March 2009; By Lisa Girard, Apparel Editor

Welcome to the Fall 2009 Apparel Preview Month Directory!
The following companies are all releasing new lines for the 2009 Fall season. Click on any or all of the following companies to read exclusive interviews conducted by PGA Magazine Apparel Editor Lisa Girard and view colorful images of each company’s fall line. Company executives will give you an insider’s look at what’s to come and what new and exciting products will be available to stock your shop in time for the coming golf season.

Aureus Sportswear Aureus – in its second incarnation in the golf market – has established its reputation as a quality brand with extremely competitive wholesale prices. VP of Sales and Marketing Geoff Stiles believes his company’s strategy has never been more important than in this challenging retail market. Here’s what Stiles had to say about his company’s all-bamboo product line and why it’s a natural fit for fall 2009. www.aureus-usa.com

	Gear For Sports The golf market has been and remains about performance products, according to Kristin Patton, director of merchandising and marketing-leisure divisions for Gear For Sports. So the Gear line for fall 2009 takes some strong tech performers and adds new colors and styles. Patton explains why she doesn’t see the market returning to cotton anytime soon. www.gearforsports.com

Heritage Cross Heritage Cross, which begins its seventh year in the golf apparel industry, carries a full line of men’s golf shirts, windshirts and jackets as well as ladies’ golf apparel. The company philosophy is to provide fine quality and fashionable apparel at affordable prices. Chairman and CEO Keith Lux discusses the importance of his company’s price/value message heading into fall 2009. www.heritagecross.com

Jack Nicklaus Sportswear Jack Nicklaus Sportswear has become a popular golf apparel brand in the upper-middle price range with its updated technical fabrics, attractive lifestyle products and a unique marketing angle: the fact that each collection is named for and takes its inspiration from a Nicklaus Signature course. Becky Ryan, VP of sales and marketing, discusses trends for fall 2009 as the company continues to evolve into a lifestyle collection. www.jacknicklaussportswear.com

	Page & Tuttle With new president Jimmy Glass on board, Page & Tuttle is going in some new directions in 2009. The tech-focused line offers a great price/value relationship, but the marketing is more lifestyle-driven than in the past. Glass talks about some of the company’s exciting new product offerings and how Page & Tuttle is taking advantage of market trends. www.pageandtuttle.com

	Pukka Headwear Pukka Headwear has made a splash in the golf industry in recent seasons with progressive styling and fresh new looks. The company is pushing forward in 2009 with “true custom fashions,” or headwear as the golf shop wants it. According to John Bond, low minimums are also helping the company gain share in a difficult market. www.pukkaheadwear.com

seven7under seven7under is positioned as an extension of Pukka’s tech fabric solution – a bright, bold and innovative collection of headwear that revolves around lightweight nylon fabrics. The patented use of PVC as an under-visor trim creates both a functional and visual appeal, while placement of a second logo on the under-visor adds a distinct accent to a previously overlooked embroidery location. VP of Sales John Bond discusses the brand’s positioning in 2009. www.seven7under.com

	Town Talk As Town Talk celebrates it 90th anniversary, company president Joel Gary talks about moisture wicking, eco-friendly materials and versatility in decoration – and how his company is adjusting to an ever-changing marketplace. www.ttcaps.com

	Under Armour Under Armour has been one of the hottest golf brands the last few seasons, bringing to the industry a fresh take on youthful styling and athletic appeal. But, as VP of Brand Management Chris Young explains, keeping that pace alive in a down market is an added challenge. He discusses some of the new products for fall 2009 as well as the explosive growth of the women’s segment. www.underarmour.com/shop/sports/golf