Sporting Life | Off the Cuff

Nike Lunar Control, U.S. Open Special Edition

On June 6, 2011, By OTC

One of the benefits of running a site such as this can be the occasional FedEx or UPS delivery that shows up on the OTC doorstep. Of course we disclose and of course we appreciate the chance to check out some pretty cool stuff. And when it comes to marketing, Nike Golf is a tough brand to beat.

This morning, a rather sizable package bearing the big Swoosh was deposited in my hands. Nike is a major, if not the major, player in the professional golf world. In fact, when it comes to golf apparel, Nike Golf is the number one brand by sales volume.

OTC is not beholden to Nike or Nike Golf and we have no business or advertising arrangement. That said, it’s a favorite brand and genuine innovator in one of the most classic and preppy of sports: golf.

While I love the old canvas bag and hickory shafted clubs once carried by my grandmother (she was a very cool lady in her day – classic dame) I opt for more modern equipment when out on the fairway myself. I need all the assistance I can get and what arrived today will definitely help out on that front.

In preparation for the the upcoming U.S. Open, Nike Golf crafted this special edition of their Nike Lunar Control golf shoes. After quickly testing them in the back yard, I can’t wait to put them to work out on the course. Unfortunately, I won’t be doing that at the Congressional Country Club - right next door in Bethesda, Maryland – where the Open is taking place this year.

For you techies out there, these shoes are constructed with Nike’s Lunarlon foam, which is both super cushioning and extremely light. The shoe’s “flywire” saddle uses high-tensile strength fibers to support your mid-foot. The leather body is waterproof and quite flexible. These are some f the most comfortable golf shoes I’ve ever put on my feet.

Nike Golf athletes, including Lucas Glover, Paul Casey and Carl Pettersson will be sporting these special edition Lunar Control shoes during the U.S. Open next week.

The box also contained a new Body Map chest stripe Dri-Fit polo shirt. While I’m very much a traditional cotton polo guy on a day-to-day basis, these shirts are great when it comes to spending several hours out in the sun hunting down lost balls. That activity tends to encompass a large portion of my time on any given course.

Speaking of the box, allow me to reiterate that Nike Golf knows how to package its stuff. The heavy duty and well finished box speaks of permanence and is meant to be kept. Frankly, it’s quite beautiful.

The thick plexi translucent inner lid has a very Nike motto etched on it: ” To the most prepared go major results.” The custom embroidered shoe bag with “June 16-19 2011″ (the dates of this year’s U.S. Open) below an American flag adds a special touch to this special gift.

This special edition colorway will go on sale (sans the fancy box, sorry) to the general public June 13, 2011, at nikestore.com. Should you be attending, they will also be available in the Nike Golf shop at the U.S. Open. MSRP is US$190.00.

All of this athletic coolness is lost, however, on my three year-old. He quickly commandeered that awesome box and turned it into a bed for his little stuffed lamb. Children have a wonderful way of putting things into perspective.

Thanks again to the team at Nike Golf. Additional photos are below.

OTC Style Spotter: The Urban Adventurer

On November 29, 2010, By OTC

It’s winter – almost. That means a certain type of guy will be making an appearance over the next few weeks: the urban adventurer. Unlike the gentleman to the left, they’re not out climbing a glacier, hoofing it up K2 or trekking the Appalachian Trail. No, they’re just going to work.

These are the guys who look like they’re in the process of summiting Everest but in reality strolling up Capitol Hill and then catching the elevator to the second floor.

You’ve probably seen him too; out driving in a vintage AA yellow Range Rover Defender – complete with exhaust snorkel – that has never seen so much as a gravel side street. His laptop is housed in an expedition quality backpack and he weathers the occasional shower in a Patagonia monsoon-proof rain shell.

Now, while I enjoy poking a little fun at the Urban Adventurer, it’s all in good humor. I think most of us have exhibited a little UA in our own way. In fact, it’s pretty remarkable how intertwined the outdoorsy/technical/adventure culture has become in everyday life.

