Today's Highlights

• Dressing up for golf
• An "Ah-ha" Moment
• Hi-Tec delivers earth-friendly golf shoe

NEWS

Sun Mountain improves RainFlex line

Sun Mountain upgrades its lightweight, stretchable, breathable and weatherproof RainFlex line of outerwear in both style and function.

Ecco earns top supplier honor

Ecco was named Top New Supplier of 2007 by the National Golf Buyers Association during the group's annual Order Writing Conference at The Woodlands, Texas.

FEATURE

Dressing up for golf

By Janice Ferguson
GPA Correspondent

There are basically two approaches women take when choosing a golf outfit -- either they're in a very simple, dressed down athletic mood or they're feeling like something a little more classic, and feminine is a better match for today's round.

Carter Humphrey, a new high-end women's golf and resort apparel company, thinks classic and feminine is the right choice all the time.

Its line features a variety of both knit and woven styles in luxurious fabrics that have technical properties such as moisture wicking ability and UV protection, yet remain sophisticated looking and stylish.

In addition to style, Carter Humphrey makes a commitment to both fit and function with each piece.

"Fit is paramount to the Carter Humphrey brand," said Lindsey Carter, head designer and co-founder. "We've done a lot of research to develop a fit that is both comfortable and flattering to a wide variety of customers."

Pieces in the collection include stretch gabardine dresses with ball pockets and tee holder detailing, dressed up versions of the traditional polo shirt with silver buttons and lurex (a metallic yarn or thread) stripe accents. A longer, front-pleated golf skirt that hits at mid-calf has a retro 1920s look, but made in a poly/cotton blend with a little spandex to meet today's active lifestyle.

The "Onesie" is a short sleeve, front zip, belted jumper that can truly go from on course to après golf.

"One pieces are easy for golf, and women are becoming more willing to play in dresses," Carter said. "The clubs and resorts we've spoken to really like the versatility, as well as the appeal a classic, sophisticated dress has to non-golfers. Those buyers see an opportunity for a sale to any woman walking into their shops."

All of the woven fabrics come in a basic color palette of navy, khaki and white. The knits take on brighter hues of jade lime, starlight blue, orchid, patriot blue, and white. Suggested retail prices are $85-$150 for tops, and $110-$200 for dresses and bottoms.

Carter and Leigh Humphrey started Carter Humphrey in January 2007, and are based in Charlotte, N.C. In addition to being avid golfers -- and Humphrey's husband being a former pro golfer -- both young women bring fashion industry experience to their venture, having worked for Louis Vuitton, J. Crew and Saks Fifth Avenue.

"We didn't start this company on a whim," Carter said. "Every aspect and detail were very thought out, and we knew a hands-on approach was going to be instrumental to our success."

So hands-on that the knit fabric Carter Humphrey uses comes from a textile mill that is 45-minutes from their offices, and production is also located on the east coast.

"Quality control is paramount," Carter said. "If we're going to target a fashion savvy, style conscious consumer, then attention to each element of the process needs to be consistent from beginning to end."

The spring/summer 2008 collection was launched at the recent PGA Fall Expo, and will be available in select resorts, golf and country clubs, and specialty boutiques beginning in February.