OB Sports Golf & Leisure

OB SPORTS GOLF & LEISURE x FALL 2014 x obsports.com What drew you to the golf indus- try? My mom gave me a choice as an 8- year-old: go to Sunday School or caddie for my dad. That was it, I was all in. What is the concept behind Linksoul? Linksoul is more of a philoso- phy than a brand. It's a collaboration with a talented group of people build- ing a brand and a company that is in- spirational as well as aspirational. We're a California-based company with surf in our genes so we also blend a lifestyle that is relaxed and can transition be- tween the golf course and the coastline. How would you describe your fash- ions and style? It's a relaxed style that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. It is a blend of being ready for a casual game of golf or a lifestyle look. It's a very comfortable style, smart and simple with great fabrics and a modern clean fit. What is the No. 1 rule you follow as a clothing designer? I never got a rule book! But one thing I've learned is that you're only as good as your last season. What is the one thing about the golf apparel industry that most peo- ple would not know anything about? It's a tough industry with a lot of mov- ing parts. To get everything delivered on time and with great quality is a non- stop thrill ride. A lot of navigation in terms of time zones, lead times, ship- ping, embroidery, etc. It's crazier than one would think. What is the state of your golf game these days? I play in a few competitive events over the course of the year to get the blood pumping and butterflies stir- ring. But for the most part I play for the sheer fun of it these days. I've gone back to playing persimmon woods and blade irons most of the time. We have a great skins game at Goat Hill Park [in Oceanside] every Friday afternoon and some other fun competitions, as well. Who would be in your dream four- some? That's always an impossible question. I can go so many different di- rections with that one. Ghandi, the Dali Lama and Bill Murray. What one word would you use to describe yourself? Grateful. What might someone be surprised to know about you? I caddied on the PGA Tour for a year. What do you like to do when you aren't working? Hang out with family and friends. What do you consider your great- est achievement? Having two great boys. And leading the charge to save our local municipal golf course, Goat Hill Park, from being turned into an- other parking lot and strip mall. What is your most treasured pos- session? Time with my family. CLICK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JOHN ASHWORTH AND HIS LATEST VENTURE MANDATORY GOLF FRIDAY "We're located on Pacific Coast Highway and we proactively saved our local muni golf course and now help run it. It's called Goat Hill Park. We have what we call MGF – "Mandatory Golf Friday" – and employees are encouraged to at least hit a few putts or a bucket of balls – but preferrably nine holes late in the day to kick off the weekend." – JOHN ASHWORTH (pictured at Goat Hill Park) l Q&A

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