I remember the days when L.L. Bean was a genuine New England experience. Until the Original Preppy Handbook came along, no one outside 13 colonies had ever even heard of it. REI was the domain of serious hikers like my brother Greg, who was president of the Dartmouth Outing Club back in the day and even had the honor of being written up in Yankee Magazine for having to be evacuated off the Presidential Range after tearing open his leg on a crampon. It’s a long story.

Nonetheless, I’ve said too many times to count that classic, preppy styles often center around the idea of repurposing functional clothing for daily life. Who do you think started the trend of wearing foul weather gear to the office anyway?

The difference is that too often men who yearn to be manly men turn themselves in to affected parodies of their heroes. Everyone role plays a little bit; I like messenger bags, but I’m no bike messenger. Others sport military fashions yet have never so much as looked at a gun, or wear team jerseys that barely fit over their couch potato paunch.

These fashions are usually a desire to connect with a cherished role model or organization. It’s a search for identity and belonging; aspirational but not too often overblown.

Yet when it comes to the couture mountain man look, moderation seems to go out the window. Even if you really are a transcontinental hiker, please don’t sport your Fortress Peak GTX hiking boots in the office. It’s tacky.

When worn in moderation, I think the outdoorsy look is classic, fresh and emotionally fulfilling. One feels a little more independent, perhaps a bit lone-wolf about life. Rustic. There are some rules, however.

Avoid at all costs strapping on a back pack while wearing a business suit. It looks silly and detracts from the professional seriousness of the suit. At the same time it also diminishes the coolness of the back back. It’s college kid stuff.

If you do want to use a technical or messenger style bag while dressed up, opt for dark solid colors and not too many straps, buckles and other dangling things.

Some looks, like the pairing of a technical jacket with selected business attire, can be really quite pleasing.

With casual office environments still common, the appearance of rip stop cargo pants and hybrid “trekking” sneakers have proliferated as well. Throw on a moisture wicking pullover to combat the air conditioning’s chill and you might as well be at base camp. I suppose it’s better than flip flops and shorts, but why not at least try and dress a little better for for your office mates?

Pairing cargo pants and and a casual oxford, pulled together with a wide leather belt, is a great alternative. Instead of a North Face Skareb 55 backpack, why not a Jack Spade waxwear bag instead?

A mountaineering coat may be rugged and functional, but its scale and overall feel should still match your other clothing. Neon orange and yellow serve a purpose in the wilderness but can be a little too much on an early morning metro ride. Try sticking to neutral, earthy colors instead.

Should the weather turn and force you to throw on a rain shell before heading out, the basic rules of proportion still hold true. The outer jacket should cover your suit or sport coat and not leave it hanging out the bottom.

If done well, the look says you are at home in both the outdoors and the corner office. Your clothes, particularly in this case, should not look gimmicky or forced.

Tagged with: Uncategorized

We Have A Winner!

On July 7, 2010, By OTC

I am happy to announce that OTC reader Jonathan Sommer is the winner of the Ralph Lauren Wimbledon gift bag.

Jonathon’s story about a Polo sweater he could not afford inspiring him to take a fresh look at his own wardrobe captures both the spirit of Ralph Lauren’s style and the purpose behind OTC. It was not a slam dunk as several of your stories showed me that far from being just a “brand name,” Polo/Ralph Lauren is an emotional and personal touchstone for so many.

I’ll be seeing a few Ralph Lauren corporate folks next week and will be sure to remind them that they’ve got a pretty special brand.

Thanks to all of you for inspiring me!

OTC On the Road: Nike Golf’s Oven

On June 25, 2010, By OTC

What do Hermes and Nike have in common? When it comes to Nike’s golf division, a great deal. Last month I was Nike Golf’s guest at their remarkable R&D facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Not only were my eyes opened as far as golf technology is concerned, I have a whole new appreciation for Nike as a quality-focused brand.

When I arrived in Fort Worth I was generally interested in Nike’s golf operation, the general brand and its business model. I was not, however, expecting the total obsession with excellence demonstrated by everyone I met there.

The craftsmen, and they are craftsman in every sense of the word, are literally some of the best golf club makers in the world. And the Oven, the facility’s nickname, is to me the golf equivalent of a Hermes atelier. There is a total fixation, exhibited by all the staff, akin to a spiritual goal of ideal perfection.

