Englishman to showcase re-launched Sportsman line at Pinehurst No. 2
(LEICESTER, England) – Wolsey – one of the world’s oldest existing clothing brands and a pioneer of premium men’s apparel for sporting endeavors – announces that Tom Lewis will compete in its Sportsman line during the 2014 U.S. Open Championship, June 12-15 at Pinehurst No. 2.
Displaying the distinctive Wolsey fox logo on his left chest, the 23-year-old English star punched his ticket to America on May 26 via the international sectional qualifier at Walton Heath Golf Club. Playing in steady rain that saw him don Wolsey’s vaunted knitwear, among other pieces, Lewis sank a 30-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole to claim his spot in the championship field.
“We’re hoping for warm weather during U.S. Open week so Tom can really showcase our performance polos,” says Wayne Webster, Wolsey’s Golf Sales Director. “While his career is just getting started, Tom certainly has the talent to hoist the U.S. Open Trophy like Tony Jacklin did during the era he proudly represented Wolsey.”
One of the brightest young lights in British golf, Lewis turned pro in late 2011. He promptly won the European Tour’s Portugal Masters and went on to be crowned Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year. That came after a highly successful amateur career which included wins at the Boys Amateur Championship, St. Andrews Links Trophy and as a member of the GB&I Walker Cup team. Lewis also shot a first-round 65 to earn a share of the lead at the 2011 Open Championship and ultimately captured the Silver medal as that year’s low amateur.
Recently re-launched, Wolsey Sportsman will premiere for Autumn/Winter 2014. It uses traditional British menswear colors in a clean and subtle manner. These combine with minimal and strong textual patterns to create a “less-is-more” aesthetic.
Featuring a fit that is more middle ground than slim, the collection includes breathable, waterproof and multi-layered outerwear, along with performance polo’s, base layers, knitwear and pants. Many pieces rely on Invista THERMOCOOL technology that dual regulates body temperature to ensure the sportswear is “fit for purpose.”
In addition to Lewis, Wolsey Ambassadors include European Tour players Robert Rock and James Heath, famed designer Johan Lindeberg and noted polar explorer Alex Hibbert.
For more information: www.Wolsey.com.
About Wolsey
Founded in 1755 in Leicester, England, Wolsey is one of the world’s oldest existing clothing companies. Its rich and storied heritage includes unrivalled success producing premium men’s apparel for a wide range of sporting endeavors.
During the 19th century, Wolsey quickly established itself as Britain’s premium manufacturer of finest quality hosiery and a champion of knitwear innovation, opening one of the first steam powered factories in 1859.
Wolsey’s global reputation as an outfitter for pioneering men was sealed in 1911 when its breathable thermal underwear was selected and publicly endorsed by Captain Robert Falcon Scott for his historic race to the South Pole. Eight years later Wolsey also supplied undergarments for Sir Ernest Shackleton and his team’s expedition to Murmansk. For the British and Allied troops, Wolsey produced more than 18 million pieces of knitwear during World War I.
In the 1920s – an era of flamboyance – outdoor activities such as golf, tennis and swimming were extremely popular and Wolsey became a leading maker of garments for these pursuits. Notably, the company devoted a special production line for the manufacture of golf apparel, which was successfully marketed under the “Sportsman” name using a “Fox” motif as the brand logo.
From mid-century through the 1970s, Wolsey was particularly recognized for its golf range. Endorsers included renowned champions Tony Jacklin, Peter Allis, David Feherty, Fuzzy Zoeller and Roger Davis. Wolsey collections were also selected by numerous sporting organizations and teams, including Aston Villa, the FA CUP Final, the West Indies, England and New Zealand.
With its historic track record, in 1935 Wolsey was appointed a Royal Warrant as Hosiery Manufacturers to his Majesty King George V, an honor still held with today’s monarchy.
Contact:
David Griffith
Buffalo Communications
703.891.3391
Dgriffith@buffalocommunications.com
www.buffalocommunications.com
@buffalocomm
