We first covered Dunning Golf at the 2006 PGA Show. We were intrigued as to how a start up company in the golf world could already have some significant PGA Professionals donning their apparel that year on Tour. Once we visited their booth, talked with a few of their sales reps and actually felt some of their products, we quickly realized why they would become one of the more elite apparel companies in the industry. We got the opportunity to take a closer look at 6 pieces of their current spring lineup for 2008.

First impression is always key when it comes to launching a brand. The packaging of their items is classy to say the least. Very tightly configured into a plastic wrap that is easy to unseal. The shirt itself is perfectly folded, buttons buttoned and hang tags that describe the product along with some pictures of Zach Johnson and John Senden, two of the PGA Professionals that wear Dunning on Tour. Each is crisply presented with black and white serving as the central theme of the brand.

The fabric Dunning Golf uses is all proprietary. Company founder and principal designer Ralph Dunning is a lifelong athlete who boasts a 16-year heritage on the cutting-edge of performance apparel design. His experience competing in numerous marathons, triathlons, IRONMAN competitions and endurance cycling events provided a unique background for his work as an apparel designer for some of the largest and most authentic sports brands in the world. That background and experience is folded into each design that comes out of their their Canadian facility where quality is key.

Dunning goes the extra mile when it comes to not only making sure their products keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer but they also make sure the golf swing is not restricted. It's all about the golfer. Each piece is made so that it stays tucked in comfortably without inching up as you walk the course or after a few swings. A lot of the competitor moisture wicking garments feel more like velcro in a sense untucking themselves over time plus they snag very easily. That is not the case with Dunning. The shirt looks and feels like a mercerized piece but provides moisture wicking management, UV protection and is breathable and anti bacterial. It looks the same as it did when it first came out of the plastic wrap even after numerous washings. Colors don't fade, the shirt doesn't shrink, and the collar doesn't shrivel up. They provide the utmost in comfort and wearability.

Dunning apparel could be considered a little on the high side with regards to price but you definitely get what you pay for. The shirts are not outsourced, they are engineered and manufactured in Canada and all are sized exactly the same. With some brands, sizing is different from shirt to shirt depending on the fabric type and where it was made. That is not the case at all with Dunning and we appreciate that.

The Fall 2008 collection will begin shipping in early July and retail from $35 for some compression undergarments to $250 for the Thermal Performance Wool Turtleneck. Short sleeve polos in solid, two-tone and stripe options retail from $69 to $109. Sizes range from XS-2XL in tops (select pieces in 3XL) and 30”-42” in bottoms. Dunning Golf apparel receives high marks for style and performance as well as comfort and overal wearability. Additional information on the entire Dunning apparel line can be found on their web page at www.dunning.com. [6.14.08]