New Year, New Style.

I think we're all excited for the new golf season, and the fashion we're about to endure in 2012.

Best thing, we'll be looking forward to the PGA show in Orlando where we will be shopping for looks in the upcoming year and seasons!

In the meantime, enjoy our humor.

Stay tuned for our evaluation of the style that appeared at the Tournament of Champions.

So far, geat players. Fantastic start. Classy styles. 

Cheers to a New Year!

2012 PGA Season

The highly anticipated 2012 PGA season is practically here and guess what?

We have something to say about it! Weird, right?

There are several stories that we have our eye so lets get to it.

The Majors

Duh. Who isn't interested in these tournaments? The Majors this year will hopefully be as thrilling as last year and maybe even produce some more first time champs (we mean you Dustin Johnson...just avoid those pesky "bunkers" sir, and you should be fine).

The Masters at Augusta National always seems to have drama and heres to hoping that this year will be no different. Maybe Tiger should see how a back 9 charge works for him instead of his exciting front 9 one last year. Or maybe our beloved Aussie Adam Scott will continue his excellent play to claim his first career major. Or perhaps another unknown like Charl Schwartzel will make a name for himself on Alister MacKenzie's famed layout. Who knows? But it sure will be fun to watch!

The US Open is at The Olympic Club (Lake Course) in San Francisco, California. The previous US Open held here was a bit controversial, Lee Janzen won the event, but many of the other players in contention (most notably, runner up Payne Stewart and Kirk Triplett) complained about the greens being too hard and fast to putt on. Another issue with was the pin position on the 18th, it was apparently impossible to putt on. Stewart 3-putted and Triplett incurred a 2 stroke penalty because he used his putter to stop the ball from rolling off the green (real professional, Kirk...). It has since been flattened out but nonetheless, this tournament should still provide its typical drama.

The Open Championship (its proper name, but we can still call it the British) will be at Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club in northern England. This course will have a lot of great memories for many different people. This is the tournament that vaulted David Duval into the #1 World Golf Rankings spot over 10 years ago. Our fellow Minnesotan (and reigning Senior PGA Player of the Year) Tom Lehman won his only major here and Spanish great Seve Ballesteros won British Opens here in 1979 and 1988. As with all British Opens, it will be as much a test against the course and the local weather. 

The season's final major, The PGA Championship is at the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina. The most famed layout at the seaside resort that boasts 5 courses total. A little bit of trivia to impress your friends, this is the filming site for one of the greatest movies of all times, 

The Legend of Bagger Vance, how awesome is that? I bet it makes you want to watch the PGA Championship 10x more now, right? That and the idea of Keegan Bradley getting an opportunity to go back-to-back? Yeah, we are excited too.

Tiger Woods
Anyone who has read this blog knows we have been rather critical of Mr. Woods' golf game progress since his man-whore days but we really are interested in what he has got going on. We gave him kudos for winning his own tournament, that was a step in the right direction and we think that he can only go up from there this season. Tournaments he is in (especially Majors) are much more exciting to watch on TV when he is in the hunt. Tiger playing well only improves the game of golf as a whole and as much as we hate to admit it, he still can get people excited to watch golf.



Florida Tournaments
Nobody is more jacked than G&B to go watch all these guys when the PGA comes to our newly-adopted home state of Florida. Before moving, I never really paid attention to how many tournaments are actually played here. Hopefully we will be able to attend a few of these events. This is me, rubbing your nose in it. Sorry.

The Honda Classic - PGA National, Palm Beach Gardens
WGC-Cadillac - Doral, Miami
Transitions Championship - Innisbrook, Palm Harbor
Tavistock Cup - Lake Nona (though we will probably NEVER be able to get tickets)
Bay Hill Invitational - Bay Hill, Orlando
Players Championship - TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach
ADT Skills Challenge - The Breakers, Palm Beach
Franklin Templeton Shootout - Tiburon Golf Course, Naples

Repeat Performances
There were some players last season that were really impressive and we are hoping they can follow up excellent 2011 seasons with even better ones in 2012. I kind of had these guys in mind:

Adam Scott - How could he not be included? He came thisclose at Augusta, won at WGC-Bridgestone amid caddy controversy and played like the the stud and leader he is at the Presidents Cup. I really think he is poised for a major win this season, he finally looks ready to handle the pressure of a big win situation.

