First-year men’s golf coach Bill Poutre didn’t take long to make an impact, turning a friendship into an opportunity for Long Beach State.
Poutre and Back 9 USA agreed to a partnership in mid-August to designate the company as the official performance apparel and headwear provider for the 49er players, coaches and staff.
“The partnership started when I approached Back 9 USA President Andy Hydorn,” Poutre said. “Andy and I grew up together in central Massachusetts where we were friends and competed for hockey goalie roster spots.”
Back 9 USA also will provide headwear for the Del Walker Intercollegiate Tournament, which LBSU will compete in Oct. 16 and 17 at the Virginia Country Club in Long Beach.
“To start, we’re doing two styles of our golf performance polos,” Back 9 USA marketing director Leigh Rankin said. “For headwear, we’re starting with our black contrast stitch hat with the ‘LB’ logo on the front and a few for the players with their names embroidered on the back.”
The polo shirts will be the Kittansett model in ocean and slate, and the Greystone model in black and white. Both polos are a three-button with open hem sleeves and tail, as well as 100 percent polyester with ThermaFlow moisture management — designed to maximize air flow and keep the players dry despite playing conditions.
“This is ideal for our players in competitive situations and weather will vary greatly from the desert to cooler winter temperatures,” Poutre said. “The polos are very cool but also dressy enough to look professional. Since I am from the East Coast and a little more formal around the golf course, this line gives the players the cool young feel that they want while providing for an upscale classy image that I want the team to project.”
The hats are made of garment-washed cotton fabric and will be adjustable fit. The company has also designed hats for the University of North Carolina, Notre Dame, Texas and Michigan, among others.
The 49ers will don the new look at the season-opening Gene Miranda Invitational in Colorado Springs, Colo., in a two-day tournament this weekend.