Good morning, we are The Daily Tee Off, and today I bring to you the third instalment of the Fairway Foundry series, where we continue our journey into the world of groundbreaking golf brands. In this edition, I shine the spotlight on an Australian brand that is challenging the industry giants and reshaping the way we perceive golf apparel.

Gone are the days where a handful of major players dominate the market and get to dictate the trends. We are now living in an exciting new world where golfers can express their own personalities and style through a growing number of designers all pushing the boundaries.

So without wasting to much more time, get ready to meet the dynamic duo behind the brand we all know as…. Gray + Haast.

Fairway Foundry - Gray + Haast

“Crafting a lifestyle one stroke at a time”

About

Fairway Foundry Episode 3: Gray + Haast - The brand empowering golfers to achieve extraordinary results.

In this edition of the Fairway Foundry, we dive into the two minds behind Gray + Haast to discover what inspired them to enter the golf industry and challenge the status quo. We uncover the story behind their name and the powerful symbolism it holds. Also we take a look into at what lies ahead.

Cortney and Nick Gray the husband and wife founders of Gray + Haast entered the golf industry fueled by frustration. They noticed a lack of options in the market that offered the perfect blend of quality, style, and affordability. Many brands focus on golf-inspired streetwear, while lower-priced alternatives felt stale or overwhelmed by floral prints and gimmicks. Determined to fill this gap, they set out to create golf apparel company tailored for golfers like themselves. With Nick focusing in on design, sales and taking every opportunity to get out and test the products, leaving Cortney, a certified business analyst, to take care of all the nitty gritty of the operation.

When asked about the inspiration behind entering the golf industry, they explained that their passion for the game and the desire to provide superior apparel options were the driving forces. They wanted to offer golfers something unique and stylish, going beyond what the mainstream designs were delivering.

The brand name "Gray + Haast" holds deep significance. "Gray" derives from the co-founders' surname and represents their commitment to creating products they are proud to “literally” put their name on. "Haast" draws inspiration from the Haast's eagle native to Australia and New Zealand. This name reflects their Australian heritage and their aspiration to provide apparel that empowers golfers to achieve extraordinary results on the course. It also draws a parallel to the golfing world, where scoring an "Eagle" signifies excellence.

Starting Gray + Haast came with its fair share of challenges. Design and manufacturing posed initial hurdles as they aimed for custom-designed apparel that met their high standards and preformed at a superior level. Overcoming these challenges required extensive sampling, collaboration with designers, and finding suppliers who shared their vision. Manufacturing smaller quantities with customisation presented additional difficulties, but through negotiation and building strong relationships with partners, they achieved the desired level of quality.

Looking ahead, Gray + Haast are eager to incorporate advanced technologies like Drirelease fabrics to enhance performance. Their commitment to continuous improvement and innovation drives them to seek partnerships for cutting-edge materials and techniques. Perseverance, collaboration, attention to detail, and investing in quality have been valuable lessons along their journey.

Collaborations and partnerships play a crucial role in Gray + Haast's growth strategy. They have established relationships with local stockists and are actively seeking opportunities to expand their presence in golf course pro shops. Customising polo designs and team logos for golf events and exploring collaborations with golf clubs and organisations are also part of their plans. One very exciting collaboration is with Fairway Golf Tours. A company which specialises in organising exceptional golf tours throughout Australia. This partnership along with being a part of the Black Tees Challenge allows Gray + Haast to reach a wider audience by providing custom polo opportunities to enhance the golfing experience for 100’s of golfers.

As for future products, Gray + Haast recently launched their windbreaker, marking their venture beyond polos and accessories. They are continuously working on new designs and styles to expand their polo collection, with a pinstripe range on the horizon. Responding to popular demand, they are also in the early stages of developing shorts and pants, which I for one will be jumping on the second they hit the market! While these additions will take time, their focus on quality, style, and affordability remains unwavering and you can be sure the end result will rival, if not surpass the best in the business.

The vision for Gray + Haast's future is to become a leader in golf apparel, known for their quality, style, and vibrant community. They plan to achieve this by fostering a sense of community through events, partnerships, and online platforms, showcasing the joy of golfing camaraderie and the pleasures of the game. International expansion, collaborations with retailers, and sponsorships with major tournaments and golfers are part of their growth strategy.

Gray + Haast's commitment to excellence, community, and the shared love for the game is truly inspiring. Their innovative approach to golf apparel and dedication to enhancing the golfing experience make them a brand to watch. Discover their products and join their community by visiting their website. Gray + Haast, where style meets performance on the fairways.

To read and find out a little more click here to visit their website or visit them through their socials. ⬇️

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