Enjoy the Vu Golf Apparel Review: Sun Protection Meets Golf Style

Golf apparel has come a long way. Gone are the days when golfers had to choose between looking good and being comfortable on the course. But there is another part of golf clothing that deserves more attention—sun protection.

That’s where Enjoy the Vu caught my attention.

Based in the interior of British Columbia, Enjoy the Vu was created by owner Jake with a simple but meaningful goal: to create golf apparel that combines style, performance and UPF 50+ sun protection.

I recently had the chance to try out the Lavender shirt and white ETV hat, and after wearing them on the course, I can see exactly what Jake is trying to accomplish with the brand.

A Brand With a Story

The story behind Enjoy the Vu is much more than simply seeing an opportunity in the golf apparel market.

Jake’s inspiration came while standing on the first tee at his local course. He was wearing a rash guard underneath an oversized polo when two golfers, clearly having enjoyed a few too many drinks, rode by and jokingly asked if he had lost a bet.

Jake explained that he had melanoma and was simply trying to stay safe in the sun.

That moment stuck with him.

It eventually led him to create his own UPF 50+ golf clothing.

And that also explains the name Enjoy the Vu.

After his diagnosis, Jake said he became almost afraid to enjoy being outside. The mental side of dealing with melanoma was difficult, and the idea behind the brand became about getting back outside and enjoying the things he loves—with confidence. That message is something I really like about Enjoy the Vu.

It isn't just sun protection. It's encouraging people to enjoy the outdoors while being smarter about the sun.

The Lavender Shirt

The first thing that stood out to me about the Lavender shirt was the colour.

Golf apparel can sometimes get stuck in the traditional world of black, white, navy and grey. Jake told me one of the gaps he wanted to fill was creating sun-protective apparel that wasn't boring.

The Lavender shirt definitely accomplishes that.

It has a modern look without being over the top, making it easy to wear on the golf course or even away from it. And that's one of the things I appreciate about the brand—these don't look like pieces of clothing designed strictly around sun protection.

They look like golf clothes first.

The lightweight feel is also important, especially during those hot summer rounds. Jake explained that performance is a huge priority when designing the apparel. He wants the clothing to feel light, fit properly and avoid the sleeves becoming cumbersome during the swing.

That makes a lot of sense, particularly in places like B.C.'s Okanagan, where summer temperatures can climb toward 40°C.

And there is an interesting benefit to wearing a long-sleeve UPF shirt in that kind of heat. Rather than having the sun beating directly onto your skin, the fabric provides a layer of protection while still allowing you to stay comfortable.

The White ETV Hat

The white ETV hat was a great match with the Lavender shirt.

Simple, clean and easy to pair with just about anything, it's the kind of hat that can become an everyday golf staple.

And once again, it fits perfectly with the brand's philosophy: sun safety without sacrificing style.

Jake's approach to golf fashion is refreshing. He told me he loves seeing more colour and personality coming into golf and hopes that trend never disappears.

I'm with him on that.

Golf should still look like golf, but there's nothing wrong with having some personality when you step onto the first tee.

More Than a Golf Brand

One of the most interesting parts of talking with Jake was hearing what golf means to him beyond the scorecard.

He's a big believer in the golf community.

After spending years in the gym, Jake noticed similarities between the gym and golf course communities. People show up with a common goal, encourage each other and generally want to see everyone do well.

That sense of community is something Enjoy the Vu seems to be building around its brand as well.

Jake's own golf story is pretty incredible.

Two years ago, a friend invited him out for nine holes. He showed up wearing Converse shoes, using rental clubs and hadn't swung a golf club in about eight years.

Then came a par 4.

He hit a perfect drive, had about 130 yards left and holed his approach shot for eagle.

As Jake put it, everyone went crazy—and from that moment, he knew he was hooked.

That's about as good an introduction to golf as you can get.

The Bigger Goal

There is obviously a business side to Enjoy the Vu, but Jake's ultimate goal goes beyond selling golf shirts.

