ProQuip, the Preferred Weatherwear Supplier to The 2012 European Ryder Cup Team, began final preparations for the biennial match during the recent BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club.
A fitting session was organised by Captain José María Olazábal and ProQuip’s Chief Designer Richard Head, targeting the top 30 European players to size up candidates for the matches at Medinah Golf and Country Club, Chicago, Illinois, in September.
Based at European Tour Headquarters, players were brought in one-by-one by Player Relations Director Jamie Spence to be personally fitted for tailored weatherwear, while Olazábal himself was measured up for his Captain’s rain suit.
Richard Head is confident that the exclusively developed, lightweight fabric used in the suit – which will also feature in ProQuip’s limited edition Trophy Suit, set to be launched in September – is the best performing waterproof it has ever produced.
“While I am unable to talk about the European Team rain suit in detail, I can say that we have developed an ultra-lightweight and super-soft waterproof-breathable fabric that the players will find is almost completely silent to swing in,” said Richard Head.
“José María has exacting requirements for the Team rain suits and has been actively engaged with the design, development and fitting process. His attention to detail is impressive and he is leaving nothing to chance. Just like Wales two years ago, the weather could be a factor in Chicago. If it is, the European Team will be prepared.”
ProQuip has been Preferred Supplier to more Ryder Cup Teams – European and American – than any other weatherwear manufacturer, while Richard Head has more than 20 years’ experience designing waterproof suits for captains and players.
While most prospective Ryder Cup players were happy to be fitted for their rain suits at Wentworth, others are superstitious and prefer not to be fitted for team uniforms until their place or selection has been secured.
Either way, Captain Olazábal is confident his Team will be ready, whatever the weather: “As a player and a Vice-Captain, I have worked with ProQuip at previous Ryder Cups and know that if the weather does take a turn for the worse, I won’t have to worry about our waterproofs. We have an outstanding, lightweight rain suit that will keep the players dry and comfortable, and will enable them to play their best golf in all conditions.”
All products from ProQuip’s 2012 collection, including rain suits, windwear and technical knitwear, are now available with The Ryder Cup crest. The Trophy Suit, using the same high-performance fabric as the European Team rain suits, will be available from September, to coincide with The Ryder Cup.
ProQuip www.proquipgolf.com