The Bedford-based designer’s collection of golf apparel is a modern take on the sport’s rich history. By Julia Lombardo
Bedford-based designer David Ford isn’t much of a golfer, but that didn’t stop him from putting the utmost care, passion and intelligence into his namesake line of golf apparel, which launched in August.
The established eyewear designer — known for an extensive line of high-quality prescription glasses, sunglasses and innovative bluetooth glasses decked with stereo speakers — has made a few clothing endeavors in the past with luxury outerwear and streetwear. But sports were a mostly uncharted territory. Throughout his 15 years of experience, though, that feat has only ever intrigued Ford.
“I wasn’t even looking to design a line of golfwear until now,” he says. “I accepted the challenge because it was different.”
As Ford got