Puma Bottoms Out With These 2012 Offerings

Puma is hitting below the belt with three different bottoms for 2012.

Golf Tech Short

The Golf Tech Short features a slim-fitting design, with a pintuck detail down the front and double belt loops to accommodate both wide and skinny belts.

USP Moisture Management is in place to wick away sweat, while a grosgrain print gripper tape on the interior waistband is designed to keep shirts tucked in.

The pocket bags feature an all-over Puma print, with humourous icons.

Golf Solid Five Pocket Tech Pant

Made to hold numerous items common to the golf course, the Five Pocket Tech Pant has a slim-fitting, retro design with double belt loops to accommodate wide and skinny belts.

USP Moisture Management wicks sweat away, while a silicone print gripper tape on the interior waistband helps keep shirts tucked in.

An embroidered Puma cat logo is on the left thigh, while an 18-hole logo is on the right back hip.

Golf Knit Skort

With its pop colour stripes and moisture-wicking fabric, the knit skort has an A-line silhouette and features an inner knit skort for total coverage which crouching on a putt.

Puma Goes For Cool In Style And Performance

The Golf Duo-Swing Geo Print Polo from Puma is meant to be cool in its styling and performance and leads several new shirt offerings for 2012.

Golf Duo-Swing Geo Print Polo

It features a burnout back mesh panel for ventilation, a moisture-wicking Pure by HeiQ anti-microbial finish and engineered sleeves for easier swings.

Made from Coolmax all-season fabric, its fibre construction is equipped for various playing conditions and its UV protection is UPF 40.

Golf Duo Swing Graphic Polo

Made from Coolmax all-season fabric, it is designed for various playing conditions.

The engineered sleeves reduce friction throughout the golf swing, while the side seams are designed to wrap around to enhance back and forth movement and eliminate seam abrasions.

It features UPF 40 protection, mesh panels for ventilation and a Pure by HeiQ Silver anti-microbial finish.

Golf TransDRY Argyle Polo

TransDRY technology is designed to offer fast-drying properties to reduce cling, enhance comfort and add to the life cycle of the shirt.

Additional design elements include an argyle print on the chest, contrast-coloured buttons and an inverted back pleat.

Logos include an embroidered Puma cat logo at left chest and a gold foil heat transfer Puma Golf logo at centre back neck.

Puma’s Got Golfers Covered In All Conditions

The 59 per cent cotton, 41 per cent polyester Golf Colourblock Track Jacket is one of two jackets being offered by Puma Golf for 2012.

Golf Colourblock Track Jacket

The Track Jacket features a smooth construction with centre front zip and stand collar. The cotton, polyester blend has moisture wicking properties, while engineered sleeves are designed to provide enhanced movement.

Logos include a Puma cat at left chest and an 18-hole logo at centre back neck.

Golf Seamless Jacket

The Seamless Jacket features a seamless construction and raglan sleeves to accommodate the turning body on the swing.

The jacket is made from a fabric blend and features moisture-wicking and Pure by HeiQ Silver anti-microbial finish.

The centre front zip and stand collar provide warmth. The jacket comes with a Puma cat logo on the left chest and an 18-hole logo at back right.

On With The Shoe For Puma In 2012

The Super Cell Fusion Ice with its Swing Speed (S2) technology is part of the footwear offerings from Puma for 2012.

Super Cell Fusion Ice

The TPU outsole has 50 directionally molded SQ Quill spikes, combined with 20 replaceable S2 Quill Spikes for added grip.

It also has a stepped outer frame, with additional elements to provide a stable platform and support.

The SQ Quills use the Performance Insert System by Pride to keep spikes secure, while the decoupled heel and toes are designed to provide smooth transition with 14 flex grooves throughout the outsole and a full length flex groove.

HC Lux

The waterproof leather upper is reinforced by idCELL and EverFoam for cushioning, while the outsole is inspired by Puma creative director Hussein Chayalan’s collection and the Puma Clyde, a basketball style from the ‘70s and ‘80s.

The Clyde’s silhouette is combined with aggressive molded traction elements and S2 Quill spikes, Deep flex grooves in the forefoot and heel are designed to provide comfort throughout the entire swing

PG Tallula Alt Women’s

Featuring a closure system for enhanced stability and molded EVA for comfort, it also features a rubber and leather outsole with rubber Smart Quills throughout.

PG Tallula Women’s

The latest addition to the Smart Quill offerings, it features directional rubber Smart Quill spikes and replaceable Pride Pulsar spikes  with Fast Twist 2 locking technology.

