TOMMY ARMOUR WEDGES

More spiral ball product testing this time with Tommy Armour wedges.
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HEMPTASTIC

Are we all mugs for buying and wearing polyester apparel? It is chemically based and an environmental disaster. On the bright side it is very durable and cheap to manufacture.

Who really benefits from polyester clothing? Well, the oil companies; polyester is derived from petroleum, the chemical industry; who supply all of the toxic chemicals used and the so called lifestyle/sportswear brands who peddle it. Luckily for those brands they can turn a blind eye to the environmental damage polyester causes. It’s not their responsibility; trouble is it’s no ones responsibility. It’s a win win situation for them. They don’t have to inform the end customer what toxic chemicals they use, there’s even no legal obligation to test any of their polyester apparel to see the level of toxic chemicals contained in the finished garments before retailing.

The idea that any lifestyle/sportswear brands who claim to be responsible and or sustainable when manufacturing millions of polyester apparel is a joke.

It is very easy to moan, and we moan a lot, too much. Is there an alternative to polyester sports apparel? If you look at the natural fibre world the strongest most durable fibre is hemp.

Now hemp has an image problem, industrial hemp used for apparel is different from the cannabis you can smoke to get high or help with your arthritis. Unfortunately for hemp, consumers and the environment, oil and chemical industries are not going to sink their petrochemical dollars into marketing hemp. There’s no point, as hemp doesn't require any of their products.

Why should we ditch polyester and wear hemp?

Many consumers look for comfort and durability in choosing a fabric, so hemp’s softness and high abrasion resistance make it a competitive choice. Hemp has a beautiful natural luster and a lush hand and drape not found with any other natural or synthetic fiber.

Hemp may be known for its durability, but its comfort and style are second to none.  The more hemp is used, the softer it gets: it wears in, not out, thriving on regular use and machine washing without suffering fabric degradation. Hemp actually becomes softer, more resilient and more lustrous as a result of washing. This means hemp retains its sleek sheen every time it is washed, it never dulls, and that it releases stains more easily than other fabrics.

Hemp’s superior absorbency, due to its porous nature, means that it is very breathable and quick drying. Hemp can absorb up to 20% its own weight while still feeling dry to the touch (vs. polyester, which can absorb a maximum of 6%). This is important in the case of any fabric that is in contact with human skin, as perspiration is rapidly absorbed. Hemp’s absorbency allows it to accept dyes readily and retain colour better than other natural fibers.

Hemp has a high resistance to ultraviolet light; it will not fade or disintegrate from sunlight as quickly as other natural fibers.

Hemp grows well without the use of chemicals:  usually no pesticides or fungicides are used because it has few serious fungus or pest problems.

Hemp requires less water to thrive than other natural fiber crops, it is actually drought tolerant and usually grows well without irrigation.

Hemp has a fiber yield higher than any other agricultural crop, thereby requiring less land for equal yield:

Finally, any product made of hemp is fully biodegradable and easily recyclable.

The only people who want you to wear polyester are the self-interest parties of the oil and chemical industry and partnering lifestyle brands with a disregard for the environment who only seeks substantial profits from manufacturing an inexpensive synthetic textile.

source: oecotextiles
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ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND HITS

Considering we talk a load of controversial shite most of the time, it is bewildering to us that our blog ‘A square peg in a round hole’ has achieved nearly 100,000 hits. Big thanks to Jim, Bob, Mary and Ellen who are currently on sick leave with repetitive strain injuries.

To celebrate our remarkable achievement we have written about what we believe should be the next world brand.

We have been looking to create a new world brand using our experience and expertise.

As we still regard ourselves as sporty, we are planning to enter the exciting energy drinks market with our new secret formula drink and brand.

Here is an exclusive first look at our new product.

‘Bull Shit Energy’ or Bullshite as we like to call it.

If only ‘Eddie the Eagle’ and Maurice Flitcroft had the opportunity to drink Bull Shit Energy every day they could have been world beaters. No matter what level you play at or whether you play on a pitch, court, wicket or table, drinking Bullshite will enhance your stamina, intellect and overall performance. Whether indoors or outside, Bull Shit Energy drink is climatic independent.

You can be reassured we have developed the least expensive synthetic ingredients to maximise our marketing budgets.

Look out for our extensive Bull Shit sponsorship, endorsement and marketing campaigns coming to a town near you.

In the near future it is entirely feasible we will be extending our ‘Bull Shit’ branding into other markets including ‘Bull Shit Virgin’, a sexual health counselling service.

However, our next product is already being tested and going through all the necessary health & safety regulations. Highly filtered Bull Shit bottled water, it is pumped directly from streams that run alongside fields where bulls are grazing. How amazing is that?

