Looking For A 2013 Golf Pool To Join?

If you're like me over the holiday season you begin to get a bit antsy and you begin to look for things to do with your free time. Since there's two feet of snow here in the Ottawa area, golf obviously takes a back seat. After I've exhausted the kids at the local toboggan hill.  I can sometimes be found immersing myself in a little action at Party casino.com . I often download a few new apps for my iPhone as well. Most lately seem highly addictive.

This is also the time of the year that I begin my research into my Fantasy Golf Pools and Leagues. Most run the whole year while others run just for the Majors.

Seamus Maher over at Go For The Green Golf Pools runs some fabulous golf pools if you like to play for money. It really makes watching the PGA Tour that much more enjoyable.

This past season, Seamus had 236 people participate in a variety of pools which paid out close to $20,000. The season starts off with an offering of 4 pools which run the entire PGA season ... Monthly, Weekly, Weekly Cap and Weekly Pick pools. These pools last season paid out $4,300; $3,100; $1,000 and $1,000 respectively.

Registration deadline is December 30th, 2012 at 9pm EST. Sign up at:

http://goforthegreengolfpools.com/formmail/signup.htm

Here's are pool details:

Monthly Pool

Our most popular pool covers the following 10 PGA events (shortened PGA season).

January        Hyundai Tournament of Champions

February      Northern Trust Open
March          WGC - Cadillac Championship
April            The Masters
May            THE PLAYERS Championship
June            U.S. Open
July             THE OPEN
August         PGA Championship
August         Deutsche Bank Championship
September   Tour Championship

You select up to 10 players in each event however you only can use the same player no more than 4 times over the 10 events.

Total Player Earnings of contestant's selection's in each tournament will determine winners. 70% of funds are paid out for the monthly tournaments and 30% will be paid out for overall season's ending winners. There are 3 payouts for each event 50% 30% & 20%

The entry fee for this pool is $120 Canadian and is payable in 4 installments of $30 due on Jan 2nd, Feb 28th, Apr 30th and Jun 30th.

All the pool details are at:
http://goforthegreengolfpools.com/monthly/index.htm

Weekly Pool (new format)
Our Weekly pool runs the entire 2013 PGA season. Here you select a team of 12 golfers and the Total Players Points of contestant's selection's will determine winners. A mid season adjustment of up to 3 players is allowed. The Player Performance groups are now posted on the website.

Points are awarded based on position result with 15 pts awarded for finishing 1st, 14 pts for 2nd, 13 pts for 3rd etc ... diminishing to 1 pt being awarded to the 15th ranked result. This hopefully will keep more people in the running by season end.

The pool payouts will be:

* Season Segment payout after Week 12 (20% of available funds)
* Season Segment payout after Week 24 (20% of available funds)
* Season Segment payout after Week 37 (20% of available funds)
* Season Ending payout after Week 37 (40% of available funds)Each payout will award ... First Place 50%; Second Place 30% and Third Place 20%

The entry fee for this pool remains at $50 Canadian and is payable in 2 installments of $25 due on Jan 2nd and Feb 28th.

All the pool details are at:
http://goforthegreengolfpools.com/weekly/index.htm

Weekly Cap Pool
Our Weekly Cap pool runs the entire 2013 PGA season. In this pool you select a team of 12 different golfers subject to a cap of $20 million. Total Players earnings of contestant's selection's will determine winners. A mid season adjustment of up to 3 players is allowed. The Player Performance groups are now posted on the website.
The pool payouts will be:

* Season Segment payout after Week 12 (20% of available funds)
* Season Segment payout after Week 24 (20% of available funds)
* Season Segment payout after Week 37 (20% of available funds)
* Season Ending payout after Week 37 (40% of available funds)Each payout will award ... First Place 50%; Second Place 30% and Third Place 20%

The entry fee for this pool remains at $50 Canadian and is payable in 2 installments of $25 due on Jan 2nd and Feb 28th.

All the pool details are at:
http://goforthegreengolfpools.com/weeklycap/index.htm

Weekly Pick Pool
Our Weekly Pick pool, runs the entire 2013 PGA season. You select a different golfer each week. You cannot pick the same player twice and you cannot select the tournament's defending champion. Should you fail to submit a selection at any time you will receive a default selection of the highest ranked player in the field not used previously by you. Total Player Earnings of contestant's selection's will determine winners.