The external TPU provides backup control and stability, while the EverFoam collar is in place for more comfort. It also has a gusseted tongue and Cosmo Wave + HydroGuard bootie construction, with a waterproof material mix on the upper.

The Doctor Retires And Other Notes

 As I mentioned in a previous blog in this little corner of GNN, I recently played in an annual event played in memory of the late Rick Fraser, a Toronto Star and Toronto Sun sportswriter who was admired as much for his bluster and personality as he was for his admirable prose.

It was the final playing of The Fraz, as the tournament was known, as Fraser’s colleagues would gather to shank shots, hoist a few cold ones and tell often-exaggerated stories.  One of the regulars was summoned for a few thoughts as the last Fraz wound down at Credit Valley Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont.

Star columnist Dave Perkins has the appearance of Bluto of Popeye fame, but underneath that rough exterior and his no-holds-barred opinions beats the heart that is a prerequisite for a touching tribute to Fraser and the duties he performed in his long tenure at the Star. Read more

Glen Argyle Expands Role With Summit

Summit Golf Brands, the parent company of Fairway & Greene, E.P. Pro and Zero Restriction, has announced that Glen Argyle, based in Montreal, is the new exclusive distributor of Fairway & Greene and Zero Restriction brands.

Glen Argyle was already the distributor of E.P. Pro.

“Our strategy, as we develop our international business, is to have one distributor for all three of our brands in a territory wherever possible, so we are excited to have all of our brand offerings with Glen Argyle in Canada,” said Chris Heyn, chief executive officer of Summit Golf Brands.

“Catherine Bastien and her team at Glen Argyle have done a tremendous job building our E.P. Pro business in Canada, so we are confident of their ability to do the same with Fairway & Greene and Zero Restriction,” he added.

Mint Green, also based in Montreal, had distributed both brands in Canada, but is now concentrating its efforts on Cobra and Puma Golf.

“We have enjoyed our association with Summit Golf Brands – and Fairway & Greene and Zero Restriction, in particular – over the years, so we wish Summit and Glen Argyle all the best in the future,” said Ted Fletcher, president of Puma Canada.

Glen Argyle will take over full control of the Sales and Distribution of Fairway & Greene and Zero Restriction for the Spring, 2011 selling season and will begin shipping product on Jan. 1, 2011.

Cobra, Puma Form New Division

Cobra and Puma have joined together to form a new division called Cobra-Puma Canada, which will sell, market and operate both brands under Ted Fletcher, president of Puma Canada, who will also sit on the board of directors of Cobra-Puma Golf.

“We are extremely excited about the unification of the Cobra and Puma Golf brands under one roof,” said Bob Philion, president of Cobra-Puma Golf.

“With Canada being one of the strongest golf markets in the world, it was crucial we had the right team in place to execute our mission to be the most desirable sport-lifestyle golf company in the industry,” added Philion.

“With such a skilled and experienced team in Canada, it was a natural fit to have both brands represented in this new division of Puma Canada under Ted Fletcher’s strategic leadership, ” he said.

Fletcher said he expected both brands to strengthen in the new division. “Puma Golf and Cobra are well-respected and strong brands in the Canadian market and we are confident and excited to propel them to new heights”, said Fletcher.

“It’s also an honour to be at the forefront with the global Cobra-Puma Golf team as a member of the board. I am excited for new opportunities to come for Cobra-Puma Golf in Canada and around the world,” he said,

Fletcher also announced the appointment of former Acushnet Canada employee Adam Cox as brand director for Cobra.

Cobra-Puma Golf Canada will take over full control of Cobra sales, distribution, operations, merchandising and marketing across the country as of July 1. The newly-formed division will be located in Puma Canada corporate headquarters in Ville St. Laurent, Que.

Hale’s Happy Place, Mind Games And Other Notes

Hale Irwin, who will play in the inaugural Montreal Championship in July, was in no way referring Tiger Woods, but what he had to say last week offered a delightful contrast to those of us who are weary of the scandal.

The three-time U.S. Open winner played in his 1,000th PGA Tour / Champions Tour event last weekend in Tampa, but before he did that, he talked about the upcoming Champions Tour event in Montreal and touched on longevity and the role of family in a player’s career.

Irwin, with his 65th birthday on the horizon, said golf was part of an overall lifestyle and the standard by which you live your life will be reflected in the way you play golf.

With a record 45 wins on the Champions Tour and 20 wins on the PGA Tour, the World Golf Hall of Fame member apparently led a good life overall if you go by that theory. Read more

Puma Sharpens Its Edge With Cobra

The sale of Cobra from Acushnet to Puma that was announced Wednesday is one of those cases that sends folks in the golf industry full circle as it did with Canadians such as Ted Fletcher and Bob Cote, who will once again be handling a hard goods brand that they were involved with back in the 1990s.

