At Kenwood Country Club in Cincinnati, the launch of the Cincy Hat Program offered more than just a new item in the shop — it became a club-wide initiative that brought together community, purpose, and smart merchandising. The hats, which support the Ted Karras Foundation, were introduced with a clear goal: to create excitement while also giving back.
Founded by Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Ted Karras, the Cincy Hat brand was created to raise funds for housing and education initiatives that benefit adults with developmental disabilities in the Cincinnati, Ohio, and Indianapolis, Indiana, areas. With this mission at its core, the program gave Kenwood members and guests an opportunity to support a meaningful cause while sporting a product that quickly became a symbol of pride.
The campaign was grounded in event-driven momentum. The Men’s Invitational provided the perfect platform to showcase the hats to a large and engaged audience.
From there, the team expanded the offering to all outside golf events, customizing product selection to suit each occasion. This not only extended reach but made the hats a familiar and desirable item across the club’s seasonal calendar.
Behind the scenes, technology played a key role. The Golf Shop team used online tools to manage inventory in real time and offered a smooth purchasing experience for members. At the same time, the marketing team brought the campaign to life on social media with strong visuals and consistent messaging, helping to drive awareness and traffic both in-store and online.
What began as a specialty item quickly became a point of connection. Members responded, and the 25% increase in foot traffic and 20% increase in related sales reflected that. The success of the Cincy Hat Program is a clear example of what happens when thoughtful product selection, purpose-driven storytelling, and cross-channel promotion come together in the right way.
For information about the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM), visit AGMGolf.org, or reach out via email at info@agmgolf.org or by phone at 602.604.8250.