His biggest goal is to spread awareness about sun safety.

He hopes the brand eventually becomes unnecessary because cancer is easier to treat—or, ideally, cured altogether.

Until then, he's trying to make sun protection something golfers actually want to wear.

I think that's an important distinction.

Instead of telling golfers they should wear sun-protective clothing, Enjoy the Vu is trying to make the clothing something golfers want to wear.

What's Next for Enjoy the Vu?

The brand is still growing, but Jake already has plenty planned.

New polos, regular long sleeves, potentially wide-brim hats and improved content are all on the horizon. He's also particularly excited about a new long-sleeve collection that will be designed for everyone—not just golfers.

He's constantly tweaking the products, looking for lighter and softer fabrics and trying to improve each release.

That willingness to keep learning is something I think will serve the company well.

My Take

After wearing the Lavender shirt and white ETV hat, I came away impressed by what Enjoy the Vu is trying to do.

The apparel looks good, feels comfortable and, most importantly, has a purpose behind it.

As someone who spends plenty of time outdoors and on the golf course, I really like the idea of incorporating sun protection into what I wear without feeling like I'm wearing medical or technical gear.

Enjoy the Vu manages to make sun safety feel fun, colourful and golf-friendly.

And maybe that's the biggest takeaway from Jake's story.

Don't be afraid to enjoy the view.

Just protect yourself while you're doing it.

Enjoy the Vu.

One Round at a Time: A Mission for Change

This press release highlights an initiative that is incredibly close to my heart.

As many of you know, golf is a huge part of my life, but this partnership between Sandbagger Holdings Canada and Melanoma Canada is about much more than just the game. Having lost both of my parents and my sister to cancer, I have seen the heavy toll this disease takes on a family. It’s a personal history that drives me every day to advocate for better awareness and early detection.

Through the "One Round at a Time" campaign, we’re bringing life-saving education and resources directly to the golf community. Whether you're a casual player or on the course every weekend, taking a moment to prioritize skin health can make all the difference.

I’m proud to support this mission to protect the people we love, one fairway at a time. Please take a moment to check out the details and see how we can work together to make an impact.

 

Sandbagger Holdings Canada  and Melanoma Canada Raise Awareness

One Round at a Time

 

Peterborough, Ontario – April 22, 2026, Melanoma Canada and Sandbagger, one of Canada's leading spirit-based beverage brands, are proud to announce a new national partnership dedicated to raising awareness about skin cancer prevention within the golf community.

 

Rooted in Peterborough more than forty years ago, Sandbagger began as a simple mix of gin, bar lime, soda, and a splash of Sprite — a refreshing combination that quickly earned a loyal following and an unforgettable name. William Joseph “Billy” Rowan believed so strongly in Sandbagger that he trademarked the name in Canada and the United States more than 20 years ago, envisioning one day bringing it to market. Though he passed away eight years ago after a battle with cancer, before seeing the brand officially launch, his dream endured. In 2020, his son fulfilled a promise made at Billy's celebration of life by launching Sandbagger Lemon Lime. Today, every sand-textured can proudly bear Billy's initials, WJR, as a quiet tribute to the man who started it all. Embraced by the golf community he loved, Sandbagger has grown into one of Canada's top spirit-based beverage brands. Known for bold, innovative flavours like Boysenberry, Cloudberry, and Cransfusion, the brand stands out not only for its taste but for its deep roots in family, legacy, and passion. From a simple clubhouse cocktail to a nationally recognized brand, Sandbagger is more than a drink — it's a story poured into every can.

 

Golf has been the foundation of Sandbagger's growth, and the golf community has played a central role in fueling the brand's success. From golfers and golf course partners to tournament organizers and clubhouse teams, this brand was built on the fairways and supported by those who embraced our beverage from the very beginning. As a company shaped by the game, we believe it's our responsibility to give back to the community that helped build us. With skin cancer remaining the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada and golfers facing elevated risk due to prolonged UV exposure, we are proud to support awareness and prevention initiatives that help protect the health and well-being of the golfers and golf partners who have supported us from day one.

