A new British lifestyle apparel collection inspired by the heritage of Tom Morris has won the Top Buyers Choice Award at the world’s biggest golf show.
The Tom Morris International collection for Autumn/Winter 2013 was debuted at the PGA Merchandising Show in Orlando.
A voting panel of top buyers attending the world’s biggest retail golf show selected Tom Morris as the best new brand and product at the show, which attracted 450 of the world’s leading apparel companies to Orlando.
The collection, which has a lifestyle feel but has been designed with Tom’s extraordinary achievements and charismatic personality in mind, proved an instant success with buyers dazzled by the design, quality, heritage and innovation of the collection.
Chairman of Tom Morris International Euan Loudon said: “We have worked tremendously hard to deliver a collection that clearly captured the imagination of everyone at the PGA Show. The debut collection marked the beginning of another wonderful chapter in the long and proud history of Tom Morris and it has truly been a launch worthy of Old Tom.
“We have clearly created a buzz with this first collection and we will, as we move forward, stay true to the legacy of Old Tom by continuing to place design, heritage, innovation and quality at the heart of everything we do.“
Working with Tom Morris International are partners TPD International, who have designed and developed iconic British brands such as Burberry Golf, Aquascutum Golf and more recently Aquascutum Golf for Bentley.
TPD International Sales Director Tim Dally said: “Winning the best new brand and collection award, as voted for by the buyers at the show, gives us a tremendous sense of satisfaction.
“We have had Tom Morris’s legacy at the forefront of our minds, his contribution to the game remains prevalent not just in Scotland but across the world. More than just a golfer, he was an innovator, an entrepreneur and above all a gentleman. We have created a unique golf lifestyle brand which reflects all of this and one which we hope Old Tom would have been proud of.”
Tom Morris Western North America Selling Agent Cameron Todd, who has worked at the world’s leading golf apparel shows for 15 years, said: “It is the most spectacular release of a new product line that I’ve seen in all my years. The reaction from people visiting us on the stand was nothing short of unbelievable; every single person was blown away.
Recognised throughout the world as the founder of the modern game, Tom Morris was not only a four time Open Champion but also one of golf’s greatest innovators; designing some of the world’s greatest courses; manufacturing the modern golf ball; and maintaining iconic links courses, most notably the Old Course at the Home of Golf, St Andrews.
The debut collection for Autumn/Winter 2013 will be available in selected retailers from July 2013. All of the woollen items in the collection are made in Scotland and a unique tartan has been created for the brand. Tom Morris is committed to embracing Scottish manufacturing in the future.
The flagship store for Tom Morris International will be Tom’s very own shop in his hometown of St Andrews which overlooks his beloved Old Course. Tom started trading from the oldest golf shop in the world in 1866.
Tom Morris Ltd is owned by St Andrews Links Trust, who in partnership with TPD International established Tom Morris International in 2012. St Andrews Links Trust run and maintain the seven courses at the Home of Golf including the world famous Old Course. www.standrews.org.uk
TPD International specialise in brand development and licensing and offer consulting services to international clients in design, sourcing and distribution for the luxury and sports market. www.tpdinternational.com