Field Notes

Today, Imperial announced a new partnership and licensing agreement with Barstool Golf, serving as their new headwear partner in the green grass market for licensed Barstool Golf products. This innovative collaboration between Imperial and Barstool marks the first time that green grass golf facilities will have the opportunity to access the suite of Barstool Sports brands individually and also through dual-branded headwear and apparel. Outside of their local golf shops, Barstool fans and golfers can find the collection directly via Imperial’s e-commerce site. “For over a century, Imperial’s unwavering commitment to style, quality, and innovation has forged a brand that the golf world and consumers unmistakably recognize as Imperial. This partnership is an incredible opportunity to inspire and connect with a broader sport and golf audience,” said David Shaffer, Senior Vice President of Sales at Imperial. This partnership promises a dynamic fusion of Imperial's timeless quality and craftsmanship with the vibrant and energetic spirit of Barstool Sports. The result is a distinctive lifestyle headwear and apparel assortment that is set to revolutionize the golf fashion landscape.

Imperial awarded Alan Hyman ‘Salesperson of the Year’ last week at the 2024 PGA Show. I’m beyond excited to announce Alan as our salesperson of the year. He had tremendous growth in overall sales from 2022, while also expanding the customer base in his territory. We couldn’t ask for a better Imperial ambassador in the Carolinas. John Anderson, VP Sales – Golf Hyman, sales representative for the Western Carolinas territory, is entering his third year with the company and this is the first time he has been awarded this honor. His past experience as a merchandiser and buyer places him in a unique position to partner with his customers on creative ideas for new product assortments, decorations, and facility first branding. Imperial also awarded Jim Maitland, sales representative for South Florida, with the 2023 Customer Service Award for excellence in service and communication. Jim has been a steadfast representative and brand ambassador since 1978 when he joined the sales team at Imperial. Driven by a natural passion for sales and service. Jim knows each of his accounts by heart, right down to logo numbers and approvals. You can rely on Jim for supporting his accounts and daily appreciation of our inside team. Nicole King, Customer Service Manager

Imperial has once again been voted the #1 headwear in golf by The Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM). Imperial is the definitive leader across all golf facility categories – Private, Public, Resort, Off-Course – with 48% of survey respondents reporting as their best performing and selling headwear partner. The survey report was released at the 2024 PGA Show and was conducted by Golf Datatech for the first time in the association’s history. The AGM continues to establish benchmarks for operations and trends within the current golf retail space. Respondents to the survey are members of The AGM, a body that includes: golf professionals, buyers, merchandisers, club managers, owners, and other industry professionals that comprise a majority of the most successful retail operations in the United States and Canada. The AGM’s announcement of Imperial as #1 in headwear is a great honor and a testament to the work and passion of the great team we have. From pushing the boundaries of creating not only the best products in golf but also focusing on sustainability, Imperial is aiming to continue to build upon our 108 year legacy as an industry leader. Mike Wrightson, President of Imperial

Playing with Purpose After over 100 years of making America’s finest headwear and becoming the top headwear brand in the golf retail space as reported by Golf Datatech, Imperial continues to build on its commitment to the growth and vitality of sports. From this commitment comes the announcement of Imperial Foundation, a separate philanthropic organization that aims to ‘grow the game’ —especially the game of golf and those who support it—and give back to the people in the communities they serve. Imperial has pledged that their mission in this new program must promote one or more of three pillars, and must have an Imperial team member personally involved in the cause. Imperial Foundation Pillars Vitality of Sports — Supporting those who allow access, encourage instruction and provide opportunity for youth and underprivileged participation in sports. The growth and vitality of athletics is essential for the future generations to enjoy and compete in the games we love. Community — Aiming to make the communities we serve a better place for our team members to thrive. Sustainability — Making smart decisions with the best interest for our planet in mind, and leaving a meaningful legacy of making the world a better place. "Imperial Headwear has been a long time and frequent supporter of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, their support has allowed the GCSAA to fund various research, education and scholarship programs. The establishment of the Imperial Foundation will further those efforts in support of many worthy causes." Matt Brown, Director of Corporate Sales at Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Imperial believes that ‘growing the game’ is rooted in making it more accessible for all ages, genders and ethnicities and supports that through various partnerships with organizations that share in that same belief. “Imperial is a steadfast partner with National Links Trust and has demonstrated a shared belief in accessibility and sustainability in the golf space. We are excited to hear about the creation of the Imperial Foundation and its commitment to the vitality of sports, especially golf, and are eager to witness their impact on organizations like ours around the country.” Damian Cosby, PGA, Executive Director at National Links Trust For more information, please visit imperial1916.com/pages/the-imperial-foundation.