Field Notes

BOURBON, MO – Imperial, the #1 headwear brand for private and resort golf facilities for eight consecutive years voted by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM), and the top-ranked brand across both on- and off-course retail channels per Golf Datatech, is excited to announce a new collaboration with The Lads. Led by major champion and former world number one Jason Day, The Lads is a fast-growing social media and YouTube channel showcasing top-tier golf and unforgettable entertainment. Featuring Day’s close friends Ryan Ruffels, Luke Reardon, Jeg Coughlin, and Asaeli Marika Batisbasaga, the group delivers elite performance on the course and high-energy camaraderie off it. Together, they’re redefining the game with precision, personality, and plenty of laughs. “We’ve each worn our share of Imperial hats over the years, so creating a collection with them was a no-brainer. Their reputation in golf is unmatched, and they nailed our vision with quality and detail. We’re proud of what we’ve built together and excited to keep growing the Lads line—more styles, more colors, more for the community” said Ryan Ruffels of the Lads.  “The Lads’ chemistry and level of golf is unlike anything else online,” said Jerry Biag, Director of Marketing at Imperial. “We’re honored to partner with them and bring a premium headwear collection to market that truly reflects their distinctive style and spirit.”  This collaboration includes officially licensed Lads merchandise on www.imperial1916.com.     Visit www.youtube.com/@TheLadsGolf or follow the Lads on Instagram @thelads_golf     About Imperial Founded in 1916, Imperial is a CPC company with expertise in design, marketing, manufacturing, and distribution. Imperial owns and operates several brands and companies, including Imperial, Pukka®, and the Peter Millar Licensing Company. These brands serve diverse markets, including direct-to-consumer (DTC), golf, corporate, destination & leisure, team dealer, and supply chain channels. Imperial products can be found at all Top 100 and over 75% of the Top 400 golf courses in the United States and has been voted the #1 headwear brand for private and resort golf facilities for eight consecutive years by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) and reported as the “#1 headwear brand in the combined on and off course retail golf channels” by Golf Datatech. Imperial’s customers include prestigious golf events such as the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Open Championship, Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, and Solheim Cup. The company also maintains manufacturing and licensing partnerships with global brands like Nike, Peter Millar, and Tommy Hilfiger. CPC, Imperial’s parent company, is a Kansas City-based investment holding firm focused on a long-term strategy to buy, build, and hold™ great companies. For further information please visit www.Imperial1916.com. Follow Imperial on LinkedIn at @imperial-headwear or Instagram at @ImperialHats.

We recently caught up with Abby Liebenthal—founder of Fore the Ladies, Inc., and longtime friend of Imperial—to talk about how the community has grown, what’s ahead for the brand, and her favorite pieces from the newest Fore The Ladies Collection. Whether you're already part of the FTL crew or just discovering it, Abby’s passion for making golf more approachable and inclusive shines through in everything she does. Q: For anyone who doesn’t know—what is Fore the Ladies, and why did you start it? Abby Liebenthal: Fore the Ladies began in 2019 as a way to make golf more approachable for women. I noticed there were so many women interested in trying the game but unsure how to start. So I created an environment that was social, welcoming, and fun— the opposite of what golf has traditionally been known for—  and we continue to expand upon introductory golf clinics to leagues, golf trips and any other golf-focused activities our community is requesting. We really strive to remove any intimidation factors and barriers to entry, and focus on creating community with like-minded golfers. Q: And since then, it's really grown. How has the journey evolved? Abby: It's been amazing to watch it take off. We've hosted more than 300 events across the country and have built this incredible network of women who support each other both in golf and life. What started as a single golf clinic turned into a community I’m constantly inspired by. We now have women who met at a clinic and are traveling together to golf destinations. That’s the real magic. Q: Let’s talk about your collaboration with Imperial. What’s it like to see the Fore the Ladies collection come to life? Abby: I still get so excited every time we launch something new with Imperial. They really understand the spirit of our brand—playful, inclusive, a little cheeky—and it comes through in every product. This latest drop is my favorite yet. I love how wearable and versatile the styles are, whether you're on the course or just out running errands.   Q: Any favorites from the newest release? Abby: I’m obsessed with the new ponytail hats—we wanted something that felt fresh for spring but still very “FTL.” And I think people are really going to love the new embroidered t-shirts, the subtle embroidery turned out so great! Q: What’s next for Fore The Ladies? Abby: More events, more growth, and hopefully more women giving golf a try. We’ve got some cool things in the works—some destination events, new content—and of course, continuing to partner with brands like Imperial to keep bringing our community things they’re proud to wear. Check out more behind the scenes from Imperial x FTL by watching the latest episode of The Create Series.Shop the Fore the Ladies Collection here.

