It was the day after the Media tournament at the 75th PAL Interclub golf in Cagayan de Oro city. As me and my fellow sportswriters leave the Clubhouse mess hall after having our breakfast, I bumped into a group of golfers in the main lobby walking, strutting their golf uniforms proudly, catching the attention of the people around the hall way. I recognized some of them, they were members of the Apo Golf team. After a brief greetings and hellos, I can’t help but asked one of them, “Where in the world your colorful uniform came from? You look dapper on that,” I asked one of them. I am a sucker for colorful golf attire myself, that’s why. “It’s a local brand Sir from Davao, R1 Sports apparel”.
What?
Why R1? I asked the young unassuming owner of the getting popular golf apparel R1. “The name is derived from my initial sir,” answered the young and unassuming owner of the outfit brand. His name is Reinz Jordan Yamyamin. A class A golfer that mixed business and golf seriously. His father Joel Yamyamin, was once a top golfing amateur in Davao in the late 90s and early 2000s and his mom an Uy, a scion of mining business family in Davao de Oro. Golf and business run in the veins of this young entrepreneur.
The R1 brand is the official outfitter of the Apo Golf and Country club during the 75th PAL Interclub and also the official outfit worn by top amateur Zeus Sara when he competes in local and international tournament.
It was during the pandemic that Reinz toyed the idea of producing golf apparel after trying out business ventures in clothing, ads and signage and all sort of small business in his hometown Davao City. “As a golfer, I know the feeling, golfers want comfort, quality and appearance when they play.
Our golfing scene is already saturated with imported brands be it in apparel or equipment; good quality but on much higher cost.” said Renz.” Why not produce local brand at par with international standards in quality but at a lower price?” he added.
From a humble beginning of selling a few items on the shelf of driving range shops in Davao, Reinz now owns the rights for the Pro Shops in Apo Golf and Rancho Palos Verdes. R1 has become the official outfitter of the Fore the Boys Club, one of the top golf groups in Davao City. It has also become the top choice among local golfers because of its appearance, quality and reasonable price.
In the recent 15th Eaglemaster golf tournament in Davao City, R1 is the top choice among teams as their uniform, of local and out of town golfers primarily because of its quality and comfort and also golfers love its attractive design.
Golf in Davao is booming and so as golf related businesses. Tourists flock to Davao not only because of its attractive tourist sites, its food, its peaceful environment but also because of golf. Davao has three golf clubs which are located within 30 minutes from the city center.
“You may not always have a good score in a round of golf sir, but at least, you must always feel good and comfy with your attire, isn’t it?” Renz concluded as we parted. I raise my glass on that Reinz. Cheers.
