THE BLUFFER’S GUIDE TO
Famous public golf courses
Left: Akubras are made in Kempsey, NSW. Right: the Army slouch hat. Bottom right (clockwise): famous fans Paul Hogan, King Charles, Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.
Noteworthy fairways around the world where you can play alongside the pros.
FAST FACTS
40 million sales since inception
PEBBLE BEACH GOLF LINKS On many golf fans’ bucket list, the Californian mainstay overlooking the ocean at Carmel Beach has played host to many prestigious tournaments in its 104-year history including, for the first time this year, the US Women’s Open.
propelling its icon status. But it was Paul Hogan’s character in the 1986 classic Crocodile Dundee , who sported an Akubra hat (and little else – who could forget that bath scene?), that captivated the American market and marked a turning point for the Austra- lian brand’s expansion. “I hadn’t seen Paul Hogan wear one of our hats prior to the movie,” says Stephen. “For whatever reason he was wearing our hat in the filming of the movie. It was just good old- fashioned luck.” Over the years, many celebrities have been drawn to (and boosted) the hat’s allure, with notable figures such as Hugh Jackman, the late Shane Warne, Nicole Kidman and even King Charles donning the iconic hats. Social media plays a significant role in the brand’s continued success, with Stephen attributing recent success to platforms like Instagram and Facebook. “It’s given us a chance to do things with a different genera - tion of people. Kids in their teens and early 20s are now wearing our hats. This digital age is quite incredible.” “The popularity of the hat is quite amazing, so much so that we are finding it difficult to keep up with production,” adds Nikki. “It’s Australia at its best, and the world now wants to be part of this iconic story.”
2 million hats made for the Australian Army 60% of sales are now rural and 40% are city
ST ANDREWS LINKS (OLD COURSE) The Scottish icon is
considered the ‘home of golf’, with a rich history dating back to the 1400s. The coastline course is also renowned for its challenging layout and famous landmarks, including the Road Hole, Swilcan Bridge and the notorious Hell Bunker. ROYAL COUNTY DOWN GOLF CLUB Nestled at the foot of the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland, with views out across the Irish Sea, the landmark 19th-century links course is consistently ranked among the best in the world, as well as the most scenic. CAPE WICKHAM GOLF LINKS With stunning views at every hole, you’ll be hard-pressed to hold focus at this coastal course on King Island, Tasmania, which opened in 2015 to global acclaim. But keep your wits about you – the Roaring Forties deliver 30km/h winds most days. CAPE KIDNAPPERS Designed by legendary golf architect Tom Doak and completed in 2004, the adventurous course is perched on white cliffs in New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay. Expect deep ravines, clifftop bunkers and sheer drops (along with astonishing bay views).
10,000 special badged hats were sold during the 2000 Sydney Olympics 12-16 rabbit skins are used, on average, for each Akubra hat made
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SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023 DARE
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