The Fashion world is taking notice of Golf and vice-versa!

Two recent Golf/Fashion happenings are indications that finally the worlds of golf and fashion are merging on a domestic and global scale. Wilhelmina Artist Management signed the W7, a sign that German Fashion Impresario Dieter Esch realizes that in order to expand his global modeling agency, golf gives him uncharted waters to sail! See www.styledtoatee.com for a comprehensive report on the W7. (related article in LA Times)

The second Golf/Fashion happening was Golf For Women's first ever Style issue ... a reminder again that when it comes to fashion ... the ladies are SO far ahead of us men! Although I was employed by the "competition" I want to commend Golf For Women and The Golf Digest Company for this comprehensive effort. If there only would be a comparable men's golf publication that would have the sartorial moxie to undertake such a fashionable effort.

So, with the absence of Tiger for the next year (don't expect Tiger back before The Masters 2009) having dominated the golf news and the delightful disposition of Rocco Mediate becoming a great story, maybe fashion can claim it's rightful place in Golf!

If a global modeling agency and the No. 1 women's golf publication think enough of Fashion to make it their focus, who should follow? How about the networks dedicating more time and an expert to fashion features at the big tournaments. This way we can avoid the uninformed "side" comments of broadcasters, that know a lot about golf, but little about style & fashion. Fashion is a visual exercise and The Golf Channel has done very little with their resident expert Marty Hackel that takes on the fashion issue seriously!

Let me close with my prediction of the most Fashionable Golf organization of 2008 ... The LPGA ... they are starting to understand that fashion brands and luxury companies can be an integral part of the sponsorship pool. Once again we are being outsmarted by the smarter gender on the fashion front. Maybe it's time for the PGA Tour to hire a fashion expert to raise the fashion awareness and fashion brand sponsor involvement on the PGA Tour.

Auke