The pool payouts will be:

* Season Segment payout after Week 12 (20% of available funds)
* Season Segment payout after Week 24 (20% of available funds)
* Season Segment payout after Week 37 (20% of available funds)
* Season Ending payout after Week 37 (40% of available funds)Each payout will award ... First Place 50%; Second Place 30% and Third Place 20%

The entry fee for this pool remains at $50 Canadian and is payable in 2 installments of $25 due on Jan 2nd and Feb 28th.

All the pool details are at:
http://goforthegreengolfpools.com/weeklypick/index.htm

Sign up now and avoid missing out on these great pools:
http://goforthegreengolfpools.com/formmail/signup.htm

Please forward this invite to your friends and get them to sign up as well.

Special Holiday Promotion From Mobitee Mobile Golf Assistant

If you received an iTunes card for Christmas you might want to consider a little special 30% discount Mobitee is offering til January 2,2013 on their Mobitee Mobile Golf Assistant. See my review of the Mobitee Mobile Golf Assistant, if you don't use one for golfing your missing out.

 A Hole-in-One Christmas for Mobitee Mobile Golf App purchasers

Mobitee GPS Rangefinder offers holiday cheer with huge limited discount offer.

December 22, 2012, Los Angeles, CA:  In the spirit of giving, Mobitee Mobile Golf Assistant has announced that it will be offering a thirty percent discount on its GPS golf app to iphone, Android and Windows phone users throughout the end of the year.

The innovative virtual golf coach says gift-giving should be easy and should keep on giving.  Instead of the usual stocking stuffer, Mobitee’s innovative and user-friendly rangefinder, shot tracker, flyover video, club recommender and scorecard will allow the golfer in your life the ability to improve his or her game.  And, as Mobitee says, “it’s so easy even an adult can use it!”

“Mobitee is not a simple gadget application or a very complicated software,” says Stan Chapus, CEO of Mobitee. “It is a real tool to help every golfer.  It is a virtual caddie, a reliable golf companion.”

The thirty percent discount has been applied directly at the point of sale so neither codes nor special coupons are needed!

About Mobitee:

A French company which has successfully brought their GPS/Rangefinder app software to the U.S. Market, Mobitee boasts seventeen full-time, committed developers who have created an ever-evolving multifunctional GPS Golf App which can also be used as a scorecard, rangefinder, shot tracker, club recommender and more for iPhone, Android and Blackberry smart phones. Over 100,000 downloads have been reported. A free trial version is available at Mobitee.com and complete paid version is under twenty-five dollars with free updates and no annual subscription fees. Mobitee can be downloaded through ITunes, Google Play and Facebook App Stores.

 

Part 2 Last Minute Christmas Gifts For The Golfer

I know I don't go anywhere without my iPhone and one of the best apps I got to review this year was Mobitee's Mobile Golf Assistant. A fun and easy to use GPS, Scorecard and Range Finder all rolled into one. It's only $24.99 and can be gifted up for the golfer in your life.

Puma just flat out makes some great golf shoes Ottawa Golf has had the pleasure of doing a few Puma Golf Shoe Reviews over the years. The Puma evoSPEED Faas Trac Golf Shoe was a great one I reviewed this year and can be found on sale at numerous online stores. Can't wait for the 2013  models.

FILA Golf is an underrated Golf Apparel Brand in my opinion. High quality, comfortable and affordable I've always been impressed by what FILA offers. Their apparel can be purchased online and they have a free shipping option if you spent  over $100.

Tin Cup makes some great Ball Marker Cups. A great stocking stuffer for the golfer in your life. I love my Dragon Tin Cup.

Sunice Introduces the Albany GORE-TEX® Jacket For 2013

Here at Ottawa Golf we've always loved what Sunice has to offer year in and year out and 2013 looks to be another great year with the introduction of the Albany GORE-TEX® Jacket.  We've enjoyed testing out their apparel and always look forward to a good review. Stay tuned for the Albany soon.

Press Release

Montreal, Quebec - Sunice®, Canada's No. 1 outerwear brand, is pleased to debut its 2013 Albany jacket from the Hurricane Collection.

The Albany jacket is a new style for the 2013 Sunice Hurricane Collection, and is 25% lighter with 25% more stretch than other jackets in its category. The Albany jacket utilizes Gore-Tex®, an innovated high performance fabric exclusive to the Hurricane Collection that is designed to provide comfort and protection for intense climates and weather conditions.

