Golf Shirt Suppliers Could Help Promote Your Organisation’s Brand
The game of golf was first recognised as a sport in 1744 when the so-called “Gentleman Golfers of Leith” formed a club and initiated an annual competition, an entire decade ahead of the better-known St Andrews Society of Golfers. Given the cold Scottish climate, golfers dressed for warmth rather than ease of movement. Following the introduction of polo shirts in the 1940s, golf shirt suppliers took a further 20 years to conceive the idea of branded apparel and providing sponsorship for players.
Today, fans of the PGA majors could not fail to spot the iconic “swoosh”, the symbol of Nike or the trefoil that is the mark of Adidas, two of the sport’s foremost sponsors. Patrons, the title given to spectators at PGA events, often show their support for players by displaying the same brand.
However, while a shirt bearing the legend “Pete’s PCs” or “Sam’s Shuttle” may not arouse much interest at the US Open, they could be a lucrative marketing tool in the wearer’s hometown.
Corporate Gifting and Golf Shirt Suppliers
The practice of rulers exchanging gifts to build alliances and foster diplomatic relationships dates back for millennia and has continued to evolve. During the Middle Ages, merchants began to use gifts to establish long-term relationships and encourage loyalty with clients and business partners. Today, branded corporate gifts are among the cornerstones of marketing and client relationship management. In short, what works for Nike and Adidas can also work for Pete’s PCs.
Although branded gifts like pens, keyrings, and memory sticks can help to spread a donor’s message, such small items often go unnoticed. By contrast, a T-shirt or tog bag in a company’s colours, bearing its logo and tagline, tends to attract more widespread attention. Given the popularity of golf in the business world, a gift of polo shirts could provide the perfect opportunity for a donor company to gain far broader brand exposure while simultaneously strengthening customer relations.
That being said, the characteristics of such items are crucial to their performance for both the players and the sponsors. A garment that fades or shrinks after one or two washes or soon shows signs of wear will do little to bolster the donor organisation’s reputation. Hence, golf shirt suppliers should be chosen carefully, and all materials used to manufacture their garments should be of the best quality.
Whether practicing their swing on a driving range, sneaking a quick nine holes before brunch, or tackling the full eighteen and a late liquid lunch when joining in the company’s annual prize competition, golfers need to be comfortable and able to move freely. Most manufacturers employ cotton, polyester, or a blend of the two to meet these requirements. However, a few, like XCO Group, go the extra mile, offering new high-tech materials with advanced properties, such as the following:
- Four-Way Stretch: Most golf shirt suppliers use fabrics that stretch two ways across the grain, while others offer materials that can also stretch lengthwise. Four-way stretching optimises freedom of movement.
- Wicking: Moisture-wicking fabrics draw sweat from the skin to their surface, where it can evaporate more easily and alleviate discomfort.
- Anti-odor: A microscopically thin layer of silver nanoparticles embedded in the fabric inhibits the growth of the bacteria responsible for the unpleasant odors that often accompany sweating.
- Ultraviolet Protection: UV levels in South Africa are often dangerously high. While fibres like wool, polyester, and cotton can naturally absorb these harmful rays. By including elastic threads to pull those fibres closer together, golf shirt suppliers can create clothing with a UPF rating of up to 50+.
Little Things Count when Choosing Golf Shirts Suppliers
Attention to detail is crucial if you aim to impress your clients as well as promote your brand. For example, a simple option like embroidered rather than printed logos speaks of a company that appreciates and delivers quality. Also, personal touches like adding the wearer’s name beneath your logo on a shirt pocket cost little but help to boost user appeal and brand ownership.
It is thoughtful touches like these that have made XCO Group a leader among South Africa’s golf shirt suppliers and the company of choice to boost your brand exposure and attract new business. Contact us today.
