Field Notes

Mar 28, 2023
Imperial Announces Golf Retirement Plus™ Incentives
The “#1 headwear brand in the combined on and off course retail golf channels in 2022” as reported by Golf Datatech, is proud to announce its Golf Retirement Plus™ incentive program in conjunction with the PGA™ of America.
On behalf of our 28,000 PGA Professionals we thank Imperial for their dedication to the green grass business and their support of the PGA's Golf Retirement Plus program. Imperial's offerings in the program continue to provide substantive annual royalties for our PGA Professionals who benefit greatly from their participation. We are pleased that Imperial will continue to support GRP.
Dan Baker, Senior Director, Industry Partnerships, PGA of America.
The Golf Retirement Plus™ program is managed by PGA Golf Enterprises, Inc. and allows its members and associates who are enrolled in the program to save for a secure retirement. Imperial Headwear has an established incentives program through Golf Retirement Plus™, and now offers a convenient online application form for those who wish to register: https://imperial1916.com/pages/pgagrp/
All members or associates of the PGA of America in good standing are immediately eligible to enroll and participate in the program. GRP offers a variety of fund that span the investment spectrum so Members can build and investment mix that suits individual circumstances. Golf Facility owner/operators that allow PGA Professional employees to participate in the partner programs provide a great way to attract, reward and retain employees.
Through the Imperial x PGA Golf Retirement Plus™ Program, participants have the opportunity to earn a 3% contribution to their GRP account on all eligible sales when $1,000 of Imperial products are purchased annually.
Imperial is deeply dedicated to the game of golf and supporting all who maintain the health of our great sport. We recognize that PGA professionals play an imperative role in this process every day and we strive to provide them with the best product and service possible. We’re honored to participate in a program that provides PGA members the opportunity for a secure retirement.
David Shaffer, Senior Vice President of Sales at Imperial
Read More

Mar 20, 2023
Get in the Zone with Imperial’s 2023 U.S. Open Golf Hats
The U.S. Open is right around the corner, and luckily, the Imperial team comes prepared with a host of fun, exciting, and eye-catching U.S. Open hats, visors, and other gear to get you ready for tee-off.
This year, the Imperial team again collaborated on a fun and funky new design to adorn hats, visors, and even t-shirts and posters, thanks to famous artist Lee Wybranski. There’s a lot in the works for the U.S. Open and Imperial in 2023, and we’re excited to see you at LACC!
Preparing for the 2023 U.S. Open
The 123rd U.S. Open is a major championship stop on the PGA Tour. Players and fans alike will convene June 15th through 18th on the North Course of Los Angeles Country Club, located, of course, in L.A.
This tournament is a fan favorite on the schedule, and it’s one of ours as well. That’s why we’ve designed 2023 U.S. Open golf hats to help players and fans alike watch and play in style.
This year, we have dozens of options to choose from including bucket hats, visors, t-shirts, trucker hats, and more. Get some inspiration from the different styles below and get a sneak peek of the U.S. Open t-shirts and hats that’ll be onsite at LACC.
Shop 2023 U.S. Open Golf Hats
Play With Fun Patterns on Your Golf Hats
Make a statement at this year’s U.S. Open with a bright, colorfully-patterned rope cap. The checkerboard pattern stands out from the crowd, mimicking the high-energy, fast-paced nature of a tried and true race flag.
This style comes in a variety of colors, giving you the option to customize your Imperial hat for the U.S. Open with ease and satisfaction.
This cap is a fun, eye-catching option to show your passion and let your style shine while watching from the sidelines.
Shop the LACC Square One Rope Hat
Go With an Edgy, Distressed U.S. Open Look
This washed cotton rope hat offers an effortless charm that can’t be beat. There’s a laid-back vibe to the cap that makes it an easy choice for casual fans watching from a local sports bar or even their own couch.
Comfortable, durable, and lightweight, this is a great U.S. Open cap to wear to show off your love for the tournament with comfort and coolness.
Shop the USO Washed Cotton Rope Hat
Keep it Classic With a Tour Visor®
Match the rich shades of the green with this U.S. Open visor. Imperial’s Tour Visor® is a classic option, one that’s commonplace on and off the course. It’s a timeless option for the true golf enthusiasts out there.
Wearers of this golf visor will fit right in during the 2023 U.S. Open.
We’re proud of the styles and designs we’ve put together for this year’s major, but we didn’t just stop there.
The U.S. Open is a special tournament, so we’ve collaborated with a man that embodies that golfing spirit and passion to bring to life a wide variety of golf gear to get you in the zone.
Shop the 2023 U.S. Open Tour Visor®
Imperial’s U.S. Open Partnership With Lee Wybranski
We’ve partnered with Lee Wybranski, a world-class artist working in the golf industry, to create a robust selection of hats, attire, and posters to bring the sport to life. His love for golf and for the art itself exudes the passion we see from the players on the green.