"We are excited about this one-of-a-kind jacket that sets a new standard in the performance waterproof category", says Mark Fletcher, president of Sunice. "No jacket combines the GORE-TEX® performance shell lifetime waterproof fabric with the X-Static® thermodynamic lining, ergonomically designed stretch GORE-TEX® shoulder inserts, the Pro-Trim™ cinching system and lycra cuffs in a complete package weighing just over 1 pound".

The jacket also features the Sunice patented V-collar and the 2 Way front zipper, as well as an iPod storage chest pocket with waterproof lockdown zippers, allowing golfers to keep their devices protected from moisture.

The Albany jacket comes with a Lifetime Waterproof Guarantee and is backed by the GORE-TEX® "Guaranteed to keep you dry™" promise.

About Sunice

Sunice®, founded in 1976 in Alberta, Canada as a skiwear brand, successfully transcended its technical outerwear capabilities into the golf market in the early 1990s as the golf industry gravitated towards designing sport-specific garments that truly helped enhance the game. Thus, it's no surprise Sunice® - owned and run by Montreal, Canada-based Fletcher Leisure Group Inc., a company with 42 years of golf industry experience - meets the demands of the most discerning golfer. Sunice® golf outerwear is a chosen favorite by many PGA and LPGA Tour players around the world.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SuniceGolf

Twitter: www.twitter.com/SuniceGolf 

Last Minute Holiday Gift Suggestions From Ottawa Golf Blog

Some people can be hard to buy for at Christmas. If your looking at some getting some last minute gifts for the golfers in your life, look no further then the list below. Compiled from the many reviews I did this season. These are sure to impress n Christmas Day.

Had the chance to golf Cabot Links this past Summer. If not on your list of must play courses put it on now. Amazing golf with second to none accommodations and dining. Your stay will be forever etched in your memory. Pick up gift cards that can be used at the resort (golf, dining, accommodations, pro shop) in any denomination. Cabot Links will even will ship them for free! Please contact Kathy or Kherri at 902.258.4653 or email reservations@cabotlinks.com to purchase.

Nothing like Monogrammed ProV1s to set you apart from your Sunday foursome. Monogrammed Golf Balls.com does it right with stylish monograms, #1 customer service and quick shipping. Be sure and check out my review. I was impressed so will you.

If you are looking for a golf shirt that's understated, elegant, and stylish. Then check out the G-Mac line by Kartel. Colors are amazing style, accents and quality second to none. You may not be able to golf like Graeme McDowell but at least you can look stylish like G-Mac.

G-MAC by Kartel Golf Apparel Review: Malone Polo Bell Heather

It's not to often I get some golf apparel and my kids take notice but they did the day I wore my G-Mac by Kartel polo for the first day. My girls couldn't believe their Dad had a cool "purple" golf shirt. Gus my youngest thought I look like a golf pro. Thanks you Graeme McDowell and Kartel!

If your still new to the G-Mac line it will make its debut this Spring in Canada. Be sure to check out my Q&A with Karl Swan of Kartel for some in-depth talk of golf fashion, style and the future of the brand.

The G-Mac line came about after the owner of Kartel, Karl Swan had a meeting with Graeme McDowell at the 2011 Irish Open  in Killarney. Graeme's love for stylish golf apparel and Kartel rich apparel history seemed like a perfect fit. In January 2012 Graeme first began to wear the G-Mac by Kartel line of clothing.

Malone Polo - Features

• Comes in four great colors, Bell Heather, Black, Gull, Navy
• Made of a Pima Cotton blend ( 63% Pima Cotton, 37% Polyester)
• Button Under Two Piece Collar
• Chest Pocket
• Contrast Colour Back Collar, Buttons, Button Holes and Button Thread. Subtle Contrast Sleeve Tipping
•  UV Cut: Up to Factor 30 from Sun's Harmful Rays
•  Dry Tec & Anti Microbial: Shirt Moisture Evaporates Faster and Helps Prevent Unpleasant Odors
 

The color of the Malone Polo is what stands out first with this shirt. The Bell Heather color is amazing and looks great with black or grey short/pants. Subtle yet stylish contrasting black collar, buttons, buttons holes and thread really sets off the shirt beautifully. A far as comfort goes the mix of Pima Cotton and Polyester is perfect. Comfortable, light, moisture wicking all you want in a golf shirt. My kids weren't the only ones to comment on the shirt. Walking the fairways here in Ottawa  people loved the look of the shirt. The G-Mac line once it gets better know especially here in Canada will be popular with your everyday golfer.

