Trevor Ng
Ashworth is a United States golf clothing brand that was founded in 1987 by Gerald Montiel and John Ashworth. The brand is currently owned by YGM Group since 2019 and focuses on modern and traditional clothing for use on the golf course. Ashworth has been described as one of the most experienced and respected names in the golf apparel world. The brand returned to the U.S. market in 2023 with innovative new apparel lines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current owner | YGM Group |
| Year founded | 1987 |
| Founders | Gerald Montiel and John Ashworth |
| Current creative director | John Ashworth |
| Current operator | A division of Newtimes Group |
| Focus | Golf apparel |
| Product range | T-shirts, polo shirts, hoodies, cardigans, sweaters, pants, jeans, shorts, jackets, coats, gilets, stretch belts, hats, etc. |
| Distribution focus | Green grass golf shops |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Ashworth Golf is currently owned by YGM Group since 2019
- John Ashworth left in 1997 but returned as Creative Director in 2024
- The company was founded in 1987 by Gerald Montiel and John Ashworth
- Ashworth is focused on modern and traditional clothing for the golf course
- Ashworth has experienced recent growth and is looking to the future
Ashworth Golf is currently owned by YGM Group since 2019
Ashworth Golf is currently owned by the YGM Group, a division of Newtimes Group, which acquired the brand in 2019. The company was founded in 1987 by Gerald Montiel and John Ashworth, a golf enthusiast, as Charter Golf, Inc. in Los Angeles. Montiel ran a sporting goods store and hired Ashworth as a buyer for the golf department in 1985. They noticed a gap in the market for stylish golf clothing and decided to launch their own line.
After raising $685,000 by early 1988, the company was launched, and sales reached $374,000 in the first year, growing to $2.14 million in 1989. The brand quickly became popular, and its style became synonymous with a new era in golf fashion, blending California cool with athletic functionality. Ashworth's designs were worn by celebrity golfers, including Fred Couples, who wore Ashworth apparel during his iconic 1992 Masters victory.
John Ashworth left the company in 1997, and the brand changed hands several times over the years. In 2001, it entered a licensing agreement with Callaway Golf Company, and in 2008, it was acquired by TaylorMade, an Adidas subsidiary. Despite these changes, the brand continued to focus on golf apparel, including polo shirts, stretch belts, hats, and quarter-zips, catering to golfers of all ages and styles.
In 2017, Adidas sold its golf brands to KPS Capital Partners, and two years later, Ashworth was acquired by the YGM Group. The brand returned to the U.S. market in 2023 with innovative new apparel lines, aiming to boost its presence and reconnect with younger golfers while staying true to its heritage. With a focus on growth and an eye on the past, Ashworth Golf continues to be a leading brand in the golf apparel space, catering to golfers' needs for stylish and functional clothing.
Golf's Ancient Origins: A Historical Perspective
You may want to see also
Explore related products
John Ashworth left in 1997 but returned as Creative Director in 2024
Ashworth Golf Company, a leading brand in golf apparel, has seen its fair share of changes since its founding in 1987. John Ashworth, a golf enthusiast, co-founded the company with Gerald Montiel, aiming to bring style and functionality to golf fashion. However, in 1997, John Ashworth left the company, citing "philosophical differences." Despite his departure, Ashworth Golf continued to thrive under different leadership, experiencing success and various ownership changes over the years.
During his absence, the company was acquired by different entities, including TaylorMade, an Adidas subsidiary, in 2008, and later by YGM Trading Limited in 2019. Despite these transitions, the brand maintained its focus on modern and traditional clothing for golfers. In 2023, Ashworth Golf returned to the U.S. market with innovative new apparel lines, targeting both younger players and their prime demographic of golfers aged 45 and above.
Fast forward to 2024, and John Ashworth makes his highly anticipated return to the company he helped establish. Ashworth Golf announces the comeback of its founder as Creative Director, a role that harnesses his passion for golf and fashion. In his own words, Ashworth expresses his excitement about innovating, pushing boundaries, and creating great clothing for a new generation of golfers.
This development marks a new chapter in the story of Ashworth Golf, bringing together the brand's rich history and its renewed focus on growth. With John Ashworth at the creative helm, the company is poised to blend its classic heritage with modern trends, appealing to a diverse range of golfers. The return of its founder signifies a reunion of the Ashworth name with the golf apparel world, a world in which it has established itself as one of the most experienced and respected brands.
As John Ashworth steps into the role of Creative Director, Ashworth Golf embarks on a journey of innovation and style, building upon the foundation laid during its early years. With a focus on both the domestic and international markets, the brand is well-positioned to reconnect with younger golfers while staying true to its roots. The company's resurgence under the guidance of its founder promises an exciting future for golfers of all ages and styles, as they tee off in style.
Golfing Mullingar: My Experience and Review
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The company was founded in 1987 by Gerald Montiel and John Ashworth
Ashworth, the golf clothing and accessories brand, was founded in 1987 by Gerald Montiel and John Ashworth. The company was initially called Charter Golf, Inc. and was set up in the Los Angeles garment district.
