You need not look further than apparel and accessories these days to see that golf is no longer just your grandfather’s game.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all the fun, cool, new-look stuff without tipping your cap to the game’s rich history.
That’s precisely what the husband and wife duo of Akbar & Megan Chisti are doing with their line of headcovers.
In 2011, the couple co-founded Seamus Golf, which produces beautiful, woolen headcovers. It’s a throwback to the past with a modern twist.
The Chisti’s describe Seamus Golf with this – literal – definition:
Séa·mus Golf (“SHAY-mus” gôlf) n. 1 Oregon based Artisans handcrafting fine woolen accessories, specializing in uniquely original accouterments that adorn a golfer’s lifestyle 2 true golf enthusiasts creating the finest tartan wool golf headcovers that beautifully blend traditional European inspirations with modern lines and simplicity 3 meticulous designers of golf headcovers and accessories that are crafted to represent each individual golfer, their passion for the game and their distinct style.
So what separates Seamus Golf headcovers from the rest?
“Traditional plaids have always been synonymous with the great game of golf,” Akbar Chisti told us. “Our little woolen golf club cover company brings fantastic throw back tartans with a fashionable twist and all while meeting the needs of the demanding enthusiast golfer that either plays on fescue, or wishes they were playing on fescue.”
There’s an interesting story behind how Seamus Golf – named after a family dog – came to be. It all started with a gift that Akbar Chisti received from his father after a trip to Royal Troon in Scotland.
“My dad brought me back the cover from Royal Troon about 12 years ago,” Akbar explained. “At the time, I was working in the shop at Pacific Dunes and caddying on the side, so it came to me at one of those times where I was soaking up everything I could about purist links golf. Ever since I started using the head cover, I received positive comments from my playing partners and it was continuously hearing these affirmations that helped us learn that people might want these types of covers. The need to market and get real sewers occurred when we could no longer meet the demand for our headcovers within just our circle of friends.”
Seamus Golf has only been in business for just over a year and a half, but it's certainly finding its niche.
“It's really just the funny items that stick out in my head,” Akbar said. “There was a golfer at Bandon Dunes that purchased about 14 headcovers from the shop and demanded that we help design the pillow covers for her house, working collaboratively with her interior decorators. Getting to match up David McLay Kidd's (the Scotsman who designed the first course at Bandon Dunes) kilt to his headcovers was also a pretty awesome experience, since when starting Seamus we'd always been thinking of doing something like that for him.
“Our first shipment to Scotland for a prominent hotel owner in Aberdeen was awesome, since he ordered several of our covers to give as gifts during opening day ceremonies of Mr. Trump's new course,” Akbar added. “Getting to outfit a local high school team and hearing stories about the kids and their love of the wool. There are really a number of highlights that we are very proud of and lucky to be able to reflect on.”
Right now, Seamus Golf’s focus is squarely on headcovers. However, Akbar explained, that doesn’t mean the company won’t expand in the future.
“It would be really sweet to do other accessories,” he said. “We still have a lot to do within the headcover arena, but we would love to help broaden the ecosystem of finely crafted wool products that enthusiast golfers can adorn their lifestyle with. “
Akbar fell in love with the game the way most of us do – as a 12-yaer-old tagging along with dad, which led to enjoying a long walk and chats with friends while playing a competitive game.
The biggest highlight for Akbar in his company’s brief existence?
“We have had the chance to meet so many incredible people in just a short period of time, and our friendships have really grown stronger with all of the support we have had while starting our little business,” he said. “I had thought that getting to play all these incredible golf courses would be a primary benefit, but as it turns out really it is just our wool that gets to do that!”
There’s no doubt that if Seamus Golf maintains its quality there will be many more highlights to come.
To learn more about Seamus Golf’s spectacular headcovers, or to purchase them for yourself, visit them online at
www.SeamusGolf.com.
