Andy Murray was quoted in the media recently saying “My kids think I’m a golfer.” That’s because the three-time Grand Slam tennis champion spends so much time on the course. Perhaps with Wimbledon now looming we will see a bit more of him in what might be termed his natural habitat. But he admits to having got the golf bug bad, and it’s not only that he is interested in playing the game. He is also investing in it.
Specifically, in a company called Manors. It was founded in 2020 and, in its words, “aims to blend the style and sophistication of golf’s roots whilst creating apparel designed for future generations”. As well as for the present crop, of course. Murray got involved in March when Redrice Ventures, of which Sir Andy is an associate partner, were among the backers who chipped in to the tune of £3 million in order to help fund Manors’ planned expansion into the US market. “The product is great,” said Murray, “but on its own it’s not enough. They have gone beyond that and created something really special. I truly believe they can escalate from here to build a really successful business long-term.”
The former England footballer, Theo Walcott, is also an investor. Last year the company’s sales totalled £2.7 million, a leap of 167% on the previous year. One of the company’s three co-founders, JoJo Regan, told The Times: “We have grown deliberately, building a brand that genuinely resonates culturally while staying relentlessly focused on the fundamentals.” Manors is not alone in having such aspirations. The photo on the home page shows a club headcover from Malbon Golf, who are also new players on the golf-fashion scene with a range of polo shirts, trousers, hoodies and more, plus accessories such as the one shown here as well as a nifty line in baseball caps.
Obviously not all fashion innovations, in golf or otherwise, work out well. I was very pleased years ago to acquire the hat that is shown above. However, as far as I can ascertain, Black Widow no longer manufactures these. But there is consolation for what I presume is a more recent iteration of Black Widow Golf – it produces what is apparently the best-selling golf spike in the world. It seems that what didn’t work out when it was on your head is fine and dandy when it’s under your shoes.