Field Notes

Playing golf and networking go hand-in-hand... It’s undeniable how integrated the game is with the world of business. Golf can be an invaluable tool for forging relationships with peers, clients, vendors and suppliers. For women especially, golf can contribute to their professional success through relationship-building, but also by helping them to feel more assertive and comfortable taking risks. Since the 1990’s, business executive and retired golf professiona Jane Blalock has served over 45,000 women through the KPMG Women’s PGA Clinics. Imperial recently caught up with the 27-time LPGA Tour champion in an interview detailing the inspiration behind these clinics, and her mission to make the game more approachable and accessible for female executives. Titled-sponsored by the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and implemented in partnership with the PGA of America, this nationwide series of full day Clinics is led by PGA/LPGA Certified Coaches and provides best in class fundamentals and on-course instruction to executive women, entrepreneurs, leaders and influencers in a dozen major U.S. markets annually. With Blalock at the helm and still hosting numerous Clinic sites in person, this unique program designed to advance women through the game of golf shows no signs of letting up. Imperial’s relationship with the KPMG Women’s PGA Clinics started back in 2019 when we teamed up to create a curated collection of ladies headwear bearing the Clinic’s embroidered logo. The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship Golf Clinics Collection is an assortment of small fit hats and visors for women including performance fabric, mesh back styles and visors offered in a variety of colors. and in a junior size. Designed to help you perform your best in the moment, the combination of lightweight breathable fabrics and sun protection qualities will have you focusing on your next shot instead of battling the heat. 5 Questions with Jane Blalock • Why did you start the golf clinics for women? What was/is your vision for the program? While in the financial business with Merrill Lynch after leaving LPGA, I participated in numerous golf events for networking and relationship development. Typically, I was the only woman in the mix – and these were valuable interactions. I set out to encourage women to join in , to be a part of the business and social conversations taking place on the golf course. I created the Clinic program so women could learn the game, understand the language and etiquette around it and build enough confidence to participate in company outings or invite a client to play. Today, we’re proud to see many women attending with clients and customers and using the day to foster and strengthen relationships while learning the game and improving their skills together. Our current national partners definitely see the value in engaging their female associates; many have been participating for years. • In your opinion, what is the best part of the Clinic day? Personally, I think the best part of the day is the après golf networking segment. During that final hour, after everyone has spent the day working on their games and playing out on the course with their PGA/LPGA coaches, we receive so many thank you’s andpromises to no longer remain on the sidelines when it comes to golf. It’s rewarding – and empowering – to see the shift from somewhat timid and uncertain first thing in the morning to confident and fully capable by the end of the day. It says a lot about the program, our instructors and frankly, the women who participate. You can really feel the energy at the end of the day, and it’s inspiring. • How does your career as a professional golfer influence what you share with Clinic attendees? Given all of the events and pro-am tournaments in which I played alongside the other gender for many years, I am able to convince our Clinic participants thatthey don’t have to worry about being any good , as their male counterparts are not. I’ve seen a lot of men hit poor shots and it’s no big deal – they just move on to the next one. • What should I practice most if I want to impress my co-workers and clients on the golf course? Newer players should make an effort to understand the etiquette and play efficiently, which means know how to get around the golf course, where to stand, how to behave when others are hitting and so on. Pay attention to your pace of play – don’t hold others up looking for lost balls or hitting a lot of shots on one hole. Regardless of your skill level, be gracious and respectful – it will be remembered. It’s also a good idea to save the business chatter for the 19th hole. • Why should I attend a KPMG Women’s PGA Clinic? Take it from past attendees – it’s a game changer. You can know absolutely nothing about golf and leave the day with the same level of confidence as a decent player. You can be a great player and leave the day understanding what you need to do to get even better. You might close a business deal. You will definitely make new friends. It’s about golf, of course, but what you take away from the day in terms of relationship-building and making new connections is priceless. I think a lot of people are craving in-person engagement now more than ever – golf is a safe, social, and outdoor activity you can enjoy for a lifetime. There’s no better time than now to jump start or elevate your golf game and participate in a KPMG Women’s PGA Clinic .

