Ted Baker links with David Leadbetter to boost golf collection

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Feb 27, 2018

We’re used to brands linking up with sports megastars but less so with the lower-profile-but-still-important names in sport, which is why Ted Baker’s latest marketing hook-up is so interesting.

The UK-based retailer has revealed a new deal with golf coach David Leadbetter “to proudly sport Ted’s latest golf collection for the upcoming season.”

He’s wearing Ted Baker apparel at this year’s PGA Show, and throughout the rest of 2018. The PGA Show is currently taking place in Orlando, Florida.

While Leadbetter isn’t a household name, he isn’t exactly under-the-radar in the golf world either. His own career as a player was fairly low-key, but he’s now the world’s premiere golf instructor and has been instrumental in transforming the careers of numerous golf stars. 

He was 2017 PGA Teacher of the Year, he’s a PGA Hall of Fame Professional, and a regular contributor to the Golf Channel. His clients include 22 Major champions, plus seven players who have held first place in the Official World Golf Ranking. He’s also authored how-to best-sellers and his 34 Leadbetter Golf Academies span 13 countries, delivering over 50,000 golf lessons per year, as well as corporate events and elite junior training.

So he may not be as instantly-recognisable as Tiger Woods or Rory McIlroy, but for golf enthusiasts, he’s big news. That makes his endorsement a valuable commodity for any apparel brand operating in the golf space.

The connection to the technical side of golf rather than simply star appeal is key for Ted Baker with its Golf offer being a technical menswear collection designed “for the most gentlemanly of pursuits” and targeting “the keen golfer who’s looking for something a little different on the links.”

The collection includes printed polos in the brand’s signature style, soft chino shorts, and “easy-to-layer” jersey pieces, and is complemented by accessories such as leather golfing gloves. There are also water-repellent cotton blend trousers and jackets “providing warmth and breathability,” while windproof and quick-drying fabrics are also used throughout.