The Malone Polo in Bell Heather has certainly become one of my favorite shirts. Great color, stylish and performs great out on the golf course. Retails for about $75 in the USA at FairwayStyles.com and $90 on the Kartel Website. Look forward to 2013 and the new G-Mac by Kartel line.

PUMA AMP CELL Fusion Shoe Preview Pics Featuring Rickie Fowler Video

 PUMA AMP CELL Fusion Shoe Featuring Rickie Fowler



Puma continues to roll out some amazing golf shoes. Love the Puma evoSPEED Faas Trac Golf Shoe. Be sure to check out my review. As well as the 80s flashback Cell Fusion Special edition from a few years ago.
This newest line set to release February 2013 looks amazing what color do you want?

Press Release
PUMA® Golf Reveals New Rickie Fowler Signature Shoe – AMP CELL Fusion
PUMA Golf introduces the AMP CELL Fusion—a new signature Rickie Fowler footwear model for the 2013 season—and part of the PUMA Golf Spring/Summer 2013 Footwear Collection. The PUMA Golf engineering team paired a brand new upper made of soft lightweight materials with our S2CPro Chassis and S2Quill® spikes for ultimate performance, comfort and style.

Developed with the professional and fashion-forward golfer in mind, the AMP CELL Fusion offers the most advanced and proprietary technology available in a golf shoe to-date. The Swing Speed Chassis Pro (S2CPRO) offers a full length, flexible TPU chassis designed to provide the perfect blend of control, leverage, balance and power. The TPU and carbon fiber outsole uses Swing Speed (S²) Quill® technology with 50 directionally molded S²QuillTec® spikes in each shoe combined with 20 replaceable S²Quill® spikes for ultimate grip on the course. It also has a stepped outer frame with additional traction elements to provide a stable, supportive platform. The S²Quills utilize Performance Insert System (PINS) by Pride to keep the spikes secure in all the right places while IdCELL™ cushioning technology in the midfoot and heel, comprised of our proprietary EVA compound, is anatomically positioned to support the foot while walking.


Encompassing the brand mantra “Look Better. Feel Better. Play Better.” the AMP CELL Fusion will be available in five color combinations—Black/Vibrant Orange, Blue Atoll/White, White/PUMA Silver, White/Vibrant Orange, White/Directoire Blue—all poised to get you noticed on the course. If that wasn’t enough, there will also be seven additional special addition color blends— Vibrant Yellow/White, Vibrant Orange/White, Cabaret/White, Barbados Cherry/White, Sharp Green/White, Directoire Blue/White, PUMA Silver/Black—for the golfer who knows that having only one shoe option isn’t enough. The AMP CELL Fusion will be available at golf retailers beginning February 2013.

Rickie Fowler's New Clubs

Posted on Rickie Fowler's Instagram Site.

Puma Canada Forms Cobra Puma Golf Canada

PUMA CANADA FORMS COBRA PUMA GOLF CANADA AS SEPARATE BUSINESS ENTITY

SportLifestyle brand establishes the new regional headquarters for the premier golf
brand allowing for dedicated focus and resources for the growing sport businesses

MONTREAL, CANADA (DECEMBER 4th 2012) – The golf game just got sweeter in Canada. SportLifestyle brand, PUMA, announced the formation of COBRA PUMA GOLF Canada, a regional headquarters that will focus on the growth and development of the COBRA and PUMA Golf business in the Canadian market. Formed as a separate company from PUMA, effective December 1st, COBRA PUMA GOLF Canada will have strong ties to the global corporate offices of COBRA PUMA GOLF in Carlsbad, CA, the regional Canadian office for PUMA and the North American subsidiary, PUMA North America, based in Westford, Massachusetts.

“The new structures and formation of PUMA Canada and COBRA PUMA GOLF Canada are key, strategic moves as we focus on advancing the brands in the Canadian market as part of our North American plan,” said Jay Piccola, President and General Manager of PUMA North America, who oversees the PUMA brand across the North American continent. “With the laser-focused dedication of the new teams in place, I’m confident the brands will continue to evolve and grow to achieve our goals.”