Imperial announced today a new partnership and e-commerce fundraising collaboration with the Carolinas Golf Association. Imperial will become an official “Partner of the Carolinas Golf Association” under the new agreement, and provide headwear for contestants in the CGA’s top competitive events in 2021, including the 107th Carolinas Amateur and the 95th Carolinas Women’s Amateur.Imperial will also be offering limited edition CGA headwear on their website – imperial1916.com – and a portion of the proceeds will be directed back to the Carolinas Golf Foundation, which supports a variety of Carolinas-based golf initiatives, including junior golf, player development, scholarships and turf grass research. “I am very excited to work with the Carolinas Golf Association to raise money for the Carolinas Golf Foundation,” said David Shaffer, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Imperial Headwear. “The CGA is run by great people, who do wonderful things for the game of golf and specifically amateur golf in the Carolinas.”The Limited Edition collection of hats offered online will include 14 styles in multiple colors with either a Carolinas Golf Association logo printed twill patch or a special military appreciation version of the CGA logo, featuring a camouflage and United States flag background. $10 from each cap sold online will go directly to the Carolinas Golf Foundation and free ground shipping is available on these hats too. Click here to view the entire collection of CGA headwear. “The CGA is looking forward to a special partnership with Imperial Headwear,” said Greg Norris, President of the Carolinas Golf Association. “They are the classic golf brand, make great products and proactively support projects that help grow the game.” About the Carolinas Golf Association (CGA) The CGA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization that was founded in 1909 to promote and to protect the game of golf in the Carolinas by providing competitions, education, support and benefits to golf clubs and golfers. The CGA is the second largest golf association in the country with over 700 member clubs represented by nearly 150,000 individuals. The CGA annually conducts 43 championships and five team match competitions for men, women, juniors, and seniors. It also runs over 140 One-Day (net and gross) events and qualifying for USGA national championships. The CGA serves golf in the Carolinas with numerous programs such as: the USGA Handicap System; tournament management software and support; course measuring and course/slope ratings; agronomy consultation; answers about the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status, and Handicapping;Carolinas Golf Magazine; Interclub series; Tarheel Youth Golf Association; Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame; expense assistance for USGA Junior and Girls' Junior qualifiers from the Carolinas; and the Carolinas Golf Foundation (CGF). The CGF has distributed more than $1,500,000 since 1977 to benefit Carolinas' golf initiatives including junior and women's programs.

This week Imperial announced Andrew Lamie’s hire as the Company’s new sales representative in the Tennessee and Kentucky territory.“Andrew is a great addition to our sales team,” said David Shaffer, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Imperial. “He has a lot of enthusiasm and passion in what he does, I can’t wait for him to dive right into our golf business in Tennessee and Kentucky.” Lamie began his journey in the golf industry at an early age. Upon completion of the PGA PGM Program at Coastal Carolina University he decided to continue his education by earning his MBA at Charleston Southern University. After graduation, Andrew began his career coordinating tournaments including the 2012 PGA Championship and Ryder Cup as well as the 2013 U.S. Women’s Championship at the Country Club of Charleston. In 2014, Andrew made the move to Chicago to serve as the Championship Director for the 2015 U.S. Amateur Championship at Olympia Fields CC. Upon completion of that event, he continued working on various PGA, LPGA, and Web.com Tour events until 2017 when he transitioned into the golf sales world with a leading apparel vendor. Most recently, Lamie reprised his role as an Event Director for the Payne’s Valley Cup, the opening of Tiger Woods new course in Branson, MO. Throughout all his experiences in the golf world Andrew has consistently prided himself on building strong relationships, while maintaining a strong work ethic with every position he has held. Contact: Andrew LamieSales Representative – Tennessee & Kentucky andrew.lamie@pga.com(603) 630-4849

Seth McWhorter x Imperial is a collaboration with one of our favorite single-human creative studios. Seth is the founder, chairman and (self-named) janitor of McWhorter Creative . You may recognize his work in our Golf Designs collection where his playful logos speak to the heart of every golf enthusiast with a sense of humor. The combination Seth’s designs paired with Imperial’s iconic styling makes for a pretty sweet hat. Read our interview with the man behind the art below, and browse his newest art on your favorite caps in Imperial x Seth McWhorter. From rope hats to mesh back hats, from fun golf logos to funny golf logos, this hat collection is for every golfer. And if for some reason it’s not, you can take Seth’s logos and design your own hat. Seth McWhorter Golf Hat Collection: Rope Hats, Mesh Back Hats, Patch Hats & More! Golf Mesh Back Hats & Golf Trucker Hats Most of the Seth McWhorter collection will be made on mesh back hats. It only makes sense to pair the new golf logos with the cool vibes the golf mesh back hat gives off. In addition to these hats having different structures and styles, every hat is breathable and colorful. The mesh back hat styles in this collection feature the Catch and Release, the Structured Performance Mesh and the North Country Trucker Cap. Golf Rope Hats Surprise, surprise – the golf rope hat in this collection is also a mesh back! The Pagosa Mesh Back Rope Cap combines the most stylish features of each hat type and voila - a masterpiece! If you prefer something different, don’t forget you can always design your own golf rope cap. Golf Lightweight Cotton Caps You will find Seth McWhorter’s designs on our Zero Lightweight Cotton Cap, which comes in a plethora