Bubba Watson - 2 wins last year and one of them was a playoff! Also made his debut at the President's Cup, where he had a pretty decent showing. Bubba is really fun to watch and is a real risk taker on the course. His easy-going nature is what draws people to him and has probably was part of his successful 2011 season. Bubba came really close to a major 2 years ago at Whistling Straits, losing to Martin Kaymer in a playoff. He has matured since then and has really become a force. We are expecting good things from Bubba this season.

Keegan Bradley - I feel bad for any other rookies on tour who played well, they simply had no chance at Rookie of the Year honors when this guy had such a fantastic season. Winning the HP Byron Nelson, the PGA Championship and the Franklin Templeton Shootout (with partner Brendan Steele) the 2011 season was certainly a good one for Bradley and we are looking for him to follow up his great rookie year in 2012.



That should about do it for this post, of course there are other intriguing storylines that are exciting and these are just a sampling of the ones that we have been thinking about.

What are you guys most exciting to watch during the upcoming season?

Whoa, almost forgot! Happy New Year! 

Happy Holidays!

New posts to follow in the coming days, naturally the holidays get hectic and it is no different with us. But we wanted to drop all of our wonderful followers a little line and wish you a and yours a happy holiday. We hope you are as blessed and fortunate as we are to be spending it with our loved ones.

GIFT GUIDE FOR GUYS.

so we're almost down to the single digits til the holidays are in full swing...
I dont know about you, but I certainly haven't finished my christmas shopping, let alone saved enough to buy everything for everyone... So it looks like I'll be gifting smart this year!
I was in a couple creative conversations with some gentleman that are stuck on what to get their "ladies"
The funny thing is that they didn't have a problem figuring out what to give, it was more a problem of giving the right gift from their ever so demanding wish list. Ladies, piece of advice, be grateful for whatever your man gets you. Seriously.
Are you really going to complain if your man went through all this trouble of actually getting you the michael kors camo bag and it's not the one you wanted... (sorry that was a gift my coworkers girlfriend wanted and it came to mind)
(im genuinely concerned because the girl wanted a camo bag... that's very destiny's child of you...)
 can't you atleast be grateful?
What about all those who don't have a man to share the holidays with... Just think about it.

Alright, rant done, on to the good stuff.
How to gift smart.
Ladies its our turn to give back.
For the Men (easy gifts for brothers, boyfriends, and fathers. Any man on that list.)

Quick Stocking Stuffers

(for all ages)

Chanel Allure. Tom Ford. Burberry Brit.

A variety of scents, for an array of ages.

UNDER $50

  

row 1: Jcrew mens 49. UO tee 24. Levis 58. 

row 2: UO tee 24. HugoBoss 25. UO mug 18.

row 3: Jcrew 12. UO 39. Jcrew 18.

UNDER $100

row 1: Jcrew 88. Tommy Bahama 98. Jcrew 69.

row 2: Peter Millar 95. Jcrew 98. JLindeberg 85.

row 3: Adidas 60. William Rast 95. TopMan 32.

That Special Someone. PRICELESS.

row 1: Timex 150. Hugo Boss 245. Hugo Boss 125.

row 2: Persol 225. Kicking Mules 335. JLindeberg 175.

row 3: Aquascutum 170. Victronix 595. Aquascutum 185.

A special thanks to those designers who created apparel and accessories for the modern man. Majority of these items are ageless (minus the UrbanOutfitters pieces...) Plenty of thought goes into designing pieces that are flexible and easily integrated into the customers wardrobe while creating something new and fresh! I'm excited for the new year and the new designs. Also, thanks for trendygolfer for making shopping easier for the individual who is interested in fashionable golf apparel instead of weeding through the pitiful designs that don't flatter everyone. Please enjoy this help, and let it inspire you to shop for that someone special and give them a gift that really matters!

