Quagmire Golf founders Geoff Tait, left, and Bobby Pasternak, right.
It isn’t often that we hear of new and innovative ways golf-apparel companies one-up each other,?but this seems to be the norm for Quagmire Golf. We had a chance to catch up with Quagmire’s Geoff Tait to get the scoop on how they keep customers satisfied on the links.
Can you tell us a little bit about who you are, your role and how the Quagmire brand came to be?
My buddy Bobby Pasternak and I started Quagmire in 2006. We met as counselors at a camp that took young golfers to play some of the best courses in the U.S. Nearly all the kids were rocking clothes that they’d wear to hang with their friends, as opposed to golf brands. We saw an opportunity and stepped up with a line that’s inspired by skate, surf and street culture.
Bobby manages the sales side of our brand, and I design each collection. Our slogan is “Not Fit for the Fairway,” so I’m always looking outside the golf market for inspiration. The goal is to make clothes that are full of personality and fit with the lifestyle my friends and I lead. Basically, Quagmire is a brand for guys and ladies who enjoy golfing, but are also super-psyched to spend time at the 19th hole.
Rumor has it you’ve come out with this ultra-hip ColorFusion technology for this season’s polos. Can you tell us about it and where this idea flourished from?
I really loved the Hypercolor shirts back in the day and thought it would be an awesome fit for our 2011 collection if we could do it right. After some exploring, I was able to get my hands on some inks that change color in the heat and sun. So, I started working on some designs and before long had a bunch of ColorFusion tops for men, women and kids.
We’re really looking forward to launching the collection because it’s already generated more comments and buzz than we can believe. Everyone we show it to just goes “Wow. That’s so cool.” The reception from retailers and consumers has been so mind-blowing that we stepped up production to have the pieces available this year. We’re launching on our website for Cyber Monday (Nov. 29).
What about all the sweaty golfers and their armpit stains?
If you really are that hot, then your whole shirt will change colors, so you won’t have to worry about those pits looking hot.
What about your lifestyle line and what it entails?
Last year we introduced the yoga and collegiate pieces exclusively for corporate purchases. The collection did well and is still available for custom orders.
As for the rest of our lifestyle apparel, the number of pieces in that category expands each season. In 2011, we’re launching Quagmire Kids, a bunch of T-shirts and Quagmire Premium, which is a bit more sophisticated but still mixes well with our fun, quirky golf pieces. The fabrics really set it apart, including some really rich and soft bamboo, cotton and cashmere blends. You can not only rock these pieces on the golf course but also at the office, class or on a hot date.
Quagmire is known for its racy and controversial marketing schemes. Could you tell us a little bit about that, especially your photo shoots?
It’s just who we are. Those little details are what count and help set us apart from all the brands out there that do the same things as each other.? If an idea comes to mind and we like it, we do it, no holding back.
Hot girls wearning bikinis in the bunker? Sure, why not? Every guy wants to be surrounded by those girls.
What other exciting avenues will Quagmire take this year?
We’re totally amped about ColorFusion and Quagmire Kids. We’re also introducing some tie-dyed tops as part of the golf line along with tops featuring recycled polyester, which is cool to be able to work with. Personally, I’ve been rocking the Quagmire Premium cashmere hoodie and skinny ties all over the place.
We also have some other exciting things up our sleeves, but I don’t want to spoil the surprise.
Will we be seeing you at the PGA Merchandising Show in Orlando? If so, which booth?
We wouldn’t miss it. We have a sweet booth set up at No. 5242.?
Which touring professionals can we see sporting the brand?
Right now, Aron Price and Matt Weibring are sporting Quagmire on the PGA Tour, and Stephanie Louden is holding her own on the LPGA Tour. We also have a few players on the Nationwide, Canadian and Futures tours, including Brennan Webb, J.C. Deacon and Kristina Tucker. Not to mention Branden Grace, the newest addition to the Quagmire team on the European Tour.
Stay tuned for some big news about this in a few weeks.
What have your professionals done for the brand?
Chez Reavie winning the 2008 Canadian Open dressed entirely in Quagmire was massive for the brand. The amount of media coverage and orders it generated was crazy. A lot of buzz has also come from sports stars and celebrities outside of golf wearing Quagmire. Charles Barkley, Joe Carter, Jeremy Roenick, Joe Thornton, Devon White, the poker star Daniel Negreanu, Robbie Krieger from the Doors and so many other guys I’ve lost count.
Where can we find and purchase Quagmire?
Hundreds of shops across North America carry the line, as does the golf fashion site FairwayStyles. For an added dose of Quagmire spice, folks can also check out and purchase stuff on our website, www.quagmirestyles.com.
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