The PGA of America this morning named Ralph Lauren an official partner and outfitter of the organization through '20. The licensing agreement designates Ralph Lauren as the official partner and official outfitter of the PGA Championship, the official outfitter of Ryder Cups conducted in the U.S. during that period, and the official outfitter of every U.S. Ryder Cup team through '20. Ralph Lauren in January announced that it will outfit the U.S. during this year's Ryder Cup (PGA of America). USA TODAY notes polos in "white and navy will feature a band of 12 stars at the shoulder to represent the importance of each team member," while the "United We Stand" are "embroidered into the shirts" (USATODAY.com, 9/3). GOLF DIGEST's Marty Hackel said the Friday outfit is "very conservative" and is a "good choice for the first day because it won't draw a lot of attention." The Saturday outfit is "by far the best of the lot," as the green and navy tartan pants are "really going to work really well in Scotland." The crowd "will love" the red pants the U.S. will wear Sunday, and the "red accent on the left sleeve makes the whole outfit look very modern." Hackel: "The big bold stripes and bright colors are going to look fabulous on television" (GOLFDIGEST.com, 9/3). PGA of America CEO Pete Bevacqua said, "It’s such a wonderful, classic design, but yet progressive, forward-thinking performance wear." He said the feedback from the players so far has been "terrific." Bevacqua: "What’s been such a pleasure is watching Captain (Tom) Watson work with the Ralph Lauren team … and to see his ideas and his vision come to life and the process that’s gone on really for the better part of a year. It’s been fun to sit back and to watch it, to see where the uniforms have come, just beautiful and practical." The uniforms for the first time will be available for public purchase ("Morning Drive," Golf Channel, 9/3).
