Kids These Days - A 20-Something Golf Business Venture!

[GolfSpy Barbajo]

I love seeing new business ventures get off the ground. I especially love seeing young people with an idea and the passion to make it happen actually start to make it happen.

 

I submit to you “Swannies” – what the founders say is the world's first soft spike sandal designed with golf performance in mind.

 

 

 

Swannies are the brainchild a 5-man team: Matt Stang, Joe Hau, Sam Swanson, Adam Iverson (all 24 years old) and Mike Hau (22). These guys are young, but they've been connected most of their lives. Matt met Joe and Mike while caddying at North Oaks Golf Club in Minnesota in the early 2000's, while Sam, Adam and Matt grew up together in White Bear Lake, MN. They all hooked up while attending the University of Minnesota together. In fact, Joe, Matt and Mike received full-ride scholarships to the "U" through the Evans Scholarship program, which recognizes excellence in caddying, academics and leadership, as well as financial need. The boys' majors include entrepreneurial management, finance, construction management and environmental engineering.

 

Kids these days, right?

 

Mike is the Marketing Manager for the new venture, and tells the story of how Swannies came to be:

 

“We were out golfing one day, and we all started complaining about the typical golf shoe: discomfort, heat issues, the lack of style – so we started playing either barefoot or in traditional sandals. While playing barefoot, stability was an issue. While playing in sandals, traction was an issue.

 

 

“Then one day, on the course, Sam said to Matt, ‘Why don't we throw some soft spikes on those sandals?'  On that day, Swannies was born! Our first prototype was an Air Jordan sandal hot glued to the outsole of a soft spike golf shoe.”

 

Mike says the target demographic for Swannies is the 15 to 35 year old casual golfer. They showed their wares at the Minnesota and the Greater Boston Golf Shows this past winter, and Mike says they were shocked at the support they received from older demographics, as well, and Swannies were named one of the Best New Products at the Minnesota Golf Show.

 

 

“No one, and I mean no one, can say they look good wearing a traditional ‘golf sandal,” says Mike. “We feel we've created something modern and stylish. Wake up, throw on your sandals, toss the clubs in the trunk and go play!”

 

The Swannie Boys already have one upset victory to their credit. The team won a $1,000 grant in a Univeristy of Minnesota “Pitch Biz” competition. Mike says most of the contestants were Business School majors who made their presentations in the suit-and-tie uniform with boring PowerPoints. Mike showed up in Swannie flip-flops, shorts and a t-shirt and thoroughly entertained the judges with some out of the box thinking. Mike says the Business School majors were, uh, not pleased with the outcome.

 

 

“Golf isn't ready for a flip flop,” says Mike. “It needs a flip flop! Golf is shifting to a more casual and comfortable environment. Your typical golfer doesn't need to dress like the pros. The days of polos and khakis are long gone.

 

“We're avid golfers, and we respect the traditions of the historic courses and tournaments. We're not trying to change that. We simply want to give the casual golfer, the guy who isn't trying to shoot in the 60's every time out, some comfortable footwear. Grab a pair of Swannies, grab a beer and go have some fun on the course.

 

“That's what Swannies is all about: bring some fun to the game with “Golf Wear for Anywhere.”

 

 

The boys just launched a Kickstarter campaign (click here to check it out - the video is priceless!) to get their business plan moving. I'm definitely not in their target demographic, and I'm not sure golf sandals are for me, but I have an 18-year-old son for whom these things might be perfect.    

[jdiddyesquire]

Curious. I'd be into this concept, but not sure I'm all in at a $65 golf sandal. Considering backing the Kickstarter though.

[superduper]

Hmm... but are you allowed to enter a golf course wearing a "flip flop" like this?  Some golf courses require golfers to wear polo, long/short pants and a pair of golf shoes.   

 

Just some critisim, when you swing and finish the follow through, your right foot are lifted.  If you are wearing a flip flop, does it put pressure on your big toe? 

[hckymeyer]

I play 90% of my summer round in regular flip flops.  Personally I feel like I shoot better.  It keeps my swing under control and I don't try to swing for the fences. 

 

I like the idea, I'm just not a fan of that style sandal.  I would probably purchase a traditional flip flop with soft spikes, but not the big one strap sandals.

[Undershooter]

I'm with hckymeyer on the style of sandal. I used to play in flip flops a ton when I was just coming out of high school. That's when I started to actually learn to score. That was a fun summer.