 

Through this national partnership, Sandbagger will support Melanoma Canada's mission to reduce the incidence of melanoma through education, prevention, and early detection. Together, the organizations aim to bring sun safety awareness directly to golf courses and outdoor communities across the country. A portion of proceeds from every Sandbagger sold will be donated to fund Melanoma Canada's national awareness campaigns, prevention initiatives, and patient support programs.

 

“Golfers and outdoor enthusiasts face increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which significantly raises their risk of developing melanoma,” said Falyn Katz, CEO of Melanoma Canada. “We are proud to partner with Sandbagger to deliver critical sun safety education to the golf community. By working together, we can empower Canadians to protect their skin, recognize early warning signs, and ultimately save lives.”

 

“Sandbagger is more than a drink, it's a legacy and a promise kept,” said Jay Rowan, President of Sandbagger Holdings "Partnering with Melanoma Canada allows us to honour that legacy by supporting a cause that impacts families and communities across the country, especially the golf community that has embraced us from the beginning.”

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to community, health, and meaningful impact, raising awareness one round at a time.

 

For more information about Melanoma Canada and melanoma prevention resources, visit melanomacanada.ca.

The Azaleas are Blooming: A Northern Perspective on Masters Week

There is a specific kind of magic that happens every April. For golf fans, the Masters Tournament isn't just the first Major of the year; it’s a ceremonial "green light" for the season. While the pros are navigating the undulating greens of Augusta National, those of us in Ottawa are finally trading our snow shovels for 7-irons.

The Great Ticket Quest

As much as I’d love to be standing behind the ropes at Amen Corner, I am once again watching from the comfort of my living room. Since the Masters moved to an online lottery system, getting my hands on tickets has felt like trying to sink a 60-foot putt in a gale—nearly impossible. Every year I enter, and every year I get that polite "we regret to inform you" email. But hey, there’s always 2027!

Ottawa’s Unofficial Kickoff

In the Nation’s Capital, the Masters truly signals the start of the golf season. It’s the week when the local driving ranges finally shake off the winter frost. This past Friday, Gus and I headed over to Kevin Haime’s Golf Centre to hit our first real buckets of the year. There’s nothing quite like that crisp spring air and the sound of a clean strike to remind you that winter is officially in the rearview mirror.

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Gear Spotlight: TaylorMade Season Opener Pix™

If you’re looking to add some Augusta flair to your bag while waiting for the local fairways to dry out, the TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x pix™ Season Opener golf balls are a must-see.

These limited-edition balls feature a unique design that pays tribute to the legendary grounds crew that makes sure the host venue’s grounds are in pristine condition. Beyond the floral azalea graphics, the logos serve as a nod to the meticulous work required to get those fairways tournament-ready. It’s a great way to celebrate the unsung heroes of the game while benefiting from the high-performance 5-layer construction TaylorMade is known for.

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Join the Action: Top Canadian Masters Contests

If you can't be at Augusta, the next best thing is having a horse in the race. Here are a few of my favourite Canadian contests and pools to make the weekend even more interesting:

• For a true Canadian golf experience, you can't skip the Triple Bogey Major Pool. Put on by the crew at Triple Bogey Brewing Co., this contest is as much a tradition as their "Signature Azalea" cocktails.

  It’s a straightforward but competitive format: you pick a team of eight players, and the combined score of your top six determines the winner. They have some fantastic prizes lined up for 2026, including Triple Bogey merch packs for each round winner and a grand prize Special Edition "Signature Azalea" Golf Bag. Just remember to get your picks in early—all tie-breakers are decided by the date and time of entry, so being first on the tee gives you the honor!

• Turf Today has a Master's Contest going on as well, with some great prizes. They use the actual Master's Fantasy page.

  
  

  
  
  

  
  

  
  

Whether you're rooting for the Canadian contingent of Corey Conners, Nick Taylor, and Mike Weir, or just enjoying the Sunday back-nine drama, it’s going to be a fantastic week.