With the 2023 U.S. Open quickly approaching, we reached out to Wybranski to learn more about his creative process and how golf has impacted his professional and personal life.
1. How and when did you find your passion to become an artist?
Lee Wybranksi: I loved comics when I was a kid and began by drawing Spiderman and Batman.
2. How did you find your artistic niche in the golf industry, especially with golf hats and apparel?
L.W: As an artist, my first commission in golf was a drawing of Winged Foot’s famous clubhouse. That project opened a lot of doors and pretty soon I was a golf artist.
As a designer, the first Logo/Branding project was for Atlantic City CC in New Jersey and was very well received. Logos play a big role in the golf space, especially when it comes to merchandise and apparel, and at the time there were no designers who really specialized in golf, so we worked to satisfy that need.
3. What do you think art's place is in the golf world?
L.W: One of the things that makes golf great is that it has inspired a vast body of art, literature, and photography. All of these genres serve to document important moments in a game that has a very long history and is always changing.
4. What is your artistic process like?
L.W: My artistic process is fairly methodical - I have the same pre-shot routine for every project. I begin by identifying the key elements in the golf course and create a composition that showcases these elements. Once the layout is approved I start painting (which I am still trying to figure out how to do more quickly!).
5. How would you best describe your style?
L.W: My style is a mix of favorite artists and genres that are my greatest influences, and ideally it’ll evolve over time as new influences come along.
My posters generally are very influenced by the great design traditions of the 1920s and 30s – from French and Italian travel posters, to the British Rail posters and to the National Parks and WPA posters here in the U.S.
6. What is your favorite U.S. Open golf hat design?
L.W: The Original Rope Cap, without a doubt.
7. What inspired you to partner with Imperial to create custom hat designs for the U.S. Open?
L.W: Imperial is one of the greatest brands in golf, and I always try to associate with the best. Plus, I love the combination of tradition, style, and playful creativity.
Lee Wybranski Styles to Rock During the 2023 U.S. Open
This limited edition Lee Wybranski U.S. Open poster t-shirt is a staple for this year's major, displaying his iconic artistic style in the U.S. Open design to create a shirt that embodies the spirit of the championship.
The vintage poster design definitely stands out, adding a touch of creativity and fun to the week.
Shop the Lee Wybranski U.S. Open T-shirt
Design Your Own U.S. Open Hat
Want to create your own U.S. Open look? We’ve got you covered, literally.
Our handy online hat maker also offers unlimited opportunities for a customized U.S. Open hat to wear during the upcoming event.
Stay cool under the sun with a clever, customized U.S. Open bucket hat. L.A. can get warm – make sure you’re protecting your head, face and eyes with a full-coverage bucket hat.
Comfortable, durable and lightweight, our bucket hat styles are a great choice for a day outdoors. Plus, the ability to customize the style to suit your own personality makes choosing this option a no-brainer.
This year, we have two options for the U.S. Open icons – so explore a few looks and have fun with it.
Design Your U.S. Open Hat Now
Get U.S. Open-Ready With Imperial
We’re getting pumped for the 2023 U.S. Open, which is celebrating its 123rd year. In honor of this feat, we created two iconic designs that can be worn across a variety of hat styles. We’ve even partnered with legendary artist Lee Wybranski to create a poster-inspired t-shirt to truly complete the golf look.
With over a dozen designs to choose from, you should have no problem getting into the U.S. Open zone with one or a few of these pieces.
We can’t wait for tee-off, where we’ll be rocking our own gear. We hope to see you enjoying it and adding your own personal flair, too!
Read More

Mar 07, 2023
The 5 Best Pickleball Hat Designs for Your Next Match
Are you a fan of pickleball? Then you’re in the right place. Imperial is a huge fan of the fun-loving game, and we’ve crafted a wide selection of pickleball hats to wear the next time you hit the court.
For those who might not know, pickleball is a sport that combines many elements from tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It’s played on a court similar to tennis, using lightweight balls and smaller paddles like badminton and ping pong. It’s a sport that has grown tremendously in popularity in recent years, due in part to how fun and easy the game is to play.
People also love pickleball thanks to the relaxed, fun, and cool vibes the game gives off.
Pickleball has its own personality, and here at Imperial, we’ve crafted a line of hats and visors to emulate these laid-back vibes. But with so many options, it can be hard to decide which cap is the best for your next match.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite pickleball caps to make it easier to find the one that’s right for you.
Fun Pickleball Hats to Wear All Year Long
Whether you’re getting ready to play a game or you’re getting ready to brunch, there’s a pickleball hat for you that oozes “good vibes only.”
This pickleball performance cap is a great option for those ready to hit the ground running with a hat that’s sporty, comfortable, and durable. And who doesn’t love that funky pickle design? You know that was a winning swing.
