Of Golf Girls, Golf Refugees And The Perfect Golf Course

"Expectations have gotten totally out of control"

I've been a fan of Golf Refugees... and their elegant black balls... for years.

I first discovered the indie eco-golf brand several years ago and was immediately impressed by their passion for golf and their unwavering efforts to fostering a more sustainable game.

Cheeky British humor and killer design are the hallmarks of their awesomely eclectic line of products.  An unwavering commitment to carbon neutrality, organic cotton and a "greener" game are what sets them apart.  Earlier this year, as the world was celebrating Earth week, Golf Refugees submitted proposals to the governing bodies of golf to revise their Rules of Golf to incorporate "green" measures. 

As expected, the initial response from the "powers-that-be" has been... tepid.  However, encouragement has come from enlightened golfers across the globe and there's evidence that more courses are now using using recycled or reclaimed water and returning their tracks to a more natural state.

In a Facebook discussion on the topic of golf and sustainability, Golf Refugees' Peter Gourse asked for my thoughts on "the perception of the perfect golf course".  Here's what I told him.

Shop Golf Refugees Awesomeness here
The Most Awesomely Innovatice Golf Product Ever

Earth Day ShoutOut: The Awesome Golf Refugees

Happy Earth Day!

Golf... as I wrote earlier in the week... is a lot greener than most casual observers realize.  Organizations and initiatives to reduce golf’s environmental impact are multiplying... and they're creating a golf culture focused on protecting the environment and preserving the natural heritage of the game.

In fact, it's now difficult to imagine golf development of any sort that doesn't include an environmental plan and incorporate documented environmental management practices.

To that end I'm hoping to post a series of shout outs... today and throughout the weekend... to some of my favorite environmentally conscious golfers, golf courses, and golf businesses.

Dress codes don't apply to golf carts

Golf Refugees - They've been challenging golf culture convention for nearly a decade and practically invented the golfwear/urban streetwear category... a category once seen as a slightly subversive novelty, now a staple of fairway fashion.  

Golf Refugees is also the quintessential indy eco golf brand and the world's first carbon neutral organic golf wear brand.  Unafraid of feather ruffling and passionate about the game, Golf Refugees is clearly committed to producing golf apparel that's clean and green.  

Their stewardship however, is never sanctimonious, and their graphics reflect the humor inherent in a game as exacting... and addictive... as golf.   

For when you shank one into the gorse bushes.

To fully appreciate Golf Refugees' environmental commitment... and their humoristic creativity ... you must have a look at their blog.  There you'll be able to read about the extraordinary Earth Day initiative they've taken: Golf Refugees is actually submitting proposals to the the governing bodies of golf (USGA and R&A) to revised their Rules of Golf to incorporate "green" measures ... and readers can support for the proposals with comments and suggestions.  

Why not head over there now as part of your Earth Day Initiative.  

Golf Refugees - Black Balls, BinBags & Bathing Suits

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With just a passing reference to the brass monkey weather that's descended on much of the Northern Hemisphere, the fine gentlemen at Golf Refugees are presenting... bathing costumes.

Yes... swimsuits.  They've done just two designs so far, and each is quite awesome. One is based on graffiti, the kind you find on... old abandoned subway cars?  The other features symmetrical rows of Golf Refugee's distinctive black balls.  Both are one piece, classic, and the kind of suit you can swim in. While the styling is edgy and urban, the suits are infinitely wearable. How perfect is that?

Personally though, I'm not surprised.  I've been following Golf Refugees for a while now and have long admired their innovative, unapologetic, alternative approach to golf apparel and accessories.

Their binbag, in fact,  is one of the most awesome and innovative golf inventions ever.  In history.  It's an ultra-light, disposable  Sunday bag,  and it's what I'll be using... from now till the CT courses close for winter...  to carry my reduced arsenal of three woods, two irons, wedge and putter.

I love the Golf Refugees shirt designs too.  Both T-Shirts and Polo Shirts are available  in 100% organic cotton.  Check out their site, in addition to their awesome products they've got a great back story.

Right now however, I've got to admit,  those bathing costumes have me looking forward to warm weather before the winter's even begun.