In reality, that makes pretty good sense. On any given day Tiger Woods could stroll in and ask to test the latest putter or driver. In at least one case a PGA pro walked out with a prototype club that had so impressed him that he planned to use it that very week in competition. The Nike staff had to scramble to make sure the club was PGA approved by the time the event began!

I and about 12 other bloggers and journalists, were invited to attend the Crowne Plaza Invitational to see Nike’s athletes in action and then headed off to The Oven to learn about all the work that goes into those pros’ clubs. It was eye opening to say the least and I have a new level of respect for the folks who research, design, test, and hand craft the tools that allow the likes of Tiger Woods, Michelle Wei and the legendary Tom Watson, achieve such amazing feats of sport.

In fact, during the tour, while everyone else was moving on to another area, I was still chatting with the head club maker and actually got to hold Watson’s 8 iron – the set was in a locked display case. That very club had helped him win 5 majors. A special moment to say the least.

The tour itself was a rare opportunity. Typically, the only people allowed inside the Oven are Nike staff and the tour professionals themselves. From testing and design to fabrication and final product, I had an up close and personal view of what actually goes into Nike’s golf clubs. I was a great experience.

If you don’t love golf, this kind of visit will likely make you a convert and if you do, it’s on par, so to speak, with your wedding day.

At least that’s what one guy told me.

Here are some more pictures from OTC’s visit to Nike’s Oven:

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Tagged with: Brands • Product Review

OTC & Ralph Lauren: Win a Wimbledon Collection Gift Bag

On June 16, 2010, By OTC

To celebrate its fifth year as official outfitter of the Wimbledon Championships, Polo Ralph Lauren will introduce the first ever Legends Clinic tomorrow, June 17, at 11:00 a.m. (ET).

The Legends Clinic is a live interactive virtual tennis clinic featuring 3 times Wimbledon champion Boris Becker, and OTC is honored to be working with Ralph Lauren to promote the event and their outstanding Wimbledon collection.

During this interactive clinic, tennis enthusiasts around the world are going to be tuning in as Becker will be answering emailed questions, fed to him by presenter Annabel Croft, demonstrates technique, and offer hints and tips on how to improve your game during this interactive clinic. To access the Legends Clinic, please CLICK HERE.

And if that’s not enough for you, OTC and Ralph Lauren are also teaming up to give away a gift bag from the brand new Wimbledon Collection! As you can probably imagine, when Ralph Lauren, one of OTC’s longtime favorite brands, does something they tend to do it very well. See what Mr. Becker is wearing in these photos? That’s the kind of stuff you can win.

To take your shot at winning the OTC/Ralph Lauren Wimbledon Collection gift bag, leave a comment telling us how Ralph Lauren has influenced your own personal sense of style. You have until next Wednesday, June 23, so hurry up!

With this partnership, Polo Ralph Lauren continues its role as the official outfitter of all on-court officials including chair umpires, line umpires and ball persons. In 2006, Polo Ralph Lauren became the first designer in Wimbledon’s 133-year history to create official uniforms for the tournament – a natural fit to many fans of the elegantly sporty brand.

Updated classic style returns to Centre Court with a modern array of sportswear inspired by the elegance and sophisticated heritage of English tennis. Classic cabled tennis sweaters are reworked with stylish tank tops and cable-knit vests.

The Wimbledon blazer appears in cream jersey with navy ribbon piping. Recalling the elegant heritage of the game, chic navy blazers, button down shirts, repp ties and ribbon belts are shown in the tournament’s signature shades of Wimbledon Bentley green.

Probably the single most popular tennis tournament in the world, the Wimbledon Championships are held June 21 – July 4, and are attended by an average of 500,000 visitors each year.

For more information on The Championships, log on to www.Wimbledon.org.

Nike Lunar Control, U.S. Open Special Edition

OTC Style Spotter: The Urban Adventurer

We Have A Winner!

OTC On the Road: Nike Golf’s Oven

OTC & Ralph Lauren: Win a Wimbledon Collection Gift Bag

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