Enjoy the tournament, and I'll see you on the local fairways soon!

Arcade Momentum Belt Review: From the Route to the Ice

"Finding gear that transitions from a 700+ points of call mail route to a frozen lake isn't easy, but the Arcade Momentum Belt has absolutely nailed it this season.

On the Job: As a mail carrier in Ottawa, I’m constantly moving, bending, and reaching. This belt has the perfect amount of 'give'—it holds my pants exactly where they need to be without that restrictive 'pinch' you get from traditional leather belts. The perforated webbing looks sharp and modern, but it’s the comfort that wins me over during a long shift on the route.

On the Ice: That same comfort carries right over to the ice fishing. When you're layered up in bibs and heavy winter gear, the last thing you want is a bulky buckle digging into your midsection while you’re hunched over a hole. The Momentum’s low-profile, compact design is a game-changer. It’s incredibly lightweight, and because it’s metal-free, it never gets cold or stiff in the sub-zero temperatures.

Looking Ahead: While it's been my go-to for work and the winter season, I honestly can’t wait to test it out on the golf course. Given how well it moves with you, I have a feeling it’s going to be the perfect belt for a full day of swings and walking the fairways.

If you want something that looks great, stays out of the way, and stands up to the demands of an active lifestyle, this is the one.

Pros:

• Feather-light and compact.

• Micro-adjustable for the perfect fit over different layers.

• Sleek, modern look that works for work or play.

• Machine washable (great for getting the 'lake' smell out!)."

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

A Core Memory on the Ice: Three Days with Bam’s Tour on Lake Nipissing

If you are looking for a quintessential Northern Ontario winter experience that balances rugged adventure with genuine hospitality, look no further than Bam’s Tours on Lake Nipissing. My son, Gus, and I recently returned from a three-day stint in one of their ice bungalows. Now that Gus is 18, our trips have taken on a new dynamic, and this experience was the perfect way to spend some quality time together as adults.

The Setup

Lake Nipissing is famous for its vastness and its walleye, but it can be intimidating if you don't know the layout. Bam’s makes the logistics seamless. From the moment we arrived, the team was organized and welcoming. We were transported out to our "home on the ice"—a sturdy, well-maintained ice shack that felt surprisingly cozy despite the frozen expanse outside.

The shack was clean, pre-heated, and equipped with the essentials. The layout worked well for two grown men; we had enough space to move around comfortably, and most importantly, the holes were pre-drilled and ready for lines the second we walked in. (which we did;)

The Fishing & The Tech

Over the course of seventy-two hours, Gus and I had our fair share of action. Nipissing is known for its "golden hour," and the walleye didn't disappoint(Although no trophies). We also pulled up some aggressive perch and the occasional whitefish that kept us on our toes.

A major highlight for us was the ability to rent a Garmin Livescope through Bam's. Even at 18, Gus is a tech-focused angler, and having that forward-facing sonar turned the trip into a masterclass in fish behaviour. It turned the experience from "waiting for a bite" into a strategic game where we could actually see the walleye cruise in, inspect our lures, and decide whether or not to commit. It sparked plenty of competitive banter between us as we watched the screen.

What sets Bam’s apart is their local knowledge. They don't just drop you in a random spot; they clearly track the schools and position their shacks over productive structures. The guides checked in on us regularly, offering tips on what depth the fish were hitting and ensuring our Livescope was dialled in for the best view.

The Experience

While the fishing was great, the real value of Bam’s Tour is the "off-grid" bonding time. There is something special about waking up on the frozen lake, brewing coffee while watching the Livescope, and spending the evenings catching up over a few beers while the wind howls outside.

The staff at Bam’s understands this balance. They provide enough support to keep you safe and successful, but give you enough space to enjoy the solitude of the lake. Their equipment—from the transportation, portable generator to the Garmin Livescope—was reliable, making for a stress-free trip.