If you would like to become a shareholder in the future success of ‘Bull Shit’, we will be launching our investment opportunities on Kickstarter.
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DUFFER-IN-CHIEF

Bush defends Obama for only playing 140 rounds of golf since 2009. That’s more than Bush, who gave up playing during the Iraq war. Everyone has to make sacrifices during times of war. Other republicans are calling Obama ‘Duffer-in-chief’.
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FREE 3D URBAN GOLF ON IPHONE

Free 3D Urban Golf on iphone for one day only for World Urban Golf Day.

To celebrate World Urban Golf Day 2013 - The full version of 3D Urban Golf game is available to download for iphone on app store for free for one day only 21st September!

Good Luck golfing around the cities.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/3d-urban-golf/id642104271?ls=1&mt=8
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RED BULL SPIRAL BALL

With Red Bull Racing Team just up the road from us in Milton Keynes, we've thought about tempting them with a golf ball that 'gives you wings'.
Red Bull spiral ball by Golf Refugees.
https://www.facebook.com/golfrefugeespage
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3D URBAN GOLF GAME

Urban Golf is a new sport that is becoming popular in many countries around the world which anyone can get on to the streets & play. Our game brings a funky edge to this freestyle golf in 3D on to your phone.

Preview Video

http://youtu.be/pbKusg6E8nY

It’s Time to Hit the Streets!

Play in unusual locations from city rooftops to train yards & storm drains, your swing is no longer restricted to the greens at country clubs. Hit your ball anywhere you like on the 26 courses. In each level you will find the holes in trash cans, doorways even shipping containers. Easy to pick up and play but challenging with a variety obstacles to overcome. High quality 3D graphics and a choice of streetwise characters make a fun filled original game.

We hope you enjoy reviewing our app and contact us with your feedback or if any questions. The full game is 99¢ and lite version is also be available for users to trial.

Link to App Store

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/3d-urban-golf/id642104271?ls=1&mt=8

More Info:

website: www.3durbangolf.com

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THE HOLE SHIRT

The 'hole' shirt; top, side and bottom by Golf Refugees
https://www.facebook.com/golfrefugeespage
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TUBE CHAIR RETURNS

Tube chair returns.

Tube chair is back home after spending two months in the MK Gallery.

My next 'tube' project will be an undulating bed. If any packaging companies would like to donate some tubes, please get in touch.
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CLASSIC POLO

What’s in a name, well quite a lot, think of our chancellor of the exchequer, he likes to be called George, which is palatable to the people, when his first name is Gideon.

A name can tell you quite a lot about someone or something. How about polyester, I think polyester sounds quite nice, somehow positive. However its real name is ‘polyethylene terephthalate’ (PET), which tells a whole new story, a tale of hazardous chemicals.

Next time try asking for a polyethylene terephthalate sports shirt. Or commenting, there goes Usain Bolt, dressed head to toe in polyethylene terephthalate.

It doesn't sound very good. And it isn't.

This week I came across an e-mail asking me to consider purchasing a classic polo shirt from a trendy, fashion retailer. Which got me thinking, what is a ‘classic polo’ for the modern world?

From a material perspective, it can be divided down between two lines; natural and synthetic fibres. Cotton, organic cotton, bamboo, hemp or polyethylene terephthalate (polyester) and polyamide (nylon). Just to confuse matters, you also have natural, synthetic combos called poly/cotton.

How about obtaining those desirable bright, long lasting colours? Dyeing any fabric is a complicated business with significant risk of pollution. Just ask yourself, how many leading sportswear brands use or own water treatment and / or water recycling plants? And yet they are manufacturing millions of brightly coloured garments which use significant amounts of dye chemicals and water.

Looking beyond fabric, cut and colour. What about sustainability, pollution and ethical manufacture?

So here at Golf Refugees we've concluded the ‘classic polo – pollute less’ for the modern world should be made from organic cotton. Only 1% of the World’s cotton is grown to organic standards, these standards are much higher compared with conventional cotton. A classic polo should only be coloured where the toxic dye water can be recycled and be manufactured using renewable energy resources; wind and solar power, to reduce harmful CO2 emissions.
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POLYESTER TO DYE FOR.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET-polyester) is a hydrophobic thermoplastic. In other words, it repels water and the application of heat can alter its molecular structure. Moisture-wicking properties are only possible by manipulation and / or the use of chemically based textile finishes.

As water soluble dyes cannot attach to the hydrophobic polyester fibre, disperses dyes are exclusively used. These dyes do not readily penetrate the polyester fibre and so some kind of forcing conditions are required; heat is used. Subjecting polyester to high temperatures can cause species to migrate out of the fibres. This accounts for the high incidence of contact dermatitis associated with using disperse dyes.

The release of antimony oxides (antimony is used as a catalyst in the production of PET and embedded into 85% of all polyester fibre) is known to occur. Antimony trioxide is listed as possibly carcinogenic to humans.