 

I would be willing to buy a pair of these if they had different styles and were more in the $40-$50 range.

[apprenti23]

Top picture with the dude in the catcher squat- I'm sure that morning dew on the tee box feels TERRIBLE in between the toes! Also love how they say the days of khakis and polos are gone, yet their photos show guys wearing khaki shorts and polos...

 

No thanks!

[Undershooter]

Just watched the video and it was pretty funny. That was a nice shank around 2:20 lol

[PlaidJacket]

Two thumbs down for the shower sandals turned golf shoes. Aside from Hcky who has a good game I can't think of one guy I know who would wear these things. I saw some goof ball a few years ago playing in cowboy boots that had spikes. Seems everyone these days is trying to change something just for the sake of it. Some instances are purely for the shock potential I believe. (these goofy sandals or not shocking by the way) As an investor I'd take a pass just on what I've seen today alone. Best of luck Dudes with your crowd funding gig. My last and final experience with that turned out to be a crock as well.

[RookieBlue7]

Those aren't the first golf sandal, with or without soft spikes. Golf gator makes one, Reef makes one, footjoy makes one, I could keep going

[Kor.A.Door]

I think there target demographic is wrong, it should be 15-25 I don't know Anyone outside of that range that would even consider these, I will say that golf in the north seems to be a bit more casual than here in the south, even the 20 something here that I know wouldn't even take a second look, but up north I know several who would do it in a heartbeat, so for these coming out of Minnesota is pretty spot on, I don't think these will so well at all though.

[Kevin Unterreiner]

I actually had the chance to try these a couple of months ago when on a golf trip in Las Vegas. I'm 44, a 1 handicap and was skeptical. I played several holes in them and actually felt like it helped my swing - like I could feel the ground better. Traction was good and didn't feel any weird pressure anywhere on my toes or feet.

 

Would I wear them if I was playing Pebble Beach? Probably not. But for my casual rounds when it's hot at my local muni, absolutely. My feet get really hot and sweaty in traditional golf shoes so this is a welcome relief.

 

I just pledged and got a pair on their Kickstarter and look forward to keeping them in my footwear rotation.

 

Like with any product I see here on MGS, I say "Try it. You might like it". Some of my favorite golf stuff came from learning about it here and trying it despite some naysayers who make comments without actually trying the thing.

 

 

[Kenny B]

We have one 60 year old lady that plays in normal flip flops.  Doesn't like to wear golf shoes, but she would never wear this style.

 

My wife wore the Bite golf sandals when we first met.  We went to my annual professional society meeting that happened to be in Orlando, and on the second hole, a critter slithered over her foot.  Then she got in a bunker and got sand between her sandals and feet.  That trip cost me $150 for golf shoes.

 

Honestly, I don't see many avid golfers of any age wearing these, except to knock around in.  

[JohnBarry]

Different styles then maybe, I know a ton of folks here at the Beach who would waer them to the course.

[Kor.A.Door]

I think also that with an age demographic there could be a region or specific areas that would be better suited for these, I personally don't even own any pair of sandals, so for me, I wouldn't even try them. I think there is a market for them, I just don't think it's a big enough market for them to do well. I should have elaborated a bit on my previous post

[Searching Fore a Holein1]

I actually ran into these guys at the Boston golf show back in February and tried their prototypes on. I guess I'm in their target demographic - 25 year old male that doesn't take the game too seriosuly, but I loved em. Not only were they comfortable, but I hit a pair in the simulators at the show and it was extremely surprising how much stability they provided. Far more than any thong sandal I've ever tried to play in. Plus I love the fact that I can wear them anywhere. I supported their campaign and can't wait to get mine.

[JBones]

Hmm... but are you allowed to enter a golf course wearing a "flip flop" like this?  Some golf courses require golfers to wear polo, long/short pants and a pair of golf shoes.   

 

Just some critisim, when you swing and finish the follow through, your right foot are lifted.  If you are wearing a flip flop, does it put pressure on your big toe? 

I practice in sandals all the time, I actually swing better, because I don't overswing and I don't transfer my weight too early, which are my biggest faults on the course.  These could be very helpful to someone who is out to have fun and has an overactive lower body.

 

I love to see young people taking a shot at "living the dream".  Wish them the best.

