GOLF DIGEST fashion writer Marty Hackel reviews several golfers' outfits for this week's U.S. Open, and notes defending champ Justin Rose tomorrow will wear a "limited-edition Ashworth shirt commemorating his win" at last year's Open. The four shirts Rose will wear during the event "speak to what Ashworth is all about." Hackel: "Classic, no tricks, no frills." Billy Horschel made headlines for his Ralph Lauren octopus pants during last year's final round, but has "actually gone pretty conservative" for this year's final round with horizontal stripes. However, his outfits "still show a ton of style." Meanwhile, Hackel likes three of Dustin Johnson's four adidas outfits, but he is disappointed the apparel company "didn't stick with blue on Saturday" (GOLF DIGEST STIX, 6/11 issue).
DAY MAN: Spend management solutions firm Concur has signed golfer Jason Day to a multiyear sponsorship beginning this week at the U.S. Open at Pinehurst. The Concur logo will be displayed on Day's shirt, and the agreement also will include partner and community engagement initiatives (Concur). Day's "other endorsement deals include Lexus on the sleeve, NetJets on the collar, and TaylorMade on the hat." He also has an adidas apparel deal (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 6/9 issue).
LOCAL FLAVOR: In Raleigh, Corinne Jurney reports three North Carolina-based companies -- Devant Sports Towels, Peter Millar and Stitch -- will be "selling licensed souvenirs, golf equipment and clothes this week" at Pinehurst. Stitch, which is at the U.S. Open for the second straight year, makes "customizable head and putter covers." It will have the only covers on sale "in the Open merchandise pavilion." Peter Millar will sell its "women's line, which includes yoga pants," for the first time in addition to men's "performance boxer shorts" and golf shirts (Raleigh NEWS & OBSERVER, 6/11).
GOING GLOBAL: Perry Ellis Int'l has signed a licensing agreement with Creas Fashions granting the company rights under the Ben Hogan brand in South Korea for men's and women's golf apparel, hosiery and golf accessories. Creas will distribute product throughout the country in department stores, golf specialty stores and through home shopping (Perry Ellis).