After a successful tenure as President of PUMA Canada, Ted Fletcher will transition to President of COBRA PUMA GOLF Canada. Fletcher, who brings more than four decades of experience in the golf and sports categories, will command a renewed focus and alignment of COBRA PUMA GOLF as President. Fletcher is no stranger to the COBRA brand as he led COBRA Canada Golf Inc. from 1990 – 1998, as the exclusive distributor of golf clubs and equipment. Following this, Fletcher joined PUMA as President of the Canadian licensee for PUMA, Authentic Team Apparel (ATA) in 1999, and saw through the acquisition of ATA by PUMA in 2000 and the launch of PUMA Golf in Canada in 2006. Given his deep knowledge of the golf industry and proven track record for success, Fletcher was selected to join the global Board of Directors for COBRA PUMA GOLF in 2010, shortly after COBRA was acquired by PUMA North America. Fletcher’s involvement in the Board of Directors will allow for increased synergies and alignment of COBRA PUMA GOLF Canada with the corporate office. Jim MacPhee will transition from his current role as Chief Operating Officer of PUMA Canada to Chief Operating Officer / Chief Financial Officer of COBRA PUMA GOLF Canada. Since joining PUMA Canada, MacPhee has led the regional division of the brand to strong, continuous profitability year after year and served as the Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer prior to his COO role. In his new role, MacPhee will bring his financial management insight and passion for the brands to COBRA PUMA GOLF. MacPhee is also no stranger to the golf and sports worlds, serving as President and owner of a regional golf distribution company in Canada, and previous to that was the Vice President and CFO of Starter Canada. In this new COBRA PUMA GOLF structure, Bob Cote will be Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Cote will focus on building the golf brands in the Canadian market while leading the implementation of a dedicated strategy to grow business with independent, golf centric accounts. Cote’s level of expertise in the sports and golf industries, and his history with both the PUMA and COBRA brands make him a perfect candidate to build upon the growth in the Canadian market. Cote was an integral part of the PUMA Golf launch in 2006 in Canada and led sales and marketing for COBRA when the brand was under its former parent company.

“Creating a devoted COBRA PUMA GOLF team in Canada is a necessary and exciting move, and one that I am confident will show fruitful results in our market with both our wholesale partners and our consumers,” said Ted Fletcher, President of COBRA PUMA GOLF Canada. “I am thrilled with this new venture, eager to dedicate my time and efforts wholeheartedly into the golf world, while still remaining close with the PUMA family. The support we have received from our partners will help us take COBRA PUMA GOLF to new heights in Canada.”

PUMA Canada will continue to function and operate as a regional subsidiary as part of the PUMA North America team focused on the core PUMA business of sport and lifestyle, with headquarters in St. Laurent, Quebec and an office in Mississauga. The PUMA Canada team will be led by Ritch Benford as General Manager responsible for leading the PUMA and Tretorn brands to excellence in Canada. His position entails heading up sales, retail, marketing, merchandising and operations. With his new appointment, Benford will join the PUMA Canada Board of Directors. Benford has deep roots in the sporting goods industry across the US and Canada, not only on the brand side, but also with retailers like Foot Locker and Champs Sports. In 2000, Benford joined the licensee for PUMA in Canada, Authentic Team Apparel (ATA), through the acquisition of ATA to PUMA. In 2008, Benford was named Senior Vice President and General Merchandise Manager of PUMA Canada overseeing sales, merchandising and marketing for PUMA and Tretorn. During these years, he worked under the leadership of Ted Fletcher, who served as a colleague, friend and mentor. While at PUMA, Benford was part of the team that was recognized globally as PUMA’s Partner of the Year in 2006 and for Outstanding Country Accomplishment in 2010. Luc Cousineau has been appointed to Chief Operating Officer / Chief Financial Officer reporting to Benford. Cousineau joined PUMA Canada in 2006 as Financial Director and has elevated the financial planning, reporting and controlling of the subsidiary, which has led to positive results over the past five years. In 2012, Cousineau was appointed as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of PUMA Canada, overseeing the complete financial, accounting and business functions for the regional team. Prior to joining PUMA Canada, Cousineau spent almost ten years in the telecommunications industry and served in high level financial positions across the industry. In his new appointment, Cousineau will continue to bring his expertise in finance to the PUMA Canada business while expanding his responsibilities to also oversee customer care, information technology and operations. He will also join the PUMA Canada Board of Directors. In addition to the leadership of Benford and Cousineau, Mark Maguire will play an integral role in the growth of PUMA in Canada in his newly appointed role of Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing. Maguire joined PUMA in 2003 as the Director of Sport Business and swiftly moved up the sales ranks as a key contributor to the rapid and healthy brand growth. Maguire brings more than 22 years of experience in the footwear and apparel industries with expertise across both sport and fashion brands, sharp relationships across all sales channels and regional and international sales and marketing experience.

