Hockey sticks. Curling brooms. Toques. Maple syrup. Snow shoes. Just a few examples of made-in-Canada items you might expect to find on a store shelf near you. Golf gear made in the Great White North? Not so much.
However, things on this front are starting to change. From coast to coast – and even right here in Alberta – talented people just like you are sensing an opportunity to jump into an under-served market area. In fact, there are more Canadian golf products out there than you might think.
“We’ve tripled our membership in the last year, or so,” says Dustin Rivers, CEO of the Canadian Golf Brands Alliance. The alliance, which is a non-profit organization that was founded approximately five years ago by brothers Jeff and Todd Bishop of the Dormie Golf Workshop, seeks to bring awareness to the many (mostly under-the-radar) golf brands in the country.
“We now have over 60 companies in the alliance,” says Rivers, who is based in Ottawa, Ontario. “Besides the awareness piece, which is significant, we try to do everything we can to help assist our Canadian companies in the marketplace. There are many markets around the world that are open to working with Canadian brands. And, certainly, selling Canadian golf products to Canadians only makes sense. In fact, more and more golfers are trying to be loyal to Canadian products. The ‘Buy Canadian’ trend has momentum. However, there are still many people out there that don’t really ‘walk the talk’ when it comes to that. The work is far from over when it comes to promoting Canadian brands in the golf industry.”
Not surprisingly, the alliance represents a broad swath of companies that sell numerous types of products to golfers. Tees, headcovers, hats, shirts, hoodies, golf carts, gloves, pull carts, and beverages are just a sampling. And, although many of the companies do acquire their raw materials from outside the country, make no mistake, these are Canadian brands that are owned and operated by Canadians.
Although Alberta is not exactly a hotbed for homegrown golf companies, there are a number that have thrown their hat in the ring. Three prime examples are:
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JQ Golf ClothingJunior Golf Apparel
“As parents of a Junior Golfer with his own sense of style, we searched for junior golf apparel, but the options were and still are very limited. We decided that if we can’t find what he’s looking for, we’ll make it! That’s how JQ Golf Clothing Co. was inspired.We started making clothing designs for our family, and our designs turned heads everywhere we went. People kept asking, where can I get this shirt? We moved to the next level and decided that these designs need to be available for youth golfers everywhere.”
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FTR Golf CarsSolar-Powered Golf Carts
“FTR Golf Cars is dedicated to enhancing the golfing experience through cutting-edge technology, superior design, and unmatched service. Our goal is to provide golf courses with carts that not only perform at the highest level but also elevate the entire experience for golfers, staff, and course operators. From advanced Solar Drive technology to the comfort and convenience built into each vehicle, every FTR Golf Car is engineered to last longer, run better, and make the game more enjoyable for everyone.”
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Cover & HydePremium Leather Golf Goods
“More than just a brand, Cover and Hyde is about upholding tradition with authenticity. Our mission is to create timeless products that resonate with our audience both on and off the green—pieces that not only honor the heritage of golf but also embody a lifestyle of confidence, resilience, and originality. As we continue to grow, we remain dedicated to crafting products that stand the test of time, inspiring golfers to play their own way while staying rooted in the traditions that make the game so iconic.”
During my research I discovered approximately a dozen Alberta companies that are manufacturing a product or products that are targeted to golfers. However, some of the companies are not golf specific.
As you might expect, all three of the aforementioned companies sensed an opportunity to deliver a unique product in an under-serviced area. For example, at family-run JQ Golf, it’s all about junior golf.
JQ Golf Clothing Co.
“Our kids just couldn’t find golf clothing that appealed to them,” says Jaqueline Strang, who owns the small, home-based company with her husband, Jeff. “To top it off, as a family with three kids, we just couldn’t justify spending $100 on golf shirts for our kids. And we knew other parents of junior golfers felt the same.”
So, together with their three kids, the Strangs started their company in their home in Airdrie. The premise was simple: fun and affordable golf apparel for junior golfers. “Our kids are a big part of the design process,” says Jaqueline. “They design clothes they want to wear. It’s been pretty rewarding to do this as a family.” JQ Golf also produces affordable golf apparel for men and women, many with the same kid-friendly patterns and colours. Their clothing is available in over 20 pro shops in Alberta with more on the way. They also sell plenty of clothing through their website.
FTR Golf Cars
In terms of selling a unique Canadian product that fills a void in the market, FTR Golf Canada – founded by golf professionals, Sean Mills and Garrett Fraser – certainly fits the bill. The company, which is based in Wainwright, Alberta, manufactures luxury golf carts that feature plenty of innovation that just isn’t available on the market.
Their carts feature Solar Drive technology, premium leather seating, LED headlights, brake lights, side mirrors, turn signals, automotive dash with bluetooth speakers, independent front suspension, leather-wrapped steering wheels, and plenty of other unique, state-of-the-art features.
Cover & Hyde
Speaking of premium leather, Cover & Hyde, which is based in Canmore, is a proudly-Albertan company that makes genuine leather golf goods. While they specialize in beautiful hand-crafted leather headcovers, they also make birdie-juice cases, rangefinder cases, hats, pouches, and shirts. They also do plenty of custom orders, such as logoed bag tags, with their premium leather products.
“Our leather is all sourced right here in Alberta,” says Jeremy Gordon, who founded the company in 2020 with close friends, Kevin Jenken and Jonas Gordon. “Our focus is to make high-quality products that last. We also strive to make products that are simple in design and representative of our Alberta roots. We have a passion for our western heritage and we feel that each piece we design reflects the strength, character, and timeless style of our homeland.” To shop Cover & Hyde products visit their website.
Unquestionably, golfers in Alberta should rightfully have plenty of pride in the strength, quality, and history of the game in our province. Supporting Alberta-made golf products can only help the cause.