Imperial, a manufacturer of headwear, apparel, and accessories, has been named the top headwear brand for private and resort golf facilities by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) for the eighth year in a row. Imperial’s products can be found at all Top 100 golf courses and in over 75% of the Top 400 golf courses in the United States. 

In AGM’s recently released annual membership study, Imperial leads with 46% of the votes. More than half of private club respondents named Imperial as their best seller. 

“Imperial is very grateful for the strong relationships and partnerships we have with AGM members,” David Shaffer, president of Imperial, said in a press release. “Our team is very passionate about the Imperial brand, delivering first-quality merchandise and helping our customers execute for their clientele. Eight consecutive years of earning the AGM vote is something we are very proud to achieve. As we expand the Imperial brand, we’re excited to continue bringing Imperial styles to the promotional products market.” 

When asked why the promotional space excites Imperial, Jerry Biag, director of marketing at Imperial, tells Apparelist: 

“We’ve built a strong reputation in headwear, and we see a growing demand for lifestyle-driven promotional products that reflect the same attention to detail, style, and performance. Expanding into this space gives us the opportunity to connect with new markets while offering existing partners even more value and brand alignment opportunities.” 

Because golfers shopping for the perfect hat often look for a blend of style and performance, Biag says Imperial weaves these qualities into every product. 

“Headwear needs in the golf market vary widely, from private clubs looking for classic, elevated styles to resort courses that want bold, trendy looks for retail,” Biag explains. “There are also functional considerations like moisture-wicking fabrics, breathability, sun protection, and fit. Imperial bridges that gap with a wide-ranging product portfolio, from traditional rope hats and performance fabrics to fashion-forward designs. Our ability to tailor styles to different regions, course types, and customer demographics allows us to serve the entire spectrum of customers in all markets without compromising quality or brand integrity.”  

It’s also important to keep in mind customization and its key role in headwear’s success at golf facilities. 

“Customization is absolutely central to headwear success at golf facilities. It allows clubs to express their identity, create exclusive merchandise, and offer members and guests something unique they can’t find elsewhere. We’re seeing increased demand for creative decoration techniques like 3D embroidery, woven patches, and chenille embellishments. Golf facilities are becoming more retail-minded, and they want product that stands out both on the shelf and on the course. Our investment in advanced decoration capabilities allows us to meet that demand and help our partners drive both engagement and revenue.” 

For those interested in exploring these styles, blank Imperial headwear is available through Sportsman Cap & Bag and other distributors nationwide.