PGA Tour player and Imperial brand ambassador, Keith Mitchell, is known not only for his athletic prowess but also for his commitment to give back to the community. We’re thrilled to announce an exciting partnership between Keith Mitchell, Imperial, Cisco, and Mizuno to bring golf fans a Charity Game Imperial Tour Visor®. This special visor is inspired by the iconic tournament visor that Keith Mitchell wears on Tour and is designed to raise awareness and funds for a cause close to Keith's heart: the Nantz National Alzheimer Center. In our recent interview, Keith shared with us his personal connection to the Nantz National Alzheimer Center, the inspiration behind the Charity Game Imperial Tour Visor®, and how this collaboration came to life. The proceeds from this project will support the center's vital work in Alzheimer's research and patient care, a cause Keith is proud to champion. What is your personal connection to the Nantz National Alzheimer Center? "The Nantz National Alzheimer Center has been an invaluable resource for my family," Keith explained. “They provide state of the art care, and are on the cutting edge of research in fighting the battle against Alzhiemers disease” Keith's connection to the center is rooted in his family’s experience with Alzheimer's disease. "I have had four members of my family affected by Alzheimer's.” he shared. “The Nantz National Alzheimer Center is the leader in its field and has given our family great care and results in fighting the disease.” This firsthand experience has shaped Keith's deep admiration for what the center does. In your experience, how is The Nantz National Alzheimer Center leading the charge in Alzheimer's care? "The center invests in the world's best doctors, researchers, and facilities to fight Alzheimer's, with the desire to detect and beat the disease before its symptoms ever arise. The technology and advancements they have made in the last few years is truly incredible.” Tell us about your idea for The Charity Game Imperial Tour Visor®. In your mind, how is this a symbol of both support and style? “We wanted to give access to our Tour Visor, but do it in a way that positively impacts a cause that means so much to me and my family," Keith said. "This visor represents my on course headwear and our commitment to supporting the Nantz National Alzheimer Center and its mission to help those impacted by Alzheimer’s.” This edition of Charity Game Tour Visor® was inspired by the iconic visor Keith wears on the PGA Tour and is designed to combine style with a powerful message. Featuring Keith's signature look, the visor represents more than just a piece of golf equipment; it serves as a symbol of the fight against Alzheimer's and a call to action for all who wear it. This special visor is made possible through the partnership of four organizations: Keith Mitchell, Imperial, Cisco, and Mizuno. Each partner has come together with a shared vision of supporting Alzheimer’s research and patient care.  "Working with these great partners has been a dream come true.” Keith said. “Imperial’s craftsmanship, Cisco’s foresight in technology, and Mizuno’s focus on performance and design, are companies and values that I am honored to represent,” The visor will be available for purchase and all proceeds will benefit the Nantz National Alzheimer Center. It’s a unique opportunity for golf fans to support Alzheimer's research while showing their love for the game and for a meaningful cause. You’re well known for your personal style, what is your connection with The Imperial Tour Visor®? “My connection to the tour visor runs deep,” he shared, explaining that his love for the style dates back to his childhood, where he was often seen wearing a visor similar to the ones his father wore. “I have old pictures of myself as a kid wearing a visor just like the one I wear on Tour today,” Keith said with a smile. “My dad always wore one, and I as a kid, I always wanted to follow in his footsteps. It became part of my style, and it’s something I’ve kept most of my golf career.” For Keith, the visor is more than just a piece of golf equipment; it's a link to the past when golf to him was the time for father and son bonding. This personal connection adds even more meaning to the Charity Game Tour Visor®, as it carries the essence of tradition, family, and giving back. What advice would