“A strong foundation for the PUMA brand has been established and I am excited to be a part of the new team that will continue to evolve and propel the PUMA brand,” said Ritch Benford, General Manager for PUMA Canada. The new facilities for COBRA PUMA GOLF Canada will be located at 6900 Transcanada Highway in Pointe-Claire, Quebec close to PUMA Canada’s current headquarters. Shared administrative resources and processes between PUMA Canada and COBRA PUMA GOLF will be implemented to allow for increased

efficiency.

Weather Tease - Off Season Golf Plans

So here in the Ottawa area we recently had a brush with old man winter. For us diehard golfers that pretty much ends our season of golf. With snow on the fairways it was time to clean the clubs and put away the bag for another season. Today the inevitable happens, the ultimate tease you might say. A warm front goes through melts the snow and today the temperature goes up to 15 degrees. Golf angst!

Today would of been a great day to golf between the intermittent showers and the sunny breaks it was downright amazing. As I was doing my full-time job delivering the mail  I couldn't help but check out the fairways of the course that my route weaves in and out of. I'm sure many diehard golfers were feeling the same way as I was today.

So no courses magically opened so no golf was played. My plans are now in full swing to line up places to play during the off season. My main focus is putting together a few teams for the 2013 Amateur Team World Cup in Dublin this Spring. Playing the following courses wold be amazing: Portmarnock Golf Club, Druids Glen, Killeen Castle, The K Club Palmer Course.

I've spoken to a contact outside of Phoenix and Arizona could be a destination I'll be packing my bags/clubs for this Winter. Bandon Dunes Resort is also on my list after visiting Cabot Links this Summer this golf mecca with Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails, Old MacDonald, and Bandon Preserve has made me crave some West Coast Links.

My father-in-law just got back from a Mediterranean Cruise and he was talking about all the great golf courses some other golfers on the cruise were talking about. Portugal, Spain, Ferienwohnung Italien and France were a few of the favorite golf destinations. Most golfers justed booked there tee times online and got great rates. They even got to book Algarve golf courses and some other high end courses. This part of Europe could defintely be on the list of off season golf destinations.

What are you planning?

G-Mac Ends Season With Win At Tiger's Event

Interesting how I just finished posting my Q&A with Karl Swan from Kartel the very same day Graeme McDowell goes on to win the World Golf Challenge at Sherwood Country Club. Make sure you you check it out, Karl had some great things to say about G-Mac. Make sure you stick around for my G-Mac by Kartel review coming soon.

Press Release

Graeme McDowell Wins the World Golf Challenge Presented by Northwestern Mutual

Dublin, Ireland - Graeme McDowell shot a final round 68 to win the World Golf Challenge held at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California. This victory marked McDowell's first victory in 2012. The final round 68 marked the tenth time in twelve rounds that Graeme shot in the 60's at Sherwood Country Club.

"We are incredibly happy to see Graeme finishing up the season with such a great win at the World Challenge and looking so stylish in doing so. 2012 has been an exciting year for us all, and with Graeme's finish to the year we are looking good for a very strong 2013," said Karl Swan, managing director, Kartel Inc. 

Graeme McDowell sported G-Mac by Kartel golf apparel during the event. McDowell officially began wearing the G-Mac by Kartel collection in January 2012.

On Sunday Graeme was wearing the sleeveless McButton cardigan over a Magenta Dawn Portrush polo. The Magenta Dawn colour was derived from the powerful colour of the rising sun over Graeme's home town on the northern most tip of Ireland.

Graeme's trousers worn on Sunday were McCheck T in Classic Navy with Magenta to match his polo and cardigan. These stylish plaid pants are designed to harp back to Graeme's Scottish roots. The tartan design is the McDowell family tartan, which was worn by his ancestors back in the 12th Century to symbolize their membership of the clan.

