I am so excited to be writing my first column for The Huffington Post. I will admit that I have never had a chance like this. I love connecting with golf fans through my Twitter account, and this column will let me do that with many more words -- and that is awesome!
It is spring season already -- and that means different things to different people. In my world, it means heading to Augusta to play in The Masters. All year long, I always put a great deal of thought into what I wear (on and off the course), but planning and packing for Augusta is even more special. Many people consider the Masters the official start of the golf season, and because of that added national and international attention -- all the golfers will be sure to sport their very best and newest clothes. And, you will notice that just about every player will have on a Sunday outfit that looks great with a green blazer added to it (I know I always do!)
Actually, The Masters is THE place to showcase the latest trends in golf. In my humble opinion, Augusta National is also the birthplace of a "signature look." In my first Masters appearance in 2004, I wore a customized pair pink (my favourite color) shoes, with a matching visor. Since that time, I (and many of the other players lucky enough to play that week) have tried to do something extra special. Maybe it will be stylish new shoes, trilby hats or even custom golf bags... it's hard to predict "the what or who," but one thing is for sure... Masters week sets the tone for golf fashion each year.
I have to admit, I, myself, have paraded a few "special" outfits over the years at the Masters. Some of them were awesome and some of which, looking back, may have been a bit out there. But, in the end, it is all part of the fun! The fashion is really a big part of who I am.
But, style on the golf course is more than just making sure that your clothes are nicely pressed. To me, it's really about attitude and confidence. Several years ago, I started my own clothing label, IJP Design. I did this not only for myself, but for other guys who wanted to wear colors and clothing that are all about style and performance. Our mantra at IJP Design is "look good, feel good, play great." In my opinion, nothing could be more accurate or more important.
I think what most people don't realize is that how you view yourself really does determine a lot. It certainly influences how other people look at you. But, more important than that, it has a massive effect on how you perform. Confidence begins in a person's own brain... and it's an all or nothing thing... form and substance... you have to have it all! And, having this mindset is not something that just happens. It's a constant. I work on it every day.
I am really excited for this golf season -- my game is in great shape, and I love to compete. I am also really excited to now have this column. By writing it every few weeks, I want to bring all of you a little bit closer to me, golf and fashion. I don't want this column to be only about me. I hope that you will write in with your questions and comments and things that you want to know.
Each time I write, I'll try to give you something that you won't get anywhere else but here. Maybe it will be some thoughts on what other players are wearing (or maybe what I think they should be wearing!). Maybe it will be a current happening in the world of professional golf. Maybe it will about you, or me or all of us (depending on what I hear back from you as the readers). The one thing that I can promise you is that this column, much like my own style, will be unique, current and unpredictable!
As of this writing, I am just putting the finishing touches on my plan for next week. Along with the new clothing, will come a schedule for practices, work outs and time to just chill. I hope that you have as much fun watching The Masters as I will have playing in it. And, I hope that maybe you'll take special notice of the styles you'll see when the guys and I tee-it up on Thursday and especially on Sunday. Personally, I can't wait to see how I'll look in that green jacket!
Ian wears clothing by IJP Design, a golf/leisurewear brand that he founded five years ago. Items are available at www.ijpdesign.com.