What is a golf windstopper?

A top you wear to play golf when the wind is blowing and you want to stay warm is  Galvin Green Windstopper – right? Well, it’s not quite that simple. In recent years, the term ‘windstopper’ has come to be used to describe a variety of different jackets and fleeces worn by golfers to keep themselves warm in windy playing conditions. The term has become so much of a generic expression that it really doesn’t do justice to perhaps the best item of clothing ever invented for golfers; especially those playing on the windswept courses of

northern Europe. In fact, there is only one garment that can accurately claim to be called a true WINDSTOPPER and it’s an extremely technical piece of kit that incorporates the most breathable windproof fabric known to man. The genuine article is a registered brand name and made from an ultralight membrane fabric laminate supplied by the producer of the unrivaled waterproof Gore-Tex laminate: WL Gore & Associates.

History

Launched by Gore in America back in 1991, WINDSTOPPER was seen as the ideal fabric laminate for garments used in sporting activity, because it combined a moisture-wicking membrane to evacuate body vapour from the skin with a protective layer against wind chill. In the testing conducted by Gore, the fabric proved to be 2.5 times warmer in winds of 32mph than other windproof products on the market. It meant that for the first time, an athlete could perform to a high standard in chilly environments wearing fewer layers and carrying less bulk. Perhaps most golfers didn’t see themselves as ‘athletes’ at the time, because the more conventional dress code of cotton shirt or roll-neck base layer backed up by a sturdy lambswool sweater and the occasional rain jacket remained the order of the day. Fortunately, times have changed and an increasing number of golfers appreciate the value of a single, lighter, efficient garment that does exactly what the name suggests. It is also extremely quiet, doesn’t restrict the swing and looks notably fashionable. Different versions After 20 years of continual product development, there are now dozens of versions of WINDSTOPPER technology in evidence across a wide range of sporting activity: from riders in the Tour de France and Olympic runners, to downhill and crosscountry skiers. But one of the sports where the technology has been applied to best effect is golf. Ten years after the initial launch, a WINDSTOPPER Soft Shell version was introduced, enabling manufacturers to produce a single garment close to the skin that provides comfort within a completely windproof shell. A prime example of the modern-day WINDSTOPPER Soft Shell garment is the new Bay full-zip jacket from the latest Galvin Green collection. The jacket can be worn as the main top layer or under waterproofs, where it maintains the optimum performance temperature. There is also a lightweight fabric version in the form of the half-zip Bates
WINDSTOPPER Soft Shell jacket, which is a third of the weight of an original model, while the Bolt short-sleeved, half-zip jacket and Boyd full-zip body warmer offer a comprehensive range of  options in sizes from S-4XL. There is even a new pair of Bastian trousers with a flexible waistband in the same fabric that are totally windproof and highly breathable.

Special characteristics

“There are now three different types of WINDSTOPPER in the Galvin Green range and each has a special characteristic developed for the serious golfer to play at their best,” says chief designer, Mats Lundqvist. “Players don’t appreciate the amount of moisture they generate during the average round; particularly if they expend more energy than usual in confronting a strong head wind off the tee. It can equate to 1.5 litres of water vapour needing to pass through a garment in condensed form, so it must be extremely breathable to cope with such a level of moisture vapour,” adds Lundqvist. In terms of protecting the golfer from wind chill, the modern WINDSTOPPER is the equivalent of wearing five or six sweaters at the same time – so there is no danger of getting to cold. And wearing the shortsleeved  Bolt won’t hurt your game either, as research has shown that the brain doesn’t pick up on the colder arms, only a drop in core body temperature which the garment is designed to protect against. “When you think how much golf is played in windy conditions, it makes the need for a WINDSTOPPER even more obvious and the modern version can be worn all day, not just on the course,” says Lundqvist.

With the summer season nearly coming to an end you’ll be pleased to hear that our awesome new autumn / winter 2011 collections are are now available on SwankyGolf.com! Check out some of the vibrant Puma Golf AW11 collections that combines style and colour to great effect, or keep it classic with some quality Hugo Boss Green peices that will be sure to add touch of class to your golf wardobe when then evenings draw in and you need something keep the cold out.

If you are planning of braving the elements then you have to take a look at the new GoreTex jackets from Galvin Green Waterproofs and this year it’s all about winters purple and wine colours that are going to look great on a crisp autunm day out on the fairways.

We’ll keep you updated when more awesome clothing arrives! Until then – happy golfing!

Im not a massive fan of these types of things usually but I had to let you all know about these uber cool Pro Bags that Golf Poser are making available for pre-order only. I used to have a J.Lindeberg one similar in design to this in bright white (it didn’t stay like that for long) but until it rained it turned heads on the course. Anyway having seen this one I’d say it slightly lighter and perhaps a more ridgid feel.

Have a look if you’re in need of a new bag that’ll get you noticed…

Been wearing one of these J.Lindeberg Tour Sweaters for about 3 days now, don’t want to take it off! You can literally wear it on the course and then slip on a pair of jeans when you’re finished and still look great.

Just a quick one to say I’ve found this stupendous orange shirt from Puma Golf that Rickie wears…….

I dare you to team up with a pair of matching trousers!

I have just taken delivery of my new J.Lindeberg Lymann Tour Sweater in the best blue (in my humble opinion;) that they have made for a good few years. It’s so vibrant literally all you need is a crisp white JL shirt and a pair of black trousers and you’ve got yourself an awesome look!

Just seen all the new 2011 J.Lindeberg Clothing and it’s packed full of classic JL designs. Vibrant greens and blues set against cool greys and black for a modern look. Check out my personal favorite piece for 2011 the awesome JL Lennon Sweater in grey melange with a hint of lime green.

A massive congratulations to Rickie Fowler, Puma Golf’s Staff Player. A 2nd round 6 & 5 victory over lefty Phil Mickelson at the match play championship

He was dressed in Puma Golf Clothing: Hot Pink from head to toe!Rickie blazed the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, going round 8 under par. He is looking look to continue his awesome play when he goes up against against Matt Kuchar in the round of 16.

>>Check out the new 2011 Puma Golf Clothing that Ricky will be wearing

Puma are pleased to announce that their very own Puma Golfer, Rickie Fowler, has won Rookie of the Year! Congrats to Rickie for an extremely successful year on tour.

Rickie finished this season with 7 top 10 finishes in 28 starts, including runner up finishes at the Waste Management Phoenix Open and the Memorial Tournament presented by Morgan Stanley. Rickie was also selected for the Ryder Cup Team USA, making him the first rookie to ever be chosen to the squad.

Job well done Rickie! A great season on tour and best of luck in 2011.

>>Check out the new 2011 Puma Golf Clothing that Ricky will be wearing

Hugo Boss AW10 collection. Sporty fashionable golf shoes from Hugo Boss, made with 100% calfskin leather. Fully waterproof with Hugo Boss logo on heel. The ultimate in fashionable golf shoes. Awesome Hugo Boss Kellogg Golf Shoes!