of colors. With the light material and a solid structure, this cotton golf hat is sure to be comfortable - especially in humidity! Design Your Own Hat with McWhorter Creative One of Imperials’ biggest pleasures is knowing you can take your creativity to the next level anddesign your own golf hat to your liking. With our personalized hat tool, you can choose your favorite rope cap or meshback hat and pair it with one of Seth’s golf designs. Take our custom hat designs to the next level with the McWhorter Creative logos. Meet Seth McWhorter: Golf Hat Designer Extraordinaire We had the opportunity to ask Seth some more questions about his newest golf hat designs. From what he tells us, he puts a lot of thought into his golf logos, so we’re sure you’re going to love them as much as we do. Plus, read about which golf hat design Seth is most excited about... Over the years, you’ve had the opportunity to work with some really cool brands on a variety of projects. You’ve created designs for packaging, apparel, branding and advertising... (Besides your new collaboration with Imperial) what have been some of your favorite projects? It's been a privilege to work with so many brands and individuals over the past few years that share the same passions and interests that I do. Narrowing down to a list of favorites would be impossible, but I have found that my favorite projects are the ones that create lasting relationships with a client. I have the good fortune of working with clients that I now consider friends. The guys at No Laying Up have been wonderful clients and supporters of my work over the past 2-3 years, which has led to more work with good folks at Sweetens Cove, Zac Blair with the Buck Club, Tom Pashley at Pinehurst, (obviously Imperial!) and the list goes on. I realize now that I'm not answering the question, but each project becomes a "favorite" at some point - sometimes just not until long after it's finished... Do you enjoy any kind of design more than any others (typography, logo design, layout, etc.)? Do you consider yourself to specialize in any one type of design? My enjoyment of individual aspects of design definitely fluctuates. Logo design is certainly what I spend the majority of my time working on, but it can be a grueling and frustrating process sometimes. I've recently had a few opportunities to work on mascot or character designs, which I've found fun and rewarding. I've certainly started gravitating towards a certain style of illustration that shows up in my logo/branding work as well as the commercial illustration work I often get hired for. It's sort of a soft and loose illustration style that borders on being cartoonish. I think it's approachable but deceptively clean and unique. A lot of clients come to me and say, "I want you to do something in your own style,' but in reality they have a specific set of guidelines and criteria that subconsciously influences their evaluation of the work. Therefore, I have to ask the right questions, fully understand the context within which the work will exist, and then choose the best type or style of design. I've found that if you're going to be successful and make a living in the design world, you have to specialize in the type of design that solves the clients problems and meets their needs in the most creative, visually appealing way possible. On your Instagram, you sometimes show the process of your sketches becoming digital art. Is sketching always part of your process? Absolutely, however, I have a very loose definition of "sketching." Sure, 80% of the time, my "sketching" takes the form of actual pencil and paper. Sometimes it's an Apple Pencil and my iPad. Sometimes it's straight into Adobe Illustrator and away we go. But every project starts with an exploration phase where I am tinkering, iterating, and evolving the work to a point where I'm ready to share it with another human being. The process work I'm sharing on my Instagram is probably .01% of the actual work that goes into a design. There's only so much I can or want to share with the world. The rest is probably best hidden away. What is your favorite design in the new Imperial x Seth McWhorter Collection, and what is the story behind it? While most people probably won't get the reference, I'm a big fan of "The Kid", which is my re-creation of the video game character from Mario Golf on Game Boy Color. Yes, it's very "if you know, you know"—and probably won't sell all that well—but that character takes me back to when I was 12 years old, sitting in the backseat of my parents car on the way to a junior golf tournament. I remember the glare on the screen was always an issue with the Game Boy. But man, those were the days. I still have my Game Boy Color and the game with my original character intact—I might try and get a round in this afternoon. How has McWhorter Creative grown/evolved in 2020? What’s next for your studio in 2021? Like the rest of the world, 2020 was a learning experience in every aspect of life. As it was my first full year running a solo creative studio, it was about simply cranking out as much work as I could reasonably handle because I really didn't know what the future held (especially in such a crazy world). 2020 provided some tough learning experiences, mostly having to do with the amount of work I was taking on and how much to charge for it. Design is not a product you can hold in your hands—so selling its value can be a challenge. Not only do you have to sell the idea of the design, then you have to do the damn work! But I have a strong belief that there is tremendous value when design is done well, and that should be reflected in how much I charge for it. As for 2021, I obviously remain focused on the quality of my work, but I have a keener eye on the business side of things—charging for the work, scheduling projects, saying "no" when necessary, and understanding how to run a business that's centered around my own ability to come up with ideas and solve problems creatively within real world constraints. I operate a business where the reward for good work is more work, so I hope it keeps coming. The 2021 Imperial x Seth McWhorter Collection is sure to fulfill all your wildest golf dreams (except for a hole in one). Enjoy Seth’s golf hat designs and choose your favorite from his collection or design your own with our online hat designer tool.