{"id":231134,"date":"2022-06-29T07:56:10","date_gmt":"2022-06-29T07:56:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/interview-simon-lee-royal-albartross\/"},"modified":"2023-02-27T13:16:58","modified_gmt":"2023-02-27T13:16:58","slug":"interview-simon-lee-royal-albartross","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/interview-simon-lee-royal-albartross\/","title":{"rendered":"Interview with Simon Lee"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n\r\n\r\n
\"Interview\r\n
2022 Men's Collection<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Estimated reading time: <\/span>8<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Background<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Born in London, a Surrey County team player, and likely possessing one of the shortest professional careers in the history of the game. Simon has always worked in the golf industry. Most notably he launched golf in Europe for the Ralph Lauren brand and served as their international Vice President.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

More recently, Simon served as CEO of the largest golf management group in the Netherlands\u2014BurgGolf\u2014and today, is CEO for Royal Albartross London, luxury golf shoe and accessories brand.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The Lee Story<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Soul to sole: I started my golf career as professional golfer touring South Africa on the Sunshine circuit with my brother, Robert, a successful professional golfer and\u00a0now Sky Golf TV host. We\u2019d often travel together, and I would be on the bag, which, was literally the only way I was going to walk up the 72nd hole of championships and tournaments with the likes of Seve Ballesteros, Sandy Lyle, Bernhard Langer, and many golf icons at the pinnacles of their careers. I learned that a successful professional career was not in the cards for me, and I would need to carve another niche for myself.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In 1998, I entered the golf distribution business with the putter brand, Never Compromise. I managed to get one into the hands of a friend, Jean Van de Velde, at the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond. Jean said at the time he was playing great but couldn\u2019t hole a putt. Subsequently, he qualified for the Open Championship at Carnoustie (1999), where he broke the putting record for 72 holes and famously \u2018splashed\u2019 his way into the play off.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

I went on to represent Tehama, Clint Eastwood\u2019s golf apparel brand and eventually, came to Polo Ralph Lauren, where I successfully launched and built their golf business throughout EMEA and managed this for almost 18 years. During this time, I negotiated several sponsorships and official supplier arrangements with many of the game\u2019s great tournaments, including the Ryder Cup and The European Open. The highlight being securing the patronage of the Open Golf Championship and official outfitter status to the R&A.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

***<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n


What was the genesis for Royal Albartross?<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Alex Bartholomew, our creative director and founder, launched Royal Albartross in 2012 in a quest to create the world\u2019s finest golf shoe. She is involved in every step of the brand\u2019s creative direction, and the product development process.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Starting with a small artisan shoemaker outside Florence, Alex won a business and product design prize from the Footwear Friends Charity in London. From there, she took a booth at the PGA Show in Orlando, which led to a small selection of orders. This journey has resulted in a beautiful collection of leather footwear and accessories that marry both golf and a luxury lifestyle.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n


How does the company differentiate itself from your competition?<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

We try very hard to give golfers products that enhance the enjoyment of their game through thoughtful details, great style, and incredible comfort. Our team\u2019s experience with luxury brands is invaluable, as is our appreciation of the process required to create beautiful leather products.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Furthermore, we never compromise, we focus on the customer experience and delivering a beautiful product. We work with small family-run factories in Italy and Portugal, concentrating our efforts to source the very best components and leathers. The devil is in the detail.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"\"\r\n
2022 Women's Belt Collection<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

What impact has the pandemic had on the business and how do you see the rest of '22 into the start of '23 playing out?<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Like many others, the pandemic impacted production and created supply chain challenges. However, with the increase in golfer participation levels and the reaction to our latest collection, we\u2019ve experienced strong year on year growth in all markets. Due to our European production, we are anticipating reduced impact for 2023, and look forward to getting our new styles to customers as early as possible.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n


Who is your customer and in what ways do you reach out to others who may not be familiar with the company?<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Our customer is anyone with a real passion for style, who appreciates the finer things in life. They may be of any age or culture. They may travel, enjoy luxury products, appreciate the game of golf, or value thoughtful design and small details \u2013 the comfort of handcrafted leather shoes that turn heads on the tee and\u00a0beyond.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

