Golf Tips & Quips

If you have been following this blog, you would have noticed that I have been playing a lot of golf with Patrick Gibbons. We were introduced to each other by a mutual friend a few months ago, and once we realized that we are both obsessed with the game of golf, we have been playing ever since.

Patrick is the founder of Patrick Gibbons Handmade Exotic Golf which is a line of leather golf grips, golf apparel, and accessories custom made from exotic leathers and colors. His putter grips are made from a wide range of materials such as alligator, lizard, ostrich, shark, and snake. Each of these materials are then costumed dyed to fit the customers specific style and personality.

The love for golf was planted in Patrick back when he was a 3 year old, living in Bay City, Michigan. His grandfather went out to the garage, cut down three of his clubs, duck taped the shortened clubs for grips, and they hopped over the fence to go play a few holes on Bay Valley Inn Course.

For the next eight years he and his grandfather would play the same four holes after grand-dad would return from work. It was during these days that Patrick learned about golf and more importantly about life. These same values have stuck with him today and is what has helped him to create high end, quality products.

Patrick started his business out of his garage in 2007 and has been on the grind ever since. He told me that he thought of the idea because of his  obsession with putters, but also because of how bland golf was becoming. He has an extensive collection of putters which has grown over the years. He buys, trades, and sells putters, each of which, end up being fitted with an exotic grip.

Since then he has expanded into exotic belts, club covers, and other accessories such as score books and cash covers(wallets). His products are bringing a new sense of style to a sport which sometimes gets a tough rap of being too plain.

Currently, Patrick has golfers on the PGA, LPGA, and Nationwide Tours(that's Kevin Streelman at The Masters on the right)who wear the Patrick Gibbons brand. Like I said before, golf is sometimes viewed as a plain sport, but the trends are changing. With players like Ricki Fowler and Ian Poulter, golfers are showing more of themselves through their clothing. Patrick aims to be at the forefront of this shift towards the more stylish golfer.

Besides making his quality products, Patrick is very big on philanthropy. Something that was probably instilled in him during his rounds with his Grandfather. He has three charities that he is involved with. Fifteen percent of all profits are split between Soldiers' Angels, Rescue Mission Alliance, and D.E.L.T.A Rescue(Dedication and Everlasting Love to Animals).

Patrick is always working on new styles and color schemes. The best way to keep up with him is through the Patrick Gibbons Handmade Exotic Golf Facebook fan page. Here you can get updates of new products and events. They make great gifts and he is able to customize his products, so if you contact him he can make just about whatever you like.

This is my putter grip and strap. The grip is made from sea snake and as s soon as I get my new putter, it's going on. Will it improve my putting? Not sure. But at least I'll look good doing it. Have a great round and always hit your target.