Both have since landed with Puma, a brand that seems to be setting itself up in a similar business model as other hard goods/shoes/apparel companies such as Nike and TaylorMade-adidas.

The fact that it has young, vibrant tour players such as Rickie Fowler and Camilo Villegas, winner of last week’s Honda Classic, representing its products doesn’t hurt matters either, both now and in the future, as Puma develops its new diversified company. Read more

Cobra Sold To Puma

Acushnet has signed an agreement for the sale of Cobra Golf to Puma AG in a deal that includes inventory, intellectual property and endorsement contract.

Terms of the deal were not announced and the deal is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Acushnet has also agreed to continue to provide services such as production, distribution, field sales and customer service to an agreed-upon time period to help with a seamless transition.

“With the sale of Cobra, we have the opportunity to devote all of our resources to the global growth of our industry-leading Titleist and FootJoy brands,” said Wally Uihlein, Acushnet’s chairman and chief executive officer.

“At the same time, Cobra is a strong brand with a heritage of innovation, and we wish the quality associates guiding the brand future success,” added Uihlein.

“Golfers and our valued partners will remain the key focus throughout the impending sale and we are confident that our customers will continue to be serviced to our high standards,” he said.

Pending regulatory approval, the date of the sale of Cobra Golf is expected to come early in the second quarter. All business will continue to be conducted by Acushnet until that time.

All Acushnet Company associates dedicated to the Cobra business are expected to become employees of Puma.

“Titleist and FootJoy are powerful golf brands that are poised for long-term growth,” said Uihlein.

“This laser focus and our long-standing commitment to deliver superior performance and quality will strengthen golfers’ trust in the Titleist and FootJoy brands in all global markets.”

Puma Names Canadian To Lead North American Group

Puma Golf footwear, apparel, accessories and other products will be distributed in Canada and the United States by the newly-formed Puma Golf North America, which has named Ted Fletcher of the Montreal-based Mint Green Group as its president.

The newly-formed organization will begin work on Puma immediately, with the launch of spring collections and the sell-in for fall / winter approaching.

“Golf is an important category for Puma and we are excited with the opportunity to build and develop the business, ultimately making Puma the most desirable golf brand in the industry,” said Fletcher.

“We will build upon Puma’s existing success and momentum, maximizing the brand’s marketing and sports assets and truly drive the golf category to a healthier and more robust business for the company,” he added.

The Mint Green Group has distributed Puma in Canada since 2000.

Puma Purring with CJGA

The Canadian Junior Golf Association has joined forces with Puma to create the Puma Challenge on the CJGA Junior Tour next year.

As a result, the CJGA and Puma will be accepting applications from junior golfers across the country to play on Team Puma.

The Puma Challenge will consist of four competitive tournaments. On-site interactive gaming and displays will be offered and a disc jockey will headline final-day awards receptions.

Team Puma will see players who best exemplify on-course performance and style outfitted in the latest Puma apparel.

“Our new partnership with Puma is a great fit for both parties,” said CJGA executive director Earl Fritz of the three-year deal. “Puma is an innovative and forward-thinking organization that has become very popular among junior golfers.”

“We are extremely excited about this new partnership with the CJGA as they have proved to be a great supporter and promoter of junior golf in Canada” added Ted Fletcher, president of Puma Canada.

For more information, see the website, www.golf.puma.com.

Mint Green Joins Retirement Advantage Program

The Mint Green Group has joined the Canadian PGA Retirement Advantage Program, an arrangement that allows Mint Green and other suppliers’ sales incentives to be contributed directly to a group RRSP for Canadian PGA professionals.

“The Mint Green Group supports and advocates Canadian PGA professionals and the nine Canadian PGA zones across the country. This new partnership with our Retirement Advantage Program will only enhance our relationship,” said Canadian PGA executive director Steve Carroll.

The Retirement Advantage Program is organized and administered by the Canadian PGA.  Members can contribute annually with no administration or service fees and the investments are managed by Manulife.

“This is a great way to support the Canadian PGA and their 3,500 members across the country through all stages of their careers and it’s also an excellent way to showcase our variety of premier products through various means,” said Mint Green president Ted Fletcher.

The Mint Green Group, based in Montreal, distributes brands such as Fairway & Greene, Tehama, Zero Restriction, Puma Golf, Imperial Headwear, Monterey Club and MacGregor.