About Kartel

Kartel is part of John Swan Ltd, a family owned Irish business based in Dublin, Ireland. The company was founded in 1947 when a young tailor, John Swan, set up his own modest clothing company in two small rooms above a pub in Dublin's Hill Street. Initially, the company began making men's suits, jackets and trousers, and over the last 60 years has extended its collections into a much broader offering.

In 1985 the Kartel brand was launched with men's casual jeanswear and suit collections, as well as premium golf apparel ranges for both men and women. Kartel is now a leading Irish menswear label and one of the largest clothing distributors in Ireland, currently selling in 26 countries worldwide.

Click link below for G-Mac branding video:
 http://vimeo.com/37912997

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GmacByKartel

 Visit www.kartel.ie for more information

 

Q & A with Karl Swan: G-Mac Apparel Line Coming To Canada

Recently Ottawa Golf Blog got a chance to conduct a little phone interview with Karl Swan, Kartel managing director. It was early morning here in Ottawa when I spoke to Karl from Dublin. He was eager to talk about the G-Mac by Kartel line of golf clothing. Having recently been to the PGA of Alberta Buying Show in Edmonton. Karl had lined up a third party distributor in Canada. Looks like it will be easier to get our hands on the G-Mac line come Spring 2013. Great for Canadian golfers who like to wear stylish quality golf attire.

Ottawa Golf Blog: For those not familiar with the Kartel name give us a little of your history?

KS: Business was founded in 1947 by my Grandfather. He was a Master Taylor. You know one of these guys that would cut fabrics and make you a suit to measure. So the heritage of the business is very much centered around that attention to detail in cut and fabrics and fit. So over the last 65 years the business has developed into a line of casual lifestyle clothing, obviously the suits jackets trousers division and the golf division. The golf division is the newest part of the company, been around since the mid 90s. So they're the three main divisions of our business. It is still a family run business that's distributed in now about 32 countries. The golf line around since the 90s being the newest part of the business. That area of the business is best know with our association with Padraig Harrington.

We teamed up with Padraig Harrington and teamed up with him as our brand ambassador with this new line we were launching in 1996. Only a few weeks after turning pro he won the Spanish Open and then in subsequent years went on to win three majors. He had our brand clear and center on his chest and his collar through those major wins. Its been a great tool for us to promote the brand and to promote our association with one of the worlds greatest golfers. To launch these brands in some new markets. And now with Graeme also wearing the brand on his shirts and the G-Mac line we now have another of the worlds best golfer, also an Irishman. Helping to promote not only the brand but the Irish heritage of the brand. So as you say we're not that well know in Canada yet but we're certainly hoping with our association with Graeme and Padraig that we'll be accepted as a serious player in the market.

Ottawa Golf Blog: Tell us more about Kartel Ambassadors Padraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell

KS: They just absolute heroes over here in Ireland. Padraig because he still lives here and he,s very well known by the media and he has all the time in the world for them. They all have strong personal relationship with him because he's so generous with his time. The guy next door, a regular Joe.

The same is true for Graeme in the US . He's better known by the US media and seems to have that very open and honest way of dealing with people. Very relaxed with company and he truly is , he's just a regular Joe. He just has so much time for people that he doesn't even know. You see these leading stars on the tour on TV and the perception hasn't been helped by Tigers relationship with the media .Tiger doesn't seem to have time for anyone in the public. Whereas Graeme is the total opposite. After one of our photo shoots in December in Lake Nona where Graeme lives we finished up. We had a little crew there, of regular Joes who Graeme wouldn't have known from a bar of soap and after we finished Graeme says, "What are you all doing? Do you fancy coming for a beer? Usually you wouldn't get a person like that spending that time after the working hour with the workers if you'd like. That's the way he is, he has time for everyone. And even when we were walking down the main street  in Lake Nona  to the bar some guys across the road shouted "Hey how you guys doing". Graeme jogs across the road and pressed the flesh with them. I say to him, "Does everyone know each other in this town". No he says I don't know them. When someone says hello its rude not to say hi back. So even though he didn't know these guys he went across the road and offered his hand. He really is a people person and people see that. And it certainly helps with what we're trying to do.

Ottawa Golf Blog: After making inroads in the US in 2012 with offices in New York and Miami any plans on adding Canada to list of Countries with distribution offices?

