Field Notes

BOURBON, MO – Imperial, the #1 headwear brand for private and resort golf facilities for seven consecutive years, as recognized by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM), is excited to announce the rebranding of its Peter Millar licensed soft goods division. The division will now operate under the name Peter Millar Licensing Co., a Division of Imperial. Under the leadership of PGA of America member Andrew Blatnik, Peter Millar Licensing Co. will continue to offer an extensive range of premium soft goods accessories, including t-shirts, belts, and key fobs, in close collaboration with Peter Millar. This rebranding initiative aims to streamline operations, strengthen product offerings, and elevate the high standards of quality and service that both Imperial and Peter Millar embody. “This partnership with Imperial allows us to create a more cohesive experience for our customers,” said Todd Martin, President of Peter Millar. “By combining the strengths of both Peter Millar and Imperial, we’re able to offer a seamless, high-quality product assortment that reflects the craftsmanship and values of both brands.” As part of this rebranding, Imperial will continue to manage, fulfill, and invoice all orders directly through its dedicated sales and customer service teams, ensuring a seamless experience for customers. For more information or inquiries about Peter Millar Licensing Co., please reach out to Andrew Blatnik at ablatnik@imperial1916.com. About Peter Millar Peter Millar LLC, a division of Richemont S.A., is a leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium apparel and accessories. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, the brand has grown through the years by continuously striving to channel timeless design and upgrade it with signature innovations. The brand's offerings now include luxury performance sportswear, active and golf apparel, sophisticated classics, and casually refined tailored expressions. The company’s brand names include Peter Millar, Crown, Crown Crafted, Crown Sport and Peter Millar Womenswear. About ImperialImperial is a consumer apparel brand founded in 1916, offering design, marketing, manufacturing, and distribution capabilities. The company sells products in markets including direct-to-consumer, golf, corporate, and supply chain channels. Imperial serves prestigious events such as the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Open Championship, Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, and Solheim Cup, and maintains licensing relationships with global brands like Nike, Peter Millar, Tommy Hilfiger, Vans, and Adidas. Imperial’s products are found in over 75% of the Top 400 golf courses and all of the Top 100 golf courses in the United States. Imperial also funds the Imperial Foundation, which supports the growth of sports—particularly golf—and promotes the overall well-being of the communities it serves. For more information, please visit Imperial1916.com. Follow Imperial on Instagram at @ImperialHats and Peter Millar Licensing Co. @petermillarlicensingco.

Imperial will be the Official Hat Supplier of the U.S. Solheim Cup Team. For the second consecutive year, Imperial and its team of designers worked with U.S. Team Captain Stacy Lewis to create custom headwear inspired by the patriotism of the Solheim Cup.   “We worked with the team at Imperial for the last two years on the design of custom hats that fit the look we wanted for the U.S. Team,” said U.S. Solheim Cup Team Captain Stacy Lewis. “We appreciate their support to help the U.S. Team look and feel great.” “Imperial is honored to be the Official Hat Supplier for this renowned event,” says David Shaffer, President of Imperial. “We’re proud to support women’s golf and we’re looking forward to outfitting Team USA for this competition.” In June, Imperial introduced the 2025 collection, featuring new headwear, apparel and embellishment techniques. This collection marks a bold new direction in the brand’s product development featuring original styling and fabrics.  Imperial’s unique fabric techniques and embellishments partnered with a robust collection of colorways and patterns drives this year’s stunning collection. Fans can purchase limited-edition Solheim Cup hats here. About the Solheim Cup The Solheim Cup combines the tradition and prestige of the game of golf with passion for one’s country and continent. This biennial international match-play competition features the best U.S. players from the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour and the best European players from the Ladies European Tour (LET). The Solheim Cup is named in honor of Karsten and Louise Solheim and family, the founders of Karsten Manufacturing Corporation, which makes PING golf equipment. In 1990, the Solheim family, in conjunction with the LPGA and the LET, developed the concept and became the title sponsor for the Solheim Cup. Today, the Global Partners of the Solheim Cup are PING, Hilton, Skyscanner, Virginia Tourism Corporation and Rolex. Held every two years, the event has grown into the most prestigious international women’s professional golf team event. The 2024 Solheim Cup will be held Sept. 13-15 at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia. The U.S. Team leads Team Europe, 10-7-1, all-time in Solheim Cup competition. For more information, visit www.solheimcup.com.

Imperial announced today golf industry veteran David Shaffer as its new President. In his new role, Shaffer will manage Imperial’s Golf, Corporate, Destination & Leisure, Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) and Licensing businesses. “I am excited for my new position and the future of Imperial,” said Shaffer. “Leading the Imperial brand and our team is an honor. I’m looking forward to developing our business, great products and strong partnerships for years to come.” Shaffer has been with Imperial for more than 13 years. He has held various positions at the Company, including Director of Marketing, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, and most recently Senior Vice President of Sales. Shaffer also played a major role in the sale of Imperial to CPC in 2021, the acquisition of JT Spencer in 2022, establishing the Imperial Foundation in 2023, and the acquisition of Pukka in 2024. “David is a dynamic executive with a strong track record of building the Imperial brand,” said Todd Johnson, CEO of Imperial. “He embodies all the qualities and characteristics we look for in a leader, as well as the Imperial brand. I have no doubt David will continue to grow our brand, while delivering value to our customers and positively impact the communities we serve.” David Shaffer is a graduate of Northwestern University, with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and a Master of Science in Marketing. He was also a NCAA Division I Scholarship Athlete on the Men’s Varsity Golf Team at Northwestern. Shaffer resides in Charlotte, North Carolina with his wife Amy and three daughters: Addison, Hadley and Reid.

Imperial is excited to welcome Andrew to the team. His extensive experience in growing revenue and strategic planning in the green grass sector will be invaluable as he leads the Peter Millar business. David Shaffer, President of Imperial. Andrew comes to Imperial from Oak Hill Country Club, where he served as the PGA Director of Retail Operations. His previous experience also includes roles at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club and Wannamoisett Country Club. Andrew holds dual Bachelors degrees in Hospitality/PGA Golf Management and Finance from Florida State University and is a member of the Professional Golf Association of America and the Association of Golf Merchandisers. Andrew is relocating to Scottsdale, AZ where he can enjoy his hobbies including golf, hiking, fitness and travel.