Friday 26 March 2010

Ready for the weekend...

With the passing of the Vernal Equinox I was sure sun was on the way and after a washout on Saturday, the Sun shone resiliently on Sunday, and the decision was made. It’s time to golf.

It was arrogantly close to summer climes and for perhaps the first time since October it was merely short sleeves on the arms, albeit with the Burgundy Sleeveless Cardigan paired over the top. “Sharp” and “precise” were a selection of comments on the attire worn with slick black suit trousers, ‘Look Good’ – Check – I thought as I stood on the first tee, before realising this was the first time in too long I’d swung my sticks in Keatsian territories. It felt sublime to not be choked with layer, and have the UKKO statement out there plainly. The titanium logo shone in the profound sunlight, as I swung smoother than a Sinatra track, and shorter than Lee Trevino, but hey, it was in play. ‘Play Good’ – Check.

It was a high stakes game of match play in an attempt to win back the loss of the preceding day’s bet after my beloved West Ham United fell short against the Arsenal. The thing is, I’m a firm believer that the best shots a golfer will ever hit - of any level, are the strokes played in near darkness, on a late summer’s evening without a soul seeing it. Which is why my second shot of the day surprised me as the eight iron with a quid-seventy left soared up and nestled nicely next to the hole. The concession was gladly received and onwards to the next. Actually, I started playing well and was pretty surprised with how things were going as the lead increased to three by the 16th tee. The 16th at my track is a lengthy dog-leg right par 4 heavily guarded right and left of the short stuff. Despite needing but a half to reclaim my cash and leave the weekend as I started, the only though in my mind was ‘let the big dog eat’ – so I did as the ball swerved somewhat magisterially from left to right and around the corner which put in the stead needed to win the hole and the match 4&2. Happy days.

Now I mentioned the Sleeveless Cardigan earlier, and came about a revelation at the weekend. After the dress-down day in aid of Sport Relief on Friday and repping UKKO with the ever-pristine threads, I realised something of monumental genius. Firstly, if you don’t have the Burgundy Sleeveless, feast your eyes sharpish before it disappears for Spring/Summer replacement, literally it can be worn with anything trousers, suit, Sunday best, hitting the town, even Jeggings (to clear that up, that’s a joke and any man to wear these or ‘Ugg’ boots are unacceptable members of our species). And secondly, when the merino wool is in your hands wear it with all the buttons done up, bar the top one, looks reams. Enjoy looking good...

Another top blog by UKKO Ambassador Tom Ayling.

Tuesday 9 March 2010

Spotlight on... UKKO sponsored Pro Neil Chaudhuri

Our fourth Pro spotlight focuses on English Professional Neil Chaudhuri. The format is simple: we ask a few questions, they answer and you get to see what makes them tick.

Neil is wearing the UKKO White Cotton Polo, Black Merino Tank & Black Titanium Belt, all available to buy from our online store.

Your tour/base - Alps Tour


Handicap - Reached +3.3 as an Amateur

What's in your bag? (we like details!)
Driver - Callaway FT5 9 degrees
Woods - Callaway X Tour 15 degree 3 wood and a Callaway steelhead 5 wood (an absolute classic)
Irons - Mizuno MP60s 3-PW
Wedges - Cleveland 588 Tour Grind
Putter - David Whitlam
Balls - Titleist Pro V1x


1. Your ultimate fourball with anyone past & present?
Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.


2. Before the big game, what's on your iPod to get the adrenalin pumping?
Eminem - Till I collapse.


3. Where would you take them on?
St Andrews


4. What's your fairway style - Bling or brogues?
Brogues for sure. Definitely let the clubs do the talking.


5. How would you celebrate your win?
I would treat myself to a new car. Something fast.


6. 1st and last drink on the 19th?
Champagne to celebrate followed by some Jaiger bombs - so much fun!!


7. Your missus has gone out for the evening - what d'you cook?
Spaghetti Bolognase - I love pasta (and that's all I can cook).


8. Your private jet is on the tarmac and ready to fly - where d'you go?
Thailand - I love that country. Beautiful country, wonderful people and hot all year round. It's paradise.


9. Which club's first in your bag?
The big dog. I had a caddy when I played in South Africa who only let me take driver off every tee. "Let the big dog eat" were his exact words. Since then I've loved to give the driver a rip.


10. Who do you hang around with on tour?
The girls in the VIP tents.

11. (i) How has this season been for you so far?
After a dissapointing start to the season, things are looking up - I narrowly missed out on winning my 1st event as a pro in Spain back in June. It was our biggest event of the season on The Alps Tour. I ended up in 3rd place having led the way for most of the tournament. My 66 in the 1st round was the lowest round of the week and it was nice to be in the mix again.

It's my first season as a pro and so it's a big learning curve for me and like all professions, it takes time to work your way up.


11. (ii) What are your main goals for the remainder of the season?
I would love to have my breakthrough win on The Alps Tour. But my main focus is to prepare well for European Tour Qualifying and Asian Tour Qualifying.

12. Where do you want to be in 3 years?

Living the dream on The European Tour.

13. If golf didn't exist, what would you be doing?
Never given it much thought before - but being a nightclub owner sounds pretty lucrative. Bit random, but the amount they charge you in clubs - it's got to be good money!!

Monday 8 March 2010

New Stockist - Men's Fashion Independant - Harpers

We're happy to say that Harpers, a mens fashion store in Witney (Oxfordshire) is one of the latest places you can find UKKO.

The UKKO collection is sitting nicely alongside some of the top men's fashion brands on the racks of this trendy independant and without a golf ball in sight, we're definitely beginning to prove we're a brand for on & off the course.

Pictures below...