Geoff Shackelford

"Imagine a scenario in which a family goes to the neighborhood layout for a friendly game, share some laughs, and get some exercise.  The family dog trots along when junior and dad go to play on a summer evening.  Shotmaking is an art form.  Courses are constructed and maintained at reasonable costs, and fit into their native environments.  And a round can be played in 3 hours because the designs are not built to suit the power game.  Affordable, relaxing, congenial.  That was the stuff our great grandfathers tried to hand down to us."

"Golf has been de-regulated and is now paying the price.  The separation between commerce and culture has all but vanished.  It is now a manufacturer-driven power game and the numbers are stagnant.  The sport is not growing, nor has it really grown since the 1950’s."

In this book, Shackelford tells the story of how it happened.  This is an in-depth look at the issues responsible for the sentiments expressed in my initial post.   However, Shackelford delves into the evolution of equipment, the decision-making of the USGA, and some heavier topics far beyond the scope of this simple blog.

Prada golf

No, of course no actual person I've ever met would wear this on the course.  That's not the point.  This is an artistic vision from the imagination of fashion geniuses who can put together crazy things and make the resulting ensembles make sense.

It's like those concept sketches from the car makers, showing what their model might look like in a couple of years.  They never do, because the designs are impractical (usually no wheel well clearance, no ground clearance, ridiculous windshield rakes, etc.)  Likewise, you can't swing a golf club wearing a tailored jacket,  and you probably shouldn't wear floral print trousers unless you are a leading pro and/or devastatingly handsome.

This is a creative vision of what golf fashion could be (view blog).  Each piece features one or two articles in a wild modern print, with the balance of the outfit very muted and conservative.  The wild prints and this contrast say "golf" unmistakably.  The newsboy caps and cardigans give it all a retro/traditional feel.  The steel studs and other "western style shirt" details (a la Ryo Ishikawa?) give it a modern, masculine, perhaps even edgy/punk feel suitable for the younger man.  The overall effect is very balanced and sophisticated (view video).

The fact that Prada has used golf as a theme for its 2012 spring collection is another example of the roiling state of golf apparel.

night golf

"Almost golf balls" are CO2-filled for urban golf safety.  They also offer a glow-in-the-dark version for night golf in the streets, on the beach, or poaching holes at your local muni in the wee hours.

This is their sales video.  This company also offers glow-in-the-dark targets, bracelets, paint, headlamps, and everything else you need to get your swing on after the sun goes down.

Tommy Pullmyfinger

Check out this video of Keegan Bradley trying to act like he doesn't HATE being dressed like a douche.  Why aren't the clothing designers trying to figure out how the new young golfers want to look, instead of telling them they should look like preppy villains from a John Hughes film?

Those nerds are a threat to our way of life.  I say we burn the Lambda house.

Xmas urban golf - Portland

Check out Sol Neelman's blog.  How can you not love this town?