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By Jason Bruno
Carnoustie Sportswear isn't your run of mill golf apparel brand, it's a cut above the
industry standard. Many clubs that are featured in America's Top 100 list carry their
product line, and not many can make those claims.
Known for their fine cotton golf shirts, the Carnoustie Performance Polo features a moisture
wicking micro-poly blend, self collar and 3 button placket.
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Marshall Mancillas is the CEO, creator and
innovator of the Carnoustie Sportswear brand.
When you meet him, immediately there are two
words that come to mind - respect and passion.
His demeanor just commands the former, but
when he speaks of his early days of learning the
game in Southern California, it reminds you of
how and why each of us has fallen for the game.
Mancillas was inspired in the early 60's by the
classic style of players like Hogan and Palmer.
Recently, we sat down with the man behind
the timeless quality and style.
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LinksNation: Can you tell me about the brand and where you see your place in the
market?
Marshall Mancillas: Today we find ourselves in many of the best clubs from the
west coast to the east coast, from Cypress Point to Pine Valley. We are also very
big in the best golf resorts like Bandon Dunes and Pebble Beach - where they
want something better. Having said that, our price points are very understandable.
In winter and fall we flourish because we make so many different things.
LN: What exactly does the catalog of Carnoustie apparel cover?
MM: Everything from knits, polyester (tech/performance) outerwear, to sweaters
and some really beautiful suede goods.
LN: Only available in green grass locations?
MM: Mostly green grass. We do some retail, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom
. . . but our main gig is Golf. I've been a player and understand the market.
The Carnoustie logo displayed just below the back collar is a nice touch.
LN: You started the company 22 years ago, how did that come about?
MM: I was a lawyer in the Real Estate business here in L.A, but I've been a player
since 1960. In the late 80's the landscape of golf apparel changed with companies
like Ashworth and Bobby Jones, I saw an opportunity. I was kind of naive when I got
started. My Father made a wonderful career in tailored clothing . . . so maybe it was
in my blood.
LN: Do you think that being naive entering the industry might have been a blessing
in disguise? The passion drove you . . .
MM: In a way, sure. It also kept me on track. So many times it's so easy to get off
track, but what was really encouraging was once I got started people immediately
liked my point of view, and that was really encouraging.
LN: Why Carnoustie? It's obviously a famous classic Scottish links venue, but how
did the name become the brand?
MM: I was at home in the wee hours and the family was all sleeping, I started
watching some old vintage links footage on TV from Scotland . . . and a light bulb
came on in my head. I was inspired by the classic Scottish landscape. I started to
research if the name was available, and much to my delight it was. The rest is
history.
One of the most impressive qualities about the Carnoustie Performance line is how
uniform the collar stays throughout the day - no roll up at all. The micro-poly fabric
is lightweight, and stays with your body even during the fastest swings from the tee
box. During testing, the moisture wicking elements kept us dry in the South Florida
sun. All Carnoustie garments are versatile timeless styles that will have you looking
your best whether you choose to wear them on or off the links.
An elegantly themed men's brand is what Marshall Mancillas likes to say. We couldn't
agree more . . .
For more information on Carnoustie Sportswear: http://www.carnoustiesportswearonline.com/
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