Since 1992, “The Shark” logo has become virtually synonymous with comfortable, high-performance, golf-inspired apparel.
Just ask Gary Lagden, head professional/GM at Le Blainvillier Golf Club outside of Montreal, for whom the Greg Norman Collection has long been a mainstay, with its comprehensive lineup of wovens, polos, sweaters, pullovers, pants, shorts, skorts, dresses, jackets, hats, and more.
“They’ve been very consistent and reliable, I would say they’re a brand that people respect,” he offers. “They’ve always been there, and they always will be there. Some of the others go in waves.”
Over the last few years, Lagden finds some of the trendier Norman designs are doing well among his club’s fashion-conscious members.
“Year to year, they come straight back to the POP stand to see what’s new,” he relates. “They know what they want. And, they like the fit.”
“Their Fashion Collection is really strong. It has performance and nice colours, but they don’t go too crazy. I feel they satisfy everybody — the basic consumers, and the guys who want to stand out a bit.”
He cites the popularity of the assorted ¼-Zip Pullovers, which are super comfortable, perfect for layering, and snappy enough for the office. They feature Play Dry wicking technology, 12 per cent Spandex for stretch, and UPF50+ protection.
“Everybody loves those,” he says. “You go out and it’s a little cool, then it heats up and you can take it off. Like any pullover, you can take it off or on at any time. It’s all about fashion, and performance.”
Lagden, 45, spent four years on a golf scholarship at NOVA Southeastern University of Florida, while earning a Bachelor of Science degree. He went to nationals, and played in a couple of mini-tour events before giving up on dreams of a PGA Tour card.
“A lot of my buddies were living in their cars,” he relates. “I decided I wanted to have a career in golf, and this was the best way to do it.”
He served as assistant pro at Quebec clubs like Summerlea, Cap-Rouge, and Ile Perrot, before becoming head professional at Le Blainvillier in 2006, and general manager in 2017.
Looking back it was the right move, with Le Blainvillier named Quebec’s Pro Shop of the Year in 2007, and Lagden honoured as Professional of the Year in 2008.
“It’s all about customer service. Everything’s service,” says the friendly father of two. “We make sure there’s always somebody on the floor to help them.”