Verdict

Whether you’re a seasoned hard-water angler or looking for a unique trip to take with your adult children, Bam’s Tour delivers. They take the "work" out of ice fishing, leaving you with nothing to do but focus on the electronics, the bait, and the company.

Gus is already asking when we can go back next year. That’s the only endorsement I need.

Pros:

• Expertly placed shacks in high-traffic fish corridors.

• Garmin Livescope rentals available (a must-have for modern anglers).

• Reliable heating and comfortable sleeping arrangements for adults.

• Friendly, attentive guides who genuinely want you to catch fish.

• Safe and efficient transport to and from the mainland.

Cons:

• You won't want to leave when the three days are up!

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Turning Stone Golf: How the Agronomy Team Delivers Tour-Level Conditions Daily

During our recent trip to Turning Stone Resort, Gus and I were blown away by the course conditions—every fairway, green, and tee box felt dialled in to a standard you don’t often see across an entire property. What impressed us even more was that one of the courses we played had recently undergone aeration, yet it still rolled better than many courses at their peak. That level of consistency doesn’t happen by accident.

To get a deeper look at how Turning Stone maintains such elite playing conditions across its portfolio of courses, we sat down with the resort’s head agronomist. In this Q&A, we dig into the philosophy, planning, and behind-the-scenes dedication that keeps Turning Stone among the best-conditioned golf destinations you can play. . 

Q & A with Matt Flavio, Director of Agronomy for Turning Stone Flavio, Director of Agronomy for Turning Stone

How do you handle the unique challenges of turfgrass management at a large resort property?

 
Each course has its own personality, so we tailor maintenance programs around what makes them unique from soil type and sunlight exposure to the style of play. Our superintendents and supervisors talk daily about weather, moisture, and course setup so we can stay ahead of issues and keep things consistent. It’s really about teamwork and being adaptable when things change, whether that’s a tournament week, a stretch of bad weather, or just a busy weekend with heavy play.

What is your approach to water management, and how do you ensure consistency in golf course playability?

Water is always one of the biggest challenges, especially when you’re trying to keep things firm and playable across multiple courses. We try to water based on what the turf actually needs, not just what the schedule says. Our team uses moisture meters and weather data every day, but a lot of it still comes down to experience and being out there seeing how the turf is reacting. We’ll hand-water greens and hot spots when things get dry instead of just running heads across the whole course. This summer was definitely challenging with the 60 days of minimal rain. When we get stretches of dry weather, the goal shifts from “making it green” to “keeping it alive.” That approach helps us stay consistent day to day and try to reach our goals of firm, fast, and healthy without overdoing it.

 
How do you manage wear and tear on the course from high traffic, especially during peak season?

High traffic is always a challenge, especially with a busy golf season. We try to stay ahead of it by spreading out the wear by rotating hole locations, tee markers, and traffic flow patterns every day. Little adjustments like that make a big difference over time.

How do you ensure a consistent level of conditioning across the entire golf course? 

Our team works off detailed schedules so every part of the course gets the same attention and the same standards. Even with five courses on property, we use the same products, mowing heights, and cultural practices so the look and playability are consistent everywhere.

Can you provide an example of a challenging project, like a renovation, that you’ve managed and overcome obstacles during? 

Our last big project was the bunker renovation at Atunyote. We planned the work for spring and fall to have the least impact on the guest experience, but that also meant dealing with some tough weather. Cold mornings, rain delays, and short daylight hours made it a challenge to stay on schedule. In the end, it all came together really well. The new bunkers look great, play great, and are much easier to maintain — a big win for both golfers and the maintenance crew.

What is your overall vision for improving the golf course, and what steps would you take to achieve it?

Our vision is simple — to keep elevating the guest experience while making the courses more efficient to maintain long-term. We want every golfer, whether it’s their first time here or their tenth, to feel like the course is in peak condition every day. We always tell the team being a Resort we have one chance to impress.

That means focusing on the details: improving drainage, updating irrigation for better precision, refining bunker edges, and continuing to invest in new technology and equipment. Small upgrades across the property add up to a big difference in consistency and presentation.