Cinched Up: My Favorite Belts

As previously mentioned, my love for watches runs deep. They are such a fantastic and versatile accessory that can really enhance a whole outfit. And while I could go on for ages about watches, I must not forget to pay homage to another beloved accessory: the belt. 

So many options. And yet I will take the time to select only a few to feature in this post. A great belt should make a statement, but in a good way, not in a John Daly way, which of course, would be very bad. Just like watches, the belt can really add to an outfit as well. My criteria for belts are similar to what I look for in golf clothes. Make you look good on the course and still look put together when you leave the links for the day.

I thought about this post at work last night (my job affords me ample amount of time think about random stuff) and I liked the idea of writing about something I really enjoy (weird, right?). Since Griggs already covered watches, belts were the next best thing. 

Nike

Sometimes they can get a little out-of-control in the belt buckle department, but I think for the most part their simple designs are the best. Good quality leather (though I am not opposed to the colored webbing styles) and a clean, simple buckle design is what makes their belts good. They surprisingly have some great belts with a regular buckle for the more conservative crowd. But they do have some great options for white belts, which despite what some people think, can be pulled off properly even if you aren't a svelte little Englishman like Justin Rose or Paul Casey. A moderate price tag, usually between $40 and $60 they are a good-looking option for both your waist and your wallet. 

J. Lindeberg

This Swedish designer makes great belts. But his colors are not for the faint of heart. Bold uses of color combined with his iconic "JL" logo are what these belts are all about. Worn by the likes of golf star Camilo Villegas and entertainer Justin Timberlake, these belts appeal to all kinds of golfers. This is the perfect addition to that golf outfit that just needs something. A pop of color, perhaps? Done. Thanks JL. These belts made of leather and brushed steel finished buckles can run you anywhere from $65 to $80. 

Note: Camillo's rock hard body does not come with the purchase of a J. Lindeberg belt. Sorry, folks.

 Kiel James Patrick

I only recently discovered this website of fantastic New England inspired belts and accessories. And I am really glad I did, but the jury is still out if you ask my bank account. This brand is all about "creating a classic, all-American lifestyle" and I personally think that translates well into the golf course scene. Each belt is handcrafted in Rhode Island by Mr. Patrick himself out of materials from the good 'ol US of A. The quality of these belts (and their other products) is very apparent, a lot of attention to detail and a ton of hard work goes into each one...not to mention there are a ton of fun color combinations to choose from! I wear mine to the golf course all the time and the classic design makes it look great off the course as well. Starting at $88 per belt is totally worth it too, you are paying for quality here, people. 

Vineyard Vines

The belts by VV are so much fun. Known for their crazy patterns and fun colors, these whimsical designs are always a great addition to any wardrobe. Vineyard Vines also sponsors PGA Tour player Brett Quigley and LPGA Tour player Liz Janangelo. Needless to say, they aren't big in the golf game having come from a simple line of ties for men and their primarily cotton fabric polo shirts cannot compete with the bigger companies that are more focused on creating shirts out of performance fabrics. But I chose them for their belts, not polo shirts, we will save the post on that love affair for another day. I am a big fan of their cotton D-ring belts, they have the fun patterns and are pretty reasonably priced ($35) but they do have more expensive options like their Club Belts made of canvas and leather for about $50. 

As with watches, I could go on forever about my love for belts. The ones from this post in particular. Maybe another time, as new companies with great belts crop up I will revise my list. But for now, this is it. I encourage you to click on the header of each section, it will take you straight to the company website so you can experience all the golfing and belting goodness they have to offer. 

PS. I won't judge you for buying a Christmas present for yourself (we have all done it)...just as long as its a sweet belt from one of these guys. 

-B