Carnoustie Sportswear

I recently received some golf apparel from Carnoustie; they asked me to look it over and write down what I thought about it. Here goes.

Let's start with a little history of the company as they are a new brand to me. Turns out they've been around for over 20 years and are located in Irvine, CA, far removed from the Scottish town that sits at the mouth of the Barry Burn on the North Sea.

Carnoustie makes really high quality golf apparel for both men and women. Although it's a little late in the season, I received some of their Fall 2015 apparel to review. And, living in Florida, now is the time I start wearing long sleeves - for about a week.

Carnoustie is all about quality, it's what sets them apart from their competition according to their CEO, Marshall Mancilas. During the good times and the bad, their sources have never changed, regardless of the costs; this has allowed their quality to continue and remain consistent.

Another thing that sets them apart is the ease they offer the consumer of putting together a well-coordinated outfit. In fact, multiple pieces (tops/bottoms) can be put together and offer style unmatched by the competition.

Most men and women will find that Carnoustie offers a more "athletic" fit - their 100% cotton garments are less baggy but nothing that pinches and binds. They have recently entered the age of "technical" fabrics - that special blend of polyester and Spandex that provides UV protection, moisture-wicking and keeps you smelling just good enough that your wife will let you in the door when you get home.

The Performance Polo I received is a work of art. The pointed self-collar holds its shape through myriads of washes and the double stitching around the arms and 3-button placket insure the garment's durability. As advertised, it is not baggy in the least and I seem to smell fresher, although I had to use the back door. But that's not the shirt's fault.

The other day, the temperature dipped down into the 50's and I had the opportunity to wear the Cotton Suede Pullover Carnoustie sent me - talk about a good looking garment. The look and feel of this pullover make it hard to believe that it's 100% cotton - it feels as soft as cashmere. The meticulous double stitching around the zipper and collar shows that Carnoustie's employees take pride in the finished product they produce. The collar is a contrasting color on the inside which adds a nice touch when it is folded over and unzipped. The outerwear was a little baggier which is what I want when playing in colder weather of 50°or so. Plus, it makes it easy to get off when the thermometer hits 65.

All in all, I am quite impressed with my introduction to Carnoustie Sportswear. These are the garment you are more likely to find in the pro shops of private country clubs and high-end resorts. Their pricing however does not reflect it - $80 for the polo and $150 for the pullover is at the low end of the price spectrum of luxury golf wear. And believe me, Carnoustie fits the bill. And The Golfin' Guy!

For more information on Carnoustie Golf Apparel, where you can find it near you or to purchase it on their site, visit www.carnoustiesportswear.com.