It’s easy enough to walk into your local golf retailer and snag a few Nike polos or adidas shorts and call it a day. Every now and then, it doesn’t hurt to check out a golf apparel collection designed for quality and unique style. Actually, it feels good and looks good too. Take a moment to get acquainted with the charming founder of QED Style, Mike McRae (good stuff below). Then browse the QED collection and invest in something new for a change. Speaking of new, I just previewed a few new QED items that will be available this spring. Hot looking apparel!
Name: Mike McRae
Title: Founder – QED Style
Why do you do what you do?
I have a very artistic and creative family. My dad has been a commercial photographer for over 30 years and is an incredible artist. My mom can take anything and make it beautiful, whether it is fashion, painting or cooking. Golf has been a passion of mine since I was 8 years old. It provided me with a great education at St. Mary’s and the ability to travel the world in attempts to make the PGA Tour. QED Style allows me to integrate two pillars in my life each and every day.
Tell us something interesting about you we may not know:
Growing up in Utah, the outdoors are a huge part of my life. I love to ski, hike, fish and camp. If QED ever gets into fragrances, there will be definitely be a hint of campfire and whiskey in there.
What looks good/makes a golfer stand out on the golf course?
Just be yourself. People trying to stand out often annoy rather than attract. Embracing who you are is a very rare quality. Develop a style that mirrors your personality and people will be drawn to you.
What should not be worn on the golf course?
The common answer would be jeans, but I once got my ass handed to me by a guy wearing torn jeans and a tank top. I’ve thought he was a stud ever since. Just be yourself and respect dress code when it exists.
Describe your personal golf apparel style:
I’m a subtle flash kind of guy. I don’t like anything loud, but I want you to know that I’m present. This is usually done with small details and intended coloring.
Describe your brand’s style:
QED will continue look at its competitors and be educated in its industry, but our focus is to offer items you wont find anywhere else. I am frequently overwhelmed by the selection of most apparel brands. All I see is the same shirt a thousand times over. I enjoy how much thought and detail is put into our apparel. Being small has it’s advantages. We can’t really afford to come out with an item that isn’t special.
What inspired the creation of your brand?
As a young professional, I grew tired of the traditional golf look. God forbid I go out wearing what I wore on the course! Something that is truly stylish can be worn anywhere. Why can’t we design stylish clothing first then apply golf dress code and functionality afterwards?
Why should golfers buy your brand?
People look really good in QED. Straight forward but true. I don’t know what it is. Rarely does someone try on a QED polo and is not impressed with how they look. I can pretty much guarantee a member of your foursome will ask about your shirt the next time you go out in one of ours.
Why is attention to golf fashion important?
I recently read that the golf industry is now generating over 100 billion dollars annually across the globe. Golf is not only a sport but a social activity and business setting. Knowing how to dress can help give the right impression and open a lot of doors!
Does your brand sponsor any professional golfers?
Yes. We have a great team of guys. Our 2014 team should consist of about 5 guys on the web.comtour and about another 5 on other worldwide tours. I know all of these guys personally, and I can say we have a quality group of guys.
What are the characteristics of a good apparel sponsor partnership?
First, the player should like the apparel. That may sound ridiculous, but I am shocked at how many players aren’t fond of their attire, which means the player might not enthusiastically represent the brand. Second, the player is really partnering with the brand. So hopefully the player embraces the brand, and visa versa.
What does the future hold for your brand?
I am encouraged every day with the growing interest and support for QED. We’ll be unveiling our 2014-2015 line and introducing some women’s pieces this spring. We’re a young company with a big vision. Hopefully we can stay true to ourselves and remember what we learned from the day before.
