Golf Course Etiquette
Cover Story
| Written by: Mary Burroughs | 9:10 PM PST - 7/13/2009 |
The ethos behind Ian Poulter Design and the IJP logo is to create high quality, unique, funky and distinctive apparel that fuses functionality with fashion, letting you reflect your own personality and style.
He was one of only seven players in 2007 to make all four cuts in the majors, finish 13th at the Masters, to have two top tens on the US Tour and win his eighth title in Japan. This is quite an achievement for someone who has fought his way up through the ranks by working as an assistant pro, to thrusting himself into one of the world's top-ranking golfers.
Ian's passion for clothing started at an early age. To feed this desire he worked at the Stevenage Market, merchandising and selling clothes, saving up his weekly earnings to purchase the latest fashion apparel. For Ian, looking good and playing well go together - “Look good, feel good, play good has always been my mantra,” states Ian.
Ian began sketching designs on letterheads and airline coasters as he toured the world, dreaming of the day he could wear his own creations. The dream is now reality, both Ian and you can wear the IJP clothing brand on and off the golf course. Ian is focused on quality and attention to detail so it will come as no surprise to learn that each garment has been tried and tested prior to production. Ian and distinctive trousers go hand-in-hand. The IJP brand philosophy is to 'lead with the legs' by designing the trousers first and then coordinating the rest of the outfit around them.
For each seasonal collection, they design and develop three unique distinctive tartans, all of which are woven in Scotland and Northern England. The Poulter Tartans are all licensed under the Scottish Tartan Authority and carry the coat of arms 'Weave Truth With Trust'. You can view all of the tartans online at: www.tartansauthority.com
Catching Ian between tournaments we were able to get this short Q&A with him:
Q: Greatest life achievement not associated with golf?
A: Definitely my kids Aimee Leigh, Luke and Lilly Mai
A: Fashion Designer. I love clothes. I obviously have to concentrate on my golf game now, but with IJP Design (I leave the majority of the designing to the designers) I love talking about the details with the designers, calling them with a new idea that I have or something I've just been inspired by while I'm traveling. I did alright at design school as well.
Q: Toughest part of your job?
A: Traveling around the world is amazing, but being away from my wife and kids so much is tough. It's also impossible to get a good cup of tea!
Q: Tell us about the hole in one on the 16th at the Masters.
A: That was an awesome moment for me, the roar from the crowd… I mean, you try and hit it as close as you can and as soon as it left the club I knew it was going to be good, but it was 25 feet from the pitch mark to the hole so you need some luck and that's obviously what it got!
Q: In 2004, you scored the winning points for your team on the Ryder Cup and then in 2008 you were the highest point scorer on either team. What is it about the Ryder Cup that makes you excel so much?
A: There are nerves and there are Ryder Cup Nerves! It's hard to describe, but the build-up and the atmosphere around the Ryder Cup is immense. I guess in 2008, given that I was there as a wild card pick I definitely went out there to prove a point. The wall of noise at the Ryder Cup just pumps you. You can't get enough. I can’t wait for next time. I just have to be on the team.
A: They chose that! I wore an Arsenal shirt during the Abu Dhabi Championship in 2006 and it got quite a lot of press - not all of it positive… so, I guess I sort of got known for it and the guys at EA Sports put it in the game.
Suppliers in California can be found on the following link: http://www.ianpoulterdesign.com/storefinder/index.asp?country=USA&area=California
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