This style and icon is definitely one of our favorites. It’s cute, clever, and classy, making an obvious statement when you make it out to play. And even if you’re not wearing it on the court, it’s fun and minimalist enough to still show off your own funky style – and your love for the game, even if that love means watching from the sidelines with a nice, cold drink.
2. The Pickle Dome is Waiting for You
Are you ready to enter the pickle dome? Then this performance visor is the best pickleball hat option for you.
This pickleball visor is comfortable, cool, and cleverly crafted with a fun and funky pickleball-inspired patch. And it lets everyone around you know that you’re ready to play.
Visors are a great option on the court. They can help you keep the sun out of your eyes without covering your entire head, which can lead to some extra sweating that gets in the way of a good game. We definitely think this is one of the best visors for pickleball players because it's stylish, eye-catching, and performance-boosting all around.
3. Let Your Ponytail (And Pickleball Paddle) Fly Free
Another great performance hat, this ladies pickleball hat with a cute paddle icon is great to get your sweat on. It even features an opening in the back that’s perfect for letting your ponytail flow freely.
This sport-focused design is optimal for high performance. The moisture-wicking material, open back and breathable fabric make it an excellent option for picklers that know they’re ready to take their next game seriously.
The icon itself is simple, elegant, and classy, and it offers a subtle nod to your passions.
4. Watch Your Pickleball Soar Over the Net
This stylish, perforated pickleball cap is a great, edgy option for picklers who want to look cool out on the court and show off how much of a force they are to be reckoned with.
Enjoy lightweight, breathable fabric, a structured profile, and a cool perforated pattern. All of these features combine to make a game-worthy cap that will wow your teammates and your opponents.
This hat, paired with a fun, colorful pickleball design with wings, highlights just how high and far you’ll let your pickleball soar as you dive into your next match.
5. Show Off Your Pickleball Prowess
Are you a paddle master? Then this sporty pickleball cap is the perfect option for you.
Offering optimal breathability thanks to its perforated knit backing, this lightweight pickleball cap is the perfect way to tell your opponents that they better get ready for a match they’ll never forget. This eye-catching orange design is definitely hard to miss.
This modern, edgy, and outspoken hat definitely means business – and that’s why it easily makes our list of top pickleball hat favorites.
Craft Your Own Funky Pickleball Hat
Did you know that with Imperial, you can also create your own, customized pickleball hats? In fact, you can craft a hat that represents a number of fun activities and interests. We have a unique collection of icons, designs, and images to help you stand out from the crowd.
With our custom hat maker, you can take any of our hat styles – from a Tour Visor® to a rope hat and even a bucket hat – and make it your own. We offer patches, embroidery, and more to make sure that the hat you want is the hat you get.
We all know that Pickleball is a fast-paced, fun-loving sport, so your style should match that energy. Choose from a variety of styles, colors, and designs to show your love for the game, or just show off your playful personality. We have a variety of collections that highlight individual interests, like our Canine Collection, our Refreshments Collection, and even our Imperial Mascots Collection.
Whatever you’re interested in, Imperial is sure to have a design that matches your style. Have some fun and play around with our online hat tool today to bring an entirely new design to life. You can even upload your own designs to one of our hats.
Find the Best Pickleball Hats and Visors With Imperial
Here at Imperial, we know how to have fun. That’s why we’ve created a number of different hat styles and collections to let your true personality shine – whether you’re on the golf course, on the pickleball court, or hanging out with friends on the beach.
Our hats are durable, comfortable, and fun, providing you with the support you need to achieve whatever your goal is that day.
Are you looking to lounge in the sun? Try a customized bucket hat. Are you getting ready to engage in a pickleball match? We have a number of performance caps that’ll keep the sun out of your eyes and the sweat off of your face.
There’s no shortage of hats and visors to choose from.
Hopefully, this list of creative pickleball hats has inspired the pickler in you to get out your paddle and start swinging. We can’t wait to see you on the court.
Shop the Pickleball Collection
Read More

Mar 02, 2023
Bucket Hats Take Style to a Whole New Level
If you’re looking to have fun in the sun, enjoy a nice warm day on the water or just look cool, a bucket hat is a great option to do so. These comfortable, easy-wearing hats keep the sun rays out of your eyes and add effortlessness to your persona that’s hard to miss.
But when were bucket hats actually invented? What makes a bucket hat a bucket hat? And why have they grown in popularity as much as they have? Even more so – how can they look so cool?
Let’s dive into the history of bucket hats and learn how to incorporate this lackadaisical accessory into your next outfit.
What is a Bucket Hat?
Bucket hats are simple, sun-protection accessories that have a wide brim going all around the hat. In many cases, this hat is created with heavy-duty material to withstand the elements. Many people use bucket hats during intense activity – when out golfing, fishing, or doing any other outdoor sport.
Bucket hats were initially intended to keep the sun and sweat out of the eyes during prolonged periods outdoors. Of course, bucket hats have certainly evolved since this first iteration, and have made their way from fishing boats to New York Fashion Week.
Read More