We have a loyal following who wear our products because we aren\u2019t mass produced and are built to last.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"Interview\r\n
Kingsman<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Are there noticeable differences between men and women in terms of products purchased and the style they prefer?<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Interestingly, when we first started designing for ladies, it was clear that women didn\u2019t want smaller versions of the men\u2019s shoes with a wash of pink. They wanted a range that was designed specifically for their needs. We design for style and comfort, for both men and women, taking a lead from fashion trends and bringing it to the golf course.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

As a lifestyle brand, in the past we have produced a women\u2019s slip-on, perfect to be worn for a light round of golf and on to lunch afterwards. Many of our styles transition seamlessly from the golf course to the clubhouse.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n


Companies routinely tout the importance of customer service. Define the term and the approach followed by Royal Albartross?<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In my opinion, being a luxury brand isn\u2019t just about product, it is about experience. From purchase to play, the experience should be enjoyable. Along with our packaging and all the little details, we expect to be available to customers at any time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Our customer care teams are based in Arizona, Florida, and London, so most time zones are covered, and we are always prepared to go out of our way. Overnighting a shoe bag to a customer\u2019s club for a special event is not unusual. It\u2019s both a necessity and a privilege if we are to give golfers a true sense of Royal Albartross.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"Interview\r\n
2022 Women's Collection<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In approximate sales percentages -- what is the results of the company via green grass shops, brick and mortar retail outlets and online?<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

We are approximately 50% wholesale distribution in golf clubs and stores, and 50% direct to consumer via our online stores.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n


Is the company considering expanding its product line and if it is in what areas would that happen?<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In 2020, we added a line of Cabretta leather golf gloves in an array of colors for men and women. In addition, we offer an array of small accessories (jewelry cases, make-up, and cosmetic bags) and satchels \u2013 all reflecting the same level of craftsmanship and quality.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Our woven and leather belts are extremely popular and for 2022, we have added to the women\u2019s line, with a collection of belts that coordinate with some of the women\u2019s shoe styles. We plan to launch new accessories for 2023, which will fit seamlessly into our customers golf lifestyle.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"\"\r\n
Duchess<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Do professional golfer endorsements matter and does Royal Albartross see a meaningful value from them?<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

While we work closely with a small number of professional golfers and enjoy seeing our shoes showcased on television, the core of our business is a loyal lifestyle customer with a true appreciation for how golf can enhance your everyday life.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n


The biggest challenges -- short and long term for the company are what? And what course of action are you contemplating in dealing with each?<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

As a fast-growing small company in a highly competitive golf market with some of the world\u2019s biggest brands, the challenge for us is to communicate the value of luxury golf products and make ourselves heard.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

We still firmly believe there is room for us in golf as a premium offering, set against a backdrop of mass-production.<\/a> We will therefore continue to focus on the values of design detail, quality, and comfort so you can always \u2013 Play with Style.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

