NEW BEDFORD, Mass. – Ahead, a leading headwear innovator, today announced an expanded partnership with The Open, one of the most prestigious and historic major Championships in golf. Under the agreement, Ahead will serve as the primary Official Headwear Licensee for The Open, bringing its exceptional craftsmanship and design expertise to one of the sport’s most iconic stages.
In this partnership, Ahead headwear will be prominently featured throughout The Open event week and will also be available at The Open Shop in St Andrews, as well as at select retail locations and online. This expansive distribution ensures that fans and golfers worldwide can access Ahead’s high-quality headwear, showcasing the company’s extensive range of ornamentation techniques and innovative styling.
“We are pleased to continue our longstanding partnership with The Open on an even larger scale,” said Anne Broholm, CEO of Ahead. “This enhanced relationship allows us to bring our design-driven headwear to a global audience while celebrating the tradition, excellence, and spirit that define The Open.”
Ahead’s headwear is recognized for its thoughtful design and meticulous craftsmanship, supported by unparalleled customer service, reflecting the standard of excellence that has defined The Open for generations.
“Ahead has consistently demonstrated an exceptional commitment to quality, innovation, and service,” said Matt Tomlinson, Head of Retail at The R&A. “Their ability to deliver premium headwear at scale globally, while honouring the traditions of The Open, made them a natural choice as our primary headwear licensee.”
The partnership is facilitated through an agreement with Fanatics, strategic retail and licensing partner of The R&A, which organizes The Open each year.
“Ahead has consistently set the standard for on-site execution at major events,” said Paul Speakman, Licensing Manager, Fanatics. “Their track record of strong sell-through, supported by proven reliability at events, made them a clear choice for this licensing partnership with The Open.”
Fans can look forward to an exclusive collection of Ahead headwear that honors the championship’s rich history while delivering modern performance and style – on site, at retail, and beyond.
For more information about Ahead and its products, visit aheadweb.com.
About Ahead
Since energizing the headwear industry with its 1995 debut, Ahead has expanded into the corporate, resort, and collegiate markets. Known for innovation, creativity, and exceptional customer service, Ahead is a leading supplier of headwear to the USGA, PGA of America, PGA TOUR, and Ryder Cup. The company supports more than 5,000 accounts worldwide and was recognized as a “2025 Top 100 Business in Golf” by the National Golf Foundation.