John Ashworth was a golf enthusiast and avid golfer who honed his skills on the golf course and played college golf at the University of Arizona, earning a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy. He began caddying for his childhood friend, Mark Wiebe, on the 1984 PGA Tour, which exposed him to the world of professional golf and the lack of stylish, functional golf apparel available.
Gerald Montiel ran a sporting goods store and hired John Ashworth as a buyer for the golf department in 1985. Together, they observed that golf fashions in the 1980s lacked style. When the sporting goods store went out of business, Ashworth started designing clothes, while Montiel raised money for their new venture. By early 1988, he had raised $685,000, and Charter Golf, Inc. was launched.
Sales started modestly, reaching $374,000 in the first year, but they grew quickly, with sales of $2.14 million in 1989. The company went public in 1990 under the symbol CGOL, and they signed celebrity endorsers, including golf tournament pros and a CBS announcer. John Ashworth left the company in 1997, citing "philosophical differences," and Gerald Montiel retired at the end of 1998.
The brand changed hands several times over the years, with TaylorMade (an Adidas subsidiary) acquiring it in 2008, Adidas selling its golf brands to KPS Capital Partners in 2017, and finally, YGM Trading Limited acquiring Ashworth in 2019.
In December 2024, John Ashworth returned to the company as Creative Director, with a focus on continuing to innovate and create great clothing for a new generation of golfers.
Golf Drivers: How Long Do They Last?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$19.95 $23.95
$19
$17.99 $26.99
Ashworth is focused on modern and traditional clothing for the golf course
Ashworth is a United States clothing brand, currently owned by YGM Group since 2019. The brand was founded in 1987 by Gerald Montiel and John Ashworth, a golf enthusiast, as Charter Golf, Inc. The company was launched with the aim of creating stylish and functional clothing for golfers.
John Ashworth, a third-generation avid golfer, wanted to bring a more modern and casual look to the golf course. He focused on a clean, laid-back style that also emphasised athletic performance. Ashworth's designs quickly gained popularity among top PGA Tour players, and the brand became synonymous with a new era in golf fashion, blending California cool with athletic functionality.
Over the years, Ashworth has changed hands several times, with different leaders at the helm. Despite these changes, the brand has continued to focus on modern and traditional clothing for the golf course. In 2001, Ashworth entered a licensing agreement with Callaway Golf Company, and sales reached impressive figures in the following years. However, competitive pressures stalled revenues, leading to the resignation of CEO Randy Herrel in 2006.
In 2007, Ashworth hired Allan Fletcher, the founder of a Canadian Golf apparel company and Ashworth partner. In 2008, TaylorMade, an Adidas subsidiary, acquired Ashworth. Most recently, in 2019, Ashworth was acquired by YGM Trading Limited.
Throughout its history, Ashworth has remained committed to providing stylish and functional golf apparel. The brand has experienced growth and setbacks but continues to be a recognised name in the golf apparel space. With a focus on both modern and traditional clothing, Ashworth caters to golfers of all ages and styles, offering a range of options to suit their needs on the course.
Understanding Golf Betting Odds: A Beginner's Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Ashworth has experienced recent growth and is looking to the future
Ashworth, a leading brand in golf apparel, has experienced recent growth and is looking to the future with optimism. The company was founded in 1987 by Gerald Montiel and John Ashworth, a golf enthusiast who saw a gap in the market for stylish golf clothing. After a successful launch, the brand became synonymous with a new era in golf fashion, blending California cool with athletic functionality.
However, following John Ashworth's departure in 1997, the company faced competitive pressures, and CEO Randy Herrel resigned in 2006. The brand changed hands several times, with TaylorMade acquiring it in 2008, followed by Adidas in 2017, and finally, YGM Trading Limited in 2019. Despite these challenges, Ashworth has maintained its focus on modern and traditional clothing for golfers.
In 2023, Ashworth returned to the U.S. market with innovative new apparel lines, leveraging its reputation as a classic, heritage brand. The company is currently operated in the U.S. by a division of the Newtimes Group, which specializes in product development and supply chain management for apparel. With a growing online presence, Ashworth aims to boost its brand presence among younger golfers while staying true to its roots.
The return of founder John Ashworth as Creative Director in 2024 is a significant development, bringing his passion and experience back to the brand. Ashworth is also leveraging the popularity of ambassador Fred Couples, who represents the brand's target demographic of golfers aged 45 and above. With a strong team and a strategic vision, Ashworth is well-positioned for future growth and success in the golf apparel market.
Golf Drivers: Does Length Matter?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Ashworth Golf is still in business. The company was acquired by YGM Trading Limited in 2019 and currently operates in the U.S. as a division of the Newtimes Group.
Ashworth Golf is currently owned by the YGM Group.
Ashworth Golf was founded in 1987 by Gerald Montiel and John Ashworth as Charter Golf, Inc.
Ashworth Golf sells a wide range of clothing and accessories geared towards use on the golf course, including t-shirts, polo shirts, hoodies, cardigans, sweaters, pants, jeans, shorts, jackets, coats, gilets, belts, and hats.