you give to someone wanting to get involved with supporting Alzheimer’s disease research and care? “The first edition of Charity Game Tour Visors® is now available for purchase, and by wearing it, you are showing your support by helping the Nantz National Alzheimer Center in its mission to fight Alzheimer's disease. This project is directly supporting the center’s research and patient care programs. We want to make a big difference, and this is just one small way we can do that,” Keith said. “The support from golf fans, our partners, and everyone involved will help the Nantz National Alzheimer Center continue its important work.” Conclusion: A Legacy of Giving Back Keith Mitchell’s partnership with Imperial, Cisco, and Mizuno to support the Nantz National Alzheimer Center through the Charity Game Tour Visor® is a testament to the power of sports in making a positive impact. With his personal connection to the disease and his family’s experience with the center, Keith is using his platform to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research and care. By purchasing the visor, you're not only supporting Keith's charitable efforts but also contributing to a brighter future for those affected by Alzheimer's. Join us in this important cause and help make a lasting difference in the fight against Alzheimer's disease.

BOURBON, MO – Imperial, voted the #1 headwear brand for private and resort golf facilities for seven consecutive years by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) and reported as the “#1 headwear brand in the combined on and off course retail golf channels” by Golf Datatech, is proud to announce that a partnership with Honcho Pickleball.  This partnership will name Imperial as the “Official Headwear Sponsor of Honcho Pickleball” for the 2025 season.  Honcho Pickleball is a premier pickleball amateur league organization operating in over 40 markets across the United States.   Each eight-week session allows players of all levels to participate in one of the fastest growing sports.   “Imperial is thrilled to engage with and support amateur pickleball players. This collaboration strengthens our grassroots initiatives and deepens our commitment to the growing pickleball community. ” said Jerry Biag, Director of Marketing.  About Imperial Imperial is a consumer apparel brand founded in 1916 with design, marketing, manufacturing, and distribution capabilities. Imperial sells its products into several markets, including the direct-to-consumer (DTC), golf, corporate, and supply chain channels. Customers include the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Open Championship, Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, and Solheim Cup. Imperial also has manufacturing and licensing relationships with Nike, Peter Millar, Tommy Hilfiger, Vans, adidas and many other global brands. Imperial products can be found at all Top 100 and over 75% of the Top 400 golf courses in the United States and has been voted the #1 headwear brand for private and resort golf facilities for six consecutive years by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) and reported as the “#1 headwear brand in the combined on and off course retail golf channels” by Golf Datatech. Imperial is also proud to fund the Imperial Foundation, a separate philanthropic organization committed to the growth and vitality of sports—especially the game of golf and those who support it—as well as the overall health and well-being of the people in the communities Imperial serves. For further information please visit Imperial1916.com. Follow Imperial on Instagram at @ImperialHats.  About Honcho Pickleball Honcho Pickleball is the premier amateur pickleball experience & community in the country, currently hosting multi-skillset weekly leagues across 40+ markets across 20 states! Poised to have a presence in over 100 markets by the end of this upcoming year, 2025 will have Honcho positioned to, leveraging their expansive venue-partner-relationships across the nation and their strong player database of thousands of active players in 2024, open up their breadth of services into a new service offerings, such as their Multi-Stop Amateur Tour, National Tournaments, Local Corporate/Culture Events, Clinics/Trainings, E-Comm/Merch, etc.. as they continue to grow the largest amateur pickleball community across the nation!