Ashworth
YGM Group · United States
Ashworth is an American golf apparel brand founded in California in 1987 by John Ashworth and Gerald Montiel. It makes polo shirts, knitwear, outerwear and trousers for golfers and has been owned by Hong Kong's YGM Group since 2019.
| Founded | 1987, California |
|---|---|
| Founders | John Ashworth, Gerald Montiel |
| Owner | YGM Group (since 2019) |
| Focus | Golf apparel |
| Website | ashworthgolf.com |
What is Ashworth?
Ashworth is a golf clothing label that began in California in 1987 under the name Charter Golf, Inc. It was founded by John Ashworth and Gerald Montiel and grew into one of the recognised names in American golf apparel.
History
Ownership has changed several times:
- 2001: licensing agreement to design and distribute apparel under the Callaway name
- 2008: acquired by TaylorMade, then a subsidiary of adidas
- 2017: included in adidas' sale of its golf brands to KPS Capital Partners
- 2019: acquired by YGM Trading Limited
Products and positioning
The range covers golf and casual clothing including polo shirts, T-shirts, hoodies, cardigans and sweaters, trousers, jeans, shorts, jackets, coats and gilets. The brand positions itself on classic golf style suitable both on and off the course.
Distribution
Ashworth sells through golf retailers as well as through its own websites for the United States and the United Kingdom.
Why it matters
Ashworth's path from founder-led start-up to part of a global sportswear group and then to Asian ownership mirrors the consolidation and restructuring of the golf apparel market over three decades.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Ashworth golf?
Ashworth has been owned by YGM Trading Limited of Hong Kong since 2019, after earlier periods under TaylorMade-adidas and KPS Capital Partners.
Who founded Ashworth?
Ashworth was founded in California in 1987 by John Ashworth and Gerald Montiel.