How does everyone feel about a little discourse combining geography, history, fashion, and golf? If you’re a fan of the Open Championship, we’d assume that you find that combination of topics tantalizing.  

First, let’s take an imaginary trip to the Shetland Islands, a small group of Scottish islands in the North Sea. This archipelago is closer to Norway than it is London. Just south of the main Shetland Islands sits Fair Isle, home to fewer than 100 people today. Though small in size, it’s rich in history, being the trading piece of royal families, a safe haven for shipwrecked crews, and eventually playing a vital role in the defense of the United Kingdom during World War II. 

Interestingly, Fair Isle’s most enduring legacy lies not on its shores, but on the backs of people all over the word. Though nobody seems to know exactly where the patterns came from, a certain style of knitting, aptly named Fair Isle, emerged from the island. This technique is most well-known for creating intricate patterns featuring many colors. It may well have never gained popularity, but King Edward VIII, who managed to attain iconic status without being much of a king at all, was spotted wearing it and here we are – talking about Fair Isle one hundred years later. 

So, what’s the point of all this? As we approach the 152^nd Open Championship at Royal Troon, Puma Golf is releasing a small capsule collection, inspired by this oldest of Major Championships, called (you guessed it) the Fair Isle Collection. Though this style’s roots may be centuries old, Puma has a way of melding classic and modern that just works. The Fair Isle Collection has options for both men and women, consisting of polos, outerwear, skirts, and dresses. The collection’s bright colors and unique patterns might even appeal to both traditionalists and modernists at the same, which is no small feat. 

Speaking of feat, is there room for wordplay here? Hopefully, because Puma has delivered a special edition of their popular Phantomcat Nitro shoe. Again, blending classic and contemporary, this pair of shoes come with a wingtip design, but still has the technological features like Flexspike and Nitro Foam that Puma is known for. 

Lastly, to celebrate the upcoming Open Championship, Cobra Golf has a few limited-edition goodies coming. A bright yellow bag and a set of headcovers will be available. We’re left to guess exactly what Cobra is trying to reference with the unique “mail” theme here, but we do have an idea. Some may remember a small detail, figurative and literal, about Royal Troon. 

That’s right – Royal Troon’s 8^th hole is named “Postage Stamp”. The 123 yard par 3, named for its tiny green, has long been one of the most talked about holes at Troon. It’s an inviting hole from the tee box – a simple wedge in most cases. Still, its reputation has been frightful for many hopeful Champion Golfers over the years. Cobra found a way to make a fun and playful set of accessories inspired by Postage Stamp and we expect many fans to scoop these up.  

Details

The Fair Isle Collection is available now at pumagolf.com and select retailers. 

Go to discussion…