The carrier content of finished polyester garments may be low, if state of the art dying practices are used, otherwise contents carrier can be much higher, of up to 2.7% may occur. Toxicological issues are associated with most carriers; halogenated benzenes: 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene), dibutyl phthalate and diethylhexyl phthalate.

This is why Golf Refugees are calling for greater transparency for consumers with regard to the toxicity of the combinations of chemicals used in sportswear apparel.
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FIELD TESTING IN COLORADO PART 2

Did I ever tell you that I bruise easily?

Well it seems we have, inadvertently, developed a golf ball which tells you when you've hit it too hard.

During testing of spiral ball in Colorado, our golfers noticed a discolouration on the cover, just like a bruise.

A technical explanation could be when printing the spiral pattern on the core prior to moulding the cover, the printed areas on the core change the texture and create a slight increase in diameter, which appears to affect the adhesion of the moulded cover.

Possible solutions could be to spray an adhesive over the core prior to moulding the cover or print the spiral pattern on the cover underneath a final lacquer coating.

This all goes to show the importance of testing your balls.
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UNWRITTEN RULES ABOUT GOLF

Top 10 Unwritten Rules About Golf

Golf has so many written rules it would take a stenographer to list them, and a warehouse to store them. However, like life itself, the unwritten rules are usually most important. These rules are unwritten because they are both common sense and courtesy. Unfortunately, many people seem to lack one or the other, so here are the top-ten unwritten golf rules, now written, for those who need them.

Fore!

Many new people to golf believe this to be a golf cliché. It is not. The word has been shortened from, “Forecaddie.” This was the caddy who stood around where the ball was expected to land. “Forecaddie!” was shouted to alert him that the ball was coming. Any player who fears their ball may hit somebody owes it to that person to shout this word.

Temper, Temper, Temper

Good behavior is expected from people whether they are in line at a grocery store, or 10-putting the eighteenth hole. Keeping one's temper will also shave strokes off their score. In 1938, at the US Open at Cherry Hill, Ray Ainsley lost his temper when his ball landed in a creek. Instead of taking a drop and moving on, the enraged Ainsley tried to hack it out of the creek. Onlookers that day said he looked like a madman. His 19 strokes on the 18^th that day remain a record for a major golf tournament.

Go Around

Too often, new golfers make the mistake of walking across the path of the putt someone is about to make. The spikes on the golf shoes may alter the green enough to impede an otherwise good putt. Anyone who walks in the direct path of a putt may as well just yell, “Miss it!”

Bunker Raking

In addition to being a great bit of alliteration that is fun to say, bunker raking is an important task as well. Nobody wants their ball landing in the moon crater that another player dug by swinging their way out of it. Any player who has disturbed a sand trap sufficiently, should neaten it up a bit.

More Yard Work

People golf to get away from life's mundane tasks. However, people who take chunks of turf out of the course are expected to replace those divots.

The Long Goodbye

Unless there are cameras crowding the 18^th hole and the name of the course is Augusta, players should not linger after they finish the hole. They should save their congratulations, hugs, water drinking, and rehashing of the match for when they exit the green. People are still waiting to play.

Quiet

People who are about to shoot have a busy mind. They are telling themselves to relax, asking themselves if their approach is right, to tighten up, to keep their head down, to make sure their back swing is smooth, not to swing too hard, not to move their head—they don't need to hear somebody talking about getting smashed after the game. The other players need to be quiet while a player is preparing to swing.

Hold That Pose

As with talking during a swing, players should hold still while someone in their group is about to swing. The other players don't necessarily have to look like players in a game of Freeze Tag, but they shouldn't be texting, or suddenly deciding they need to stretch or start scratching their numerous mosquito bites.

Dress For Respect

Why, when you see someone dressed like a homeless person, do you assume they are homeless? Probably, because they are homeless. If you were to see a person barking at cars, the odds are that person would be dressed in Hefty Bags and stained bell-bottoms. You probably would not find such a person on the golf course. While golf can make you barking mad, you should respect the course, your partners, and yourself. Also, it is embarrassing when someone in a group that is playing through mistakes you for a panhandler and tries to hand you a dollar "for a cup of coffee or something."

Cell Phones

The only thing more certain than some fool yelling, "Get in the hole!" at a major, is a cell phone going off at your local municipal course while somebody is preparing to shoot. Cell phone junkies will read this and think it does not pertain to them; it does. Turn the phone off, or better yet, leave it in the car.

While most unwritten rules are unwritten because they are mostly common sense, sometimes it doesn't hurt to write them down anyway; ask Moses. The unwritten rules of golf could probably rival the written rules for volume. They need not. People who follow these rules will ensure that golf will be just a bit more enjoyable for all.

By guest blogger; Melinda Bailey is an avid golfer and the Executive Editor of 9 & Dine Women’s Golf Apparel
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