KS: We've decided to use a third party distributor to branch out in Canada. That's why we were out in Edmonton for the PGA Buying Show to meet up with our Canadian Distributor . The economy is very buoyant in Canada so that's why we wanted to get on board. European market is challenged right now. Kartel is looking at expanding markets and with Canada's thriving economy it seemed like a natural fit. A good healthy number of golfers. We're established in the US right now and it's firing on all cylinders. We are happy with the progress we are making in the US. We've taken the direct approach in the US. We have our own direct appointed sales agents. We have a sales manager who works only and directly with our company and we have a pretty strong handle on the US market. It's been a significant investment one our behalf. With the Canadian market being a bit smaller we wanted to take it a bit more tentatively at first and so we are working with a third party distributor there. They are a company called Woods Golf Limited. It's a relatively new business it's certainly pitching to the upper end of the market, nicer green grass pro shops. We thought they were a good fit they carry a couple of other brands. Which are a good fit for our company. Spring 2013 will be our first season delivering into the Canadian market. I'm sure at first it will move relatively slowly that's the way these things work. We just try to encourage companies to dip there toes in and to see if its right for them. And ultimately for both.

Ottawa Golf Blog: With so much competition in the Golf Apparel Market in North America how will the G-Mac line by Kartel gets its piece of the pie?

KS: It's really color Sean! Is our thing. We are very progressive and obviously being European based we have a good handle on color. We work with Europe's foremost experts on color. She's a professor for The London College of Fashion as well as a director for Première Vision based in Paris. She helps dictate to leading industry experts what's going to be the popular colours for the forth coming seasons. She works with us and very closely with the colouring of our collections. So the collections are put together with very fashion forward colours but in such a way they are more appealing for the conservative guy if I can put it that way. We don't use big splashes of color like say Puma might or more directional brands might use. The way they use colours is fantastic but it appeals to a more younger guy. We want the slightly more mature guy to feel more fashion forward  like he's wearing the on trend colours. We put them together in a way that they are more conservatively designed. They are natural bed fellows.

Ottawa Golf Blog: How much input does Graeme McDowell have on style/colors/etc. of the G-Mac Line?


KS: Kartel is constantly evolving. Graeme feedback is really critical for the development and the progression of the brand. Look Graeme gives us that feedback he loves that vintage look and that's the kind of style we've built this brand on. A modern vintage vibe. And it's really on how to progress in ways that are true to that look. So we're using more retro designs, little tight micro strips, polka dots which are strong themes that were relevant in the 50s 60s, the Bobby Jones vintage era. They are the style nuances that you'll see coming through with the brand as oppose to a more modern flamboyant look. It's understated  and a bit of throw back to the vintage era.

He has a firm grasp on it he won't let up. He's like a dog with a bone. We've designed two season now and Graeme has love then both. He's given input on them both. We've interpreted the feedback he's given and produced two collections. He's really happy with them and so when it came to designing Winter/Autumn 2013 I had this conversation with his manger. We've finished the designs we are real happy with them can we truck along with them and develop those or does Graeme still want to be involved. You know you don't want to trouble a guy that's got so much to focus on. So he goes good question, yes Graeme wants to be involved. He has a passion for fashion . He wants to be involved in the design process. So he is, he sits in on meetings makes recommendations and feedback. He requests certain designs/fabrics be used. He's very into fabrics, they need to perform a certain way. So his feedback is very important to the design and direction of the brand.

He has a really strong appreciation for quality and style. He's one of the very few that understands what looks good on him and why. And how to develop and design a collection around him. Most of us will pull on our favorite shirt/sweater we feel comfortable in it and we like the look of it on us. We can't necessarily tell you why it looks good on us. it just does. Some things look better on me in my wardrobe. Graeme has a pretty good understanding of what looks good on him and why and the type of colors that work best with his complexion. The designs that work best for his body shape. He's been very good at communicating how best to work with those styles that work best with him. The great thing is that the stuff we're producing is completely authentic to Graeme's style but also the great thing about this in my view is that Graeme's physique is not that of a tall thin Swedish athlete or some of these other guys that would look great in just about anything. Graeme's body shape is just irregular an everyday guys body shape for the most part and that's who we're targeting with the G-MAC line. So there's that sense of reassurance that if it looks good on Graeme it will look good on your average Joe.

Ottawa Golf Blog: Describe the G-Mac with three words?

KS: Understated, elegant, stylish

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