Bobby Jones Golf Appoints a New President

Bobby Jones, the golf apparel division of Hartmarx, has a new president, John Kirwan, a former Polo Ralph Lauren executive, the company announced this week.

Hartmarx, which also owns the licensed Jack Nicklaus brand and makes suits for President Barack Obama, was sold to Emerisque Brands of Britain and its Indian partner S. Kumars Nationwide Limited in August, after filing for Chapter 11 bankrupcy protection earlier in the year. Kirwan was appointed by another former Ralph Lauren executive, Doug Williams, who was named chief executive officer of HMX, the new name of the parent company, in September.

The Bobby Jones brand, which is wholly owned by HMX, is known for its luxury fabrics, traditional look, and attention to authentic golf details.  It has not been a happy period for upscale golf brands.

The retail sector is pretty difficult whether green grass or off course," Kirwan said, referring to the various shops that sell the clothes. He added that his main goal was to get the Bobby Jones on a course of growth after the nearly yearlong uncertainties caused by the parent company’s bankruptcy. -- Woody Hochswender, Contributing Style Editor, GOLF Magazine 

(Photo provided by Bobby Jones Golf)

Nike Golfers Celebrate Kickoff of College Football Season

College football fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the season this weekend, and golfers are no exception, especially those who went to schools with rich football traditions.

On Saturday, during the second round of the Deutsche Bank Championship at TPC Boston, several of Nike's top staff players will wear outfits that show their true school colors. They include Tiger Woods (Stanford), Anthony Kim (Oklahoma), Stewart Cink (Georgia Tech), Lucas Glover (Clemson), Carl Pettersson (North Carolina State), Justin Leonard (Texas) and Paul Casey (Arizona State).

John Daly Making More Fashion Statements in Italy

While most of the game's top players are at TPC Sawgrass this week, competing in The Players, the BMW Italian Open is being played in Turin, Italy. John Daly says he is losing five pounds a week and has now lost 60 pounds total.

And once again, he is wearing some, uh, how can I saw this nicely ... unique trousers from Loud Mouth Golf. Daly shot a pair of 69s, so we can look forward to more lovely offerings this weekend.

Friday's Second Round (below):

Thursday's Opening Round:

Wednesday's Pro-Am:

Stay in the know by following David Dusek on Twitter.

(Photos by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Jackets that are British Open tested

SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND -- Don't think of a rain jacket as a fashion statement. As the pros who braved the elements Thursday at Birkdale will attest, good foul weather gear is serious equipment and worth investing in. Here are a few things to think about:

1. Waterproof vs. Water resistant
When you get a waterproof jacket it should keep you dry in a steady rain and not allow any water to leak through. The zippers have flaps or seals that prevent water from seeping inside, and the seams inside the jacket will often be sealed as well. What you might be sacrificing is some breathability.

A water resistant top will usually be more breathable, but if you get caught in a long, steady rain you'll get wet. If you are playing in a light drizzle or a light rain, you'll stay fairly dry. On a hot summer day, a water resistant top will help you avoid feeling like a steamed clam.

2. Warranties
If you are looking to invest in a waterproof jacket, look for one that has a warranty. Many, including the tops listed below, promise to keep you dry with normal use for at least two years.

3. Wind resistance
Waterproof jackets should be windproof too, but many water resistant jackets are windproof these days as well. On a chilly day, having a layer that blocks the wind will make you feel a lot warmer.
Here are four rain tops that will keep you dry and comfortable for years to come:

Adidas ClimaProof Storm Full Zip ($240) Waterproof, seam sealed, two-way mechanical stretch with four-way stretch inserts, an internal drawcord, and two-year waterproof warranty. Right on Mike Weir (Photo by Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images)
DryJoys Rainshirt ($180) Waterproof, stretch panels, seam sealed, adjustable waterproof cuffs and front zipper, scorecard pocket and two-year waterproof warranty.  Right on Scott Verplank. (Photo by Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images)
Nike StormFit Elite 1/2 Zip ($250) Waterproof, Velcro adjustable cuffs, sealed front zipper, limited lifetime guarantee. Right on K.J. Choi (Photo by Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images)
Polo RLX Elude Jacket ($395) Waterproof, seam sealed, full stretch, Vercro adjustable cuffs, two-way front zipper, hidden vents under the arms, back collar and yoke, scorecard pocket. Right on Tom Watson (Photo by Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images)

No. 1's new clothes

SAN DIEGO — For all you Tiger fans out there, Nike says that these are the shirts that Tiger Woods will wear later this week at Torrey Pines.

                                               

Thursday: Nike Dri-Fit Dispersed Stripe Polo - Pacific Blue	Friday: Nike Dri-Fit Ministripe Polo - Green Been
Saturday: Nike Dri-Fit Dropstripe Polo - Purple Frost	Sunday: Nike Dri-Fit Drop Needle Polo - Carmine

Photos provided by Nike

** After reading the comment by Pete Carter on Sunday, GOLF.com contacted a representative of Nike Golf. Here is what that person said regarding the availability of the clothes Tiger wears.

"We sell all the shirts that Tiger wears in competition. All the shirts he wears are from the current apparel line. Once there is a new season, Tiger wears the new season's shirts. He does not wear the shirts until they are available at retail and has never worn a shirt in competition that you can't buy at a retailer. Golf Galaxy and Golfsmith each carry the Nike Golf Tiger Woods collection which is the collection all of Tiger's shirts are from."

PGA Show: Damon helps out at the PUMA booth

Yankees centerfielder Johnny Damon, below right, was on hand Thursday in the PUMA booth to greet fans and help support the launch of the company's newest golf shoe, the Swing GTX. 

Instead of spikes, the Swing GTX has 38 molded "quills" that are strategically placed to provide traction. According to the company, the shoes are easier on greens but still provide a very solid grip during full swings.

Damon did not model the shoes, but he played his role as spokesman perfectly, sipping a beer and chatting up visitors while decked out in PUMA gear.

PGA Show: IZOD puts the Coconut in the line

Polyester, nylon, spandex and… coconut? The IZOD Carbon uses technology created by Cocona Fabrics, which uses activated carbon from coconut shells to create fibers and yarns. According to the manufacturers, this lightweight natural fabric is "green," provides UV protection and has an anti-bacterial finish. It is also static and odor resistant, and features a vent technology that allows the shirt to breathe and dry quickly.

The IZOD Carbon line features shirts, skirts, pants and outerwear, and is available for both men and women.