[silver & black]

I'll pass. I'm a shoes kind of guy. I never went bare foot as a kid and I don't take my shoes off in the house either. If it's your thing.... cool. I'll wear shoes, thank you.

[The Dansome]

This would definitely be interesting in a pop to the course and practice scenario.

[M_Hau10]

Hmm... but are you allowed to enter a golf course wearing a "flip flop" like this?  Some golf courses require golfers to wear polo, long/short pants and a pair of golf shoes.   

 

Just some critisim, when you swing and finish the follow through, your right foot are lifted.  If you are wearing a flip flop, does it put pressure on your big toe? 

Can understand your concern however, we have not encountered a single problem at any of the courses we have worn them to. Anywhere from local city courses to Paiute in Las Vegas. The staff at Pinehurst absolutely loved them

[M_Hau10]

Those aren't the first golf sandal, with or without soft spikes. Golf gator makes one, Reef makes one, footjoy makes one, I could keep going

Hey RookieBlue7,

 

We have never and will never claim to be the first ever golf sandal. We are, however, the first ever golf sandal with soft spikes. Just wanted to clarify. Thanks for taking a look!

[M_Hau10]

I practice in sandals all the time, I actually swing better, because I don't overswing and I don't transfer my weight too early, which are my biggest faults on the course.  These could be very helpful to someone who is out to have fun and has an overactive lower body.

 

I love to see young people taking a shot at "living the dream".  Wish them the best.

Thanks for the support!

[RookieBlue7]

Hey RookieBlue7,

 

We have never and will never claim to be the first ever golf sandal. We are, however, the first ever golf sandal with soft spikes. Just wanted to clarify. Thanks for taking a look!

The others I mentioned all have soft spikes.

[apprenti23]

These things just scream "bad for the swing" to me... I'm assuming these will work and were designed for those who "squash the bug" with their trail foot and never get fully off of their trail side. Otherwise wouldn't the big toe of your trail foot get wrecked?

 

In a decent golf swing, the trail foot banks toward the target and the heel only comes up as the hips rotate toward target. Idk how your trail foot can bank wearing flip flops?

 

I love the idea, but it seems more of something that would hinder your ability rather than increase it. I don't know anyone who would buy these unless they wanted to drink a 12 pack in 18 holes and listen to music the whole time.

[M_Hau10]

These things just scream "bad for the swing" to me... I'm assuming these will work and were designed for those who "squash the bug" with their trail foot and never get fully off of their trail side. Otherwise wouldn't the big toe of your trail foot get wrecked?

 

In a decent golf swing, the trail foot banks toward the target and the heel only comes up as the hips rotate toward target. Idk how your trail foot can bank wearing flip flops?

 

I love the idea, but it seems more of something that would hinder your ability rather than increase it. I don't know anyone who would buy these unless they wanted to drink a 12 pack in 18 holes and listen to music the whole time.

We went through many rounds of testing and iterations to ensure stability and proper swing mechanics. In fact, I shot my best ever round of 68 while wearing the sandals this summer. We changed the rigidity and hardness of our rubber compounds and dialed in the strap width.

[M_Hau10]

The others I mentioned all have soft spikes

 

Interesting, could you provide some evidence? Through our hours of research online and in the united states patent office we have found nothing.

[apprenti23]

We went through many rounds of testing and iterations to ensure stability and proper swing mechanics. In fact, I shot my best ever round of 68 while wearing the sandals this summer. We changed the rigidity and hardness of our rubber compounds and dialed in the strap width.

Congratulations. You're the exception, not the rule. I'd love to see these "focus groups" you used for testing or was it just some early 20's scratch golfers???

[RookieBlue7]

Interesting, could you provide some evidence? Through our hours of research online and in the united states patent office we have found nothing.

look up the ones I mentioned. Every one of them have soft spikes on them.

[apprenti23]

look up the ones I mentioned. Every one of them have soft spikes on them.

I think he's confusing "softspikes" with "spikeless"

 

Hell, even FootJoy may get a little peeved with your statement... These have softspikes too!

http://www.footjoy.com/catalog/product/45318

[M_Hau10]

Some seem to be missing the point, Swannies is about bringing the fun back to golf. We are seeking to do that by making golf more relaxed, casual, and inviting to all, while preserving the prestige and history of the tours. I wish you all the best and I hope you do the same for me

[RookieBlue7]

So are you also advocating not wearing polos or dressy shorts? I'm just curious what the concept is