Wind, rain, cold? Adidas says bring it.
The apparel brand has introduced sporty, lightweight, premium apparel designs that protect golfers from the elements and keep them playing in comfort.
Intended to extend the golf season, Adidas' Ultimate365 Tour Range of layering and outerwear pieces combine the latest material innovations for lightweight warmth with zero distractions. Each is designed to address the inclement weather conditions golfers face on the course going into the late fall and early winter.
"We know that cold weather doesn’t necessarily keep golfers away from the course, so we turned our focus to apparel designs that would help extend their season as the weather starts to change," said Shaun Madigan, director of apparel, Adidas Golf. "Our primary objective with this range was to create athletic designs that would protect from the elements and trap heat around the body to keep golfers warm, all while still allowing them to swing freely."
In addition to rigorous internal testing of garments and Tour player input, Adidas recently hosted its "Fleece and Fairways" event where golf industry influencers and Adidas ambassadors were invited to put the products through a live, outside-the-lab trial. This year's testing ground was Cabot Cape Breton on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, Canada.
Chase Aaronson, senior manager of global materials development, explains how the materials and fabrication held up in the variety of weather conditions:
"Cabot was the perfect environment to showcase the new fall/winter 2023 Ultimate365 Tour line, specifically engineered for lightweight warmth and protection. Within one round, we experienced various conditions, including cold, wind and sunshine, requiring our equipment to protect from the elements while maintaining a comfortable feel.
"The new FrostGuard jacket is a good example. Made from a lightweight, four-way stretch nylon paired with Primaloft fill in the chest and back, and a sweater-like knit in the sleeves, these materials work together to provide a fantastic amount of warmth without the expected bulk and weight. I am also excited about the design of the new range. Whether it was the color, fit, details, or materials, each piece looked special. The blend of engineering and design is this season's true highlight."
Matt Cardis, photographer, golf travel aficionado and GolfInYourState.com creator, offered his personal favorites from the line.
"As a photographer, I’m usually on the course well before sunrise and return long after the sun goes down,” said Cardis. “Cabot Cape Breton provided an authentic field test on how well the new pieces perform in a variety of conditions.
"For tops, the FrostGuard jacket is a standout and staple in my wardrobe. It’s ideal for winter layering in cold temperatures, brisk morning walks and cool evening barbecues. The Wind.rdy vest is super versatile — I wore it with short and long sleeved polos and t-shirts. I always felt prepared for any activity in any weather condition with this vest. For bottoms, the Wind.rdy pants are very comfortable and warm but also breathable. They are clutch for my active lifestyle.
"All of the products we tried in Canada are incredibly comfortable. I immediately noticed the improvements and attention to detail put into this year’s collection. Increased comfort and mobility, softer fabrics with lightweight design and clean aesthetic, all while still maintaining the warmth and function I depend on."
The full Ultimate365 Tour collection for fall/winter is available now for men and women at Adidas.com and select retailers.