William Murray Golf Attire
A dream becoming reality
Words by Alison Bryce Photos by Shelby Bella
Sitting in their newly designed space off East 7th Street, Kerry Michaels, co-founder and COO of William Murray Golf Attire, smiles, then laughs, as she reflects on the journey she has been on for the past five years. Never thinking that she would be working for a men’s golf attire company, the journey has been a whirlwind experience for her.
Incubating under theCHIVE, Kerry and her partner, Brandon Barrett, put their job security on the line when they confronted their managers at theCHIVE telling them they would leave the company if their idea for a golf line panned out. Soon after, Murray’s lawyer came in for a meeting and with three little words that changed everything: “Bill says, yes.”
Since that moment in 2015, William Murray Golf Attire has not slowed down. The first polo, which was launched on Bill’s birthday, September 21, was inspired by the Chicago Cubs and called “This is the Year.” Luckily, the Cubs went on to win the World Series just a few weeks after the launch. This provided a perfect opportunity for people to start seeing the new polos as Murray wore them to all the events.
Apparel concepts come mainly from the designers, but the family does request some patterns and provides ideas by sharing stories with the team. Once designs are made, the Murray family gives feedback on what to keep, what to change, and what to eliminate.
“We wanted to be able to tell fun stories and use fun prints that are good conversation starters while still looking classy,” says Kerry. “I just want the guys to look good.”
Being a family who grew up caddying, with all six brothers in the Caddy Hall of Fame, the Murray’s know a thing about golf attire. However, the brand wanted to be more. “We are a golf brand, but because Bill will wear literally anything on the golf course, it gives us so much more freedom to do things [the public] does not anticipate,” Kerry enthuses.
This has allowed them to design unique clothing. From performance blazers to button downs with armpit ventilation, William Murray Golf Attire strives to create something for all golfers. The clothing is made from a poly/elastane blend, but the main thing that connects all of the products is the Murray family tartan. The green and blue plaid design stitched into every item serves as a brand ID and a reminder that it is a family affair.
Kerry and Brandon split the company from theCHIVE in January 2017. They decided East Austin was the perfect home for their growing business. Their new space holds offices, a bar, and games to create an inviting environment to allow ideas to flow. But it’s not all new. In the front hall, the first polo and dollar made is hanging on the wall, and in Brandon’s office is one of the first purchases they made after signing the contract: a blue and green plaid rug that is very similar to the Murray family tartan.
“Who knows what we are going to look like in another year. This space is too big for us right now, but that’s good,” shrugs Kerry. “We are not going to do anything too crazy with the space yet, but we have room to hire. And that’s what we are looking for. We are happy where we are.”
Did You Know?
While the company’s first release was the Cubs-inspired polo, Murray typically does not pitch ideas for that type of shirt. He prefers button downs for the sun protection they provide, and being one of nine children, he was always receiving ‘hand-me-down’ polos. Mix that with wearing them everyday to Catholic school, and he prefers not to wear them as an adult.
Contact:
williammurraygolf.com
william@williammurraygolf.com
