Enjoying a warm, sunny day on the course on Tuesday, a lot of the players at the River Spirit Golf Club had other sports on their minds – they’re closely following the Summer Olympics in Rio.
“I’ve been watching the basketball,” Chris Aubin said. “Women’s soccer, swimming,” Tom Nardin added.
For Cameron Foran, it’s women’s rugby: “Go Canada!” he said. “Bronze medal!”
But Leroy Hollman can’t wait for golf’s big comeback at the Summer Games, the first time it’s been at the Olympics since 1904.
And along with the spectacular drives and putts, he’ll also have his eyes on the players’ shirts.
Hollman’s company, Red Deer-based Longball Athletics, is providing the uniforms for the Malaysian golfers in Rio.
“For us it’s a pretty big opportunity on the world stage,” Hollman said.
Based in Calgary, Hollman designed the shirts, incorporating the colours of the Malaysian flag.
The golfers at River Spirit said having a nice shirt can add to a player’s experience on the course.
“Even if you don’t play good, you can look good,” Aubin said with a laugh.
Hollman’s eager for the start of men’s play at the Olympics on Thursday Aug. 11.
The international audience will also get a chance to see his women’s designs when they being competition in Rio on Wednesday Aug. 17.
“Gold medal opportunity. Of course, we’ll have to cheer on Canada, but also be watching Malaysia out there,” Hollman said.
“Yeah, Canada gold and silver, and Malaysia bronze,” Aubin added. “We’ll be happy with that.”