Cork-based company to bring Calvin Klein to golf world

Cork-based "Premium Golf Brands" will roll out Calvin Klein golf clothing worldwide, according to a Sports Illustrated report.

The Calvin Klein name, one of the most famous in American fashion, will take a big swing at golf clothes, according to an announcement this week by Ireland-based Premium Golf Brands. The multiyear licensing deal, whereby the Cork-based company will roll out Calvin Klein golf apparel and accessories worldwide, was announced, naturally, on St. Patrick's Day (at a breakfast in New York honoring Ireland's Prime Minister, Brian Cowen).

Many designers have golf collections, notably Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger. But the Calvin Klein label has never been much of a player on the golf course. Until recently, a Westport, Conn., based company, Calvin Klein Golf, has held the licensing rights to Calvin Klein golf apparel in the United States.

Of course, the licensed clothes will not come anywhere near the hand of Calvin Kleinhimself, who sold his company years ago and retired from actively designing its products. Calvin Klein Inc. is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation, which makes many other designer products. Presumably the designer's signature look — sleek, minimal modernism in understated neutral colors (including every iteration of tan and beige on the planet, not to mention the solar system) — will be honored and adapted.

Since many golfers are already very fond of tan colors, perhaps this is a match made in heaven.