Adidas has released the first Stan Smith golf shoe just ahead of the Masters in a vibrant green that golf fans will appreciate.
The spikeless golf shoe has a textile upper made in part from recycled materials as part of global Adidas’ mission to use more sustainable materials across the brand. It’s also got a removable kilite lace covering with a magnetic ball marker attached for a unique throwback element to the modern shoe.
The limited-edition shoe is sneak peek of more golf versions of the iconic court shoe coming later this year.
Australian Golf Digest sat down with the American tennis icon to talk about his interest in the game, and why he plays so much golf Down Under.
AGD: We all know Stan Smith the tennis legend. Tell us about Stan Smith the golfer…
Smith: I am a 7 handicap. I took golf up when I moved to Hilton Head Island 50 years ago and have had an opportunity to play all over the world, including Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath, Royal Sydney and a few others Down Under.
Where do you play mostly?Â
Harbortown Golf Links in Sea Pines Resort, which is where the RBC Heritage is played the week after the Masters.
Favourite shot and favourite club in the bag?
I have decent short game and a bit wild off the tee. The putter usually works pretty well.
Favourite golfer?
I like Dustin Johnson but also Ernie Els has been a favourite over the years.
What are your fondest memories of Australia?
I have been at the Australian Open for the past 20 years and then played there when I was on tour only a handful of times. I have a company called Stan Smith Events that helps companies host their clients at major events and that is the reason I have been there so many times!
Can you describe the feeling of seeing your iconic shoe brand expand from the tennis courts to the fairways?
I am thrilled to see the shoe move from the courts and streets to the golf course. It is as comfortable a golf shoe as it is a fashion shoe, and the upper part is supportive and sole grips very well.
This limited-edition model certainly stands out. What’s your personal take on it?
The shoe is green and more importantly it is Primegreen, which means it is made from high performance recycled materials, so adidas is doing its part in ending plastic waste as well as producing a great shoe which looks good and performs well. I have already worn it for four rounds and I like it. I estimate I am hitting my drives about 40 years further! More or less…. [laughs]
You’ve won tennis grand slams but if there’s one golf Major you’d love to win, which one would it be?
I think the Masters. It is a three-hour drive from here and I have had the opportunity to play there several times – it is always a thrill. Having said that, it would be neat to win both the tennis and golf US Opens.