***<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

For more info go to:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

www.albartross.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

CEO Royal Albartross<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":220187,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,9396],"tags":[2872,2606,708,7367,69,1637,3712],"class_list":["post-231134","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-apparel","category-fashion","tag-golf-fashion","tag-golf-shoes","tag-interview","tag-june-2022","tag-m-james-ward","tag-qa","tag-royal-albartross","priority_tax-featured-posts"],"yoast_head":"\nInterview - Simon Lee - Royal Albartross - Golf Today<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Interview - Simon Lee - Royal Albartross. He has always worked in the golf industry and notably launched the Ralph Lauren brand in Europe\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/interview-simon-lee-royal-albartross\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Interview with Simon Lee\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Interview - Simon Lee - Royal Albartross. He has always worked in the golf industry and notably launched the Ralph Lauren brand in Europe\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/interview-simon-lee-royal-albartross\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Golf Today\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-06-29T07:56:10+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-02-27T13:16:58+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/royal-albartross_RA_2022_Mens-Collection.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1012\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"675\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"M. James Ward\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"M. James Ward\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/interview-simon-lee-royal-albartross\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/interview-simon-lee-royal-albartross\/\",\"name\":\"Interview - Simon Lee - Royal Albartross - Golf Today\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/interview-simon-lee-royal-albartross\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/interview-simon-lee-royal-albartross\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/royal-albartross_RA_2022_Mens-Collection.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-06-29T07:56:10+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-02-27T13:16:58+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/e629c29b18ee8a1de3844823771fe4a7\"},\"description\":\"Interview - Simon Lee - Royal Albartross. He has always worked in the golf industry and notably launched the Ralph Lauren brand in Europe\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/interview-simon-lee-royal-albartross\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/interview-simon-lee-royal-albartross\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/interview-simon-lee-royal-albartross\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/royal-albartross_RA_2022_Mens-Collection.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/royal-albartross_RA_2022_Mens-Collection.jpg\",\"width\":1012,\"height\":675,\"caption\":\"2022 Men's Collection\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/interview-simon-lee-royal-albartross\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Tours\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/tours\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"PGA Tour\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/tours\/pga\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"Interview with Simon Lee\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/\",\"name\":\"Golf Today\",\"description\":\"Golf News and Lifestyle\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/e629c29b18ee8a1de3844823771fe4a7\",\"name\":\"M. James Ward\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/matt-ward-96x96.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/matt-ward-96x96.png\",\"caption\":\"M. James Ward\"},\"description\":\"A GWAA and MGWA member, the 66-year-old from the USA has covered golf in all facets since 1980, notably the major championships and other high level events. He has played over 2,000 courses globally and has competed in USGA Championships.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/author\/jamesward\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Interview - Simon Lee - Royal Albartross - Golf Today","description":"Interview - Simon Lee - Royal Albartross. He has always worked in the golf industry and notably launched the Ralph Lauren brand in Europe","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/interview-simon-lee-royal-albartross\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"Interview with Simon Lee","og_description":"Interview - Simon Lee - Royal Albartross. He has always worked in the golf industry and notably launched the Ralph Lauren brand in Europe","og_url":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/interview-simon-lee-royal-albartross\/","og_site_name":"Golf Today","article_published_time":"2022-06-29T07:56:10+00:00","article_modified_time":"2023-02-27T13:16:58+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1012,"height":675,"url":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/royal-albartross_RA_2022_Mens-Collection.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"M. James Ward","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"M. James Ward","Estimated reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/interview-simon-lee-royal-albartross\/","url":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/interview-simon-lee-royal-albartross\/","name":"Interview - Simon Lee - Royal Albartross - Golf Today","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/interview-simon-lee-royal-albartross\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/interview-simon-lee-royal-albartross\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/royal-albartross_RA_2022_Mens-Collection.jpg","datePublished":"2022-06-29T07:56:10+00:00","dateModified":"2023-02-27T13:16:58+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/e629c29b18ee8a1de3844823771fe4a7"},"description":"Interview - Simon Lee - Royal Albartross. He has always worked in the golf industry and notably launched the Ralph Lauren brand in Europe","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/interview-simon-lee-royal-albartross\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/interview-simon-lee-royal-albartross\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/interview-simon-lee-royal-albartross\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/royal-albartross_RA_2022_Mens-Collection.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/royal-albartross_RA_2022_Mens-Collection.jpg","width":1012,"height":675,"caption":"2022 Men's Collection"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/interview-simon-lee-royal-albartross\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Tours","item":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/tours\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"PGA Tour","item":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/tours\/pga\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Interview with Simon Lee"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/#website","url":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/","name":"Golf Today","description":"Golf News and Lifestyle","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/e629c29b18ee8a1de3844823771fe4a7","name":"M. James Ward","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/matt-ward-96x96.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/matt-ward-96x96.png","caption":"M. James Ward"},"description":"A GWAA and MGWA member, the 66-year-old from the USA has covered golf in all facets since 1980, notably the major championships and other high level events. He has played over 2,000 courses globally and has competed in USGA Championships.","url":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/author\/jamesward\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/231134"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=231134"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/231134\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/220187"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=231134"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=231134"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=231134"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}