A few years ago, this week, Jason Richardson walked the Augusta National course and took pride in seeing how many patrons wore his Bad Birdie-branded shirts and hats. “Going to the Masters was like Disneyland for adults,” said the company owner headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. His most recent collection, “Amateursland,” is a nod to the theme park, amateur golfers, and The Masters.
Mr. Peach, The Gnome, Pimento C. Sandwich, Folding Chair, and Dr. Azalea are some of the iconic characters placed on his apparel, based on the famed tournament.
Bad Birdie’s products are available at Dick’s Sporting Goods in the Augusta Mall and at Edwin Watts on the Bobby Jones Expressway, plus Golf Galaxy shops outside of the Augusta/Aiken area.
Prices range from $42-$110, depending on whether it is headwear or the finest materials on shirts from Peru.
His business took off six years ago to the day before ABD’s interview. He appeared on Season 11 of ABC’s Shark Tank. “It was wild. I was figuring out the business from our apartment, as we lived off my wife’s salary.
The deal he cut with “Shark” Robert Herjavec ended up being more of a consulting arrangement, and Richardson got to keep 100% of the equity. “We were allowed to show our brand to America. We grew quickly, “he added. Richardson says his company now sells millions of shirts and hats per year.
When Richardson was setting up Bad Birdie as a side business years ago, he based his value proposition on a simple premise. “My idea came out of my belief that golf apparel was boring.” He took a swing at creating a lifestyle brand and won.
He’s marketed Bad Birdie on Washington Road billboards during Masters Week before.
However, he says his best marketing and innovative products come from his customers.
“In a world where the Masters is such an amazing tradition, it is encouraging to see all the Bad Birdie customers on the course. They are more self-expressive and fun.”
A Bad Birdie representative indicated they followed all Intellectual Property laws to protect the company from legal issues with Augusta National.
For more information, visit www.badbirdiegolf.com
