Becky Ryan, VP of sales and marketing at Jack Nicklaus Sportswear, Discusses How the Company Continues to Evolve into a Lifestyle Collection

By Lisa Girard, PGA Magazine Apparel Editor

Jack Nicklaus Sportswear has become a popular golf apparel brand in the upper-middle price range with its updated technical fabrics, attractive lifestyle products and a unique marketing angle: the fact that each collection is named for and takes its inspiration from a Nicklaus Signature course. Becky Ryan, VP of sales and marketing, discusses trends for fall 2009 as the company continues to evolve into a lifestyle collection.

PGA Magazine: What is the most important development at Jack Nicklaus Golf for fall 2009?

Ryan: For fall 2009, we have introduced a super-100’s tropical wool-tailored trouser to complement our incredible sweater assortment. This addition to the collection is an important development as we evolve into a true golf lifestyle brand.

PGA Magazine: Do you see cotton making a comeback any time soon? Why or why not?

Ryan: More of a balance is emerging in the marketplace between performance and cotton polos. We are seeing more of an interest in cotton in the cooler months when golfers are able to pair mercerized polos with sweaters to create more of an autumnal look.

PGA Magazine: How important is color in the current marketplace?

Ryan: Color is extremely important. However, it must always be balanced with accents of navy, blue, black or white.

PGA Magazine: How about sweaters? Are they overtaking other categories in the golf shop?

Ryan: For Jack Nicklaus, sweaters are more important than outerwear and windshirts. We have become an important sweater resource for golf clubs with one of the largest selections available in the industry (over 40 SKUs). For fall 2009, all of our sweaters are crafted from a fine 100 percent Zegna Baruffa merino wool.

PGA Magazine: What is your favorite item in Jack Nicklaus Sportswear’s fall 2009 line, and why?

Ryan: Since Jack Nicklaus Sportswear is known for argyle, any fresh new takes on this pattern are always my favorite items of the season. For fall 2009, our collection features a merino wool placed argyle vest in a variety of color combinations, in addition to a merino wool half zip argyle sweater. We have also used tonal argyle patterns as a jacquard on our mercerized polo shirts. Our v-neck argyle heritage sweater from the 1978 British Open continues to be a popular item season after season. We offer this style in a new black, white and grey color way for fall.