the centre of the green,” said Bouchard.
“I usually hit my three wood 240, so I thought I would give it a shot and luckily, hit it strong, leaving me about 20 feet from the hole. I just missed my putt for eagle, but was happy with my birdie.”
“I knew it was a close race out there,” he added. “I am the type of player that needs to know what is going on with each group, so that I know what I have to control in my game.”
McCann was one group ahead of Bouchard and Dave Levesque was one group behind. “I found out that Dave was 10-under behind me and that John had already posted 12-under and, at that point, I was 11-under at 17 and knew I had to birdie 18 in order to stay in the game.
“I used my three-iron off the tee at 18 and it was a tough shot as the hole was very narrow sloping left. I landed in the rough, then used my gap wedge to strike it about three feet from the pin and, at this point knew that I could make birdie.”
Bouchard sunk his birdie putt while McCann was hitting balls on the range to prepare for a possible playoff that began on the 18th tee.
“I know that it is tough to shoot low like John did, then wait around for the playoff to begin, whereas I was fresh off the green and in the zone, ready to play again.
“It must have been a tough position for John to be in and when I saw him hit it in the rough off the tee, I felt confident that I was going to win it.”
McCann’s 63 on the day was the lowest round of the tournament as he finished with nine birdies and one bogey.
“Heading into the playoff, I was just trying to mimic how I felt on the course during the afternoon, stay in the present and not get too worked up about any of my shots,” he said.
“Unfortunately, I hit a bad tee shot on 18 in the playoff and knew that I had missed my chance, but it was a great day and I’m thrilled with the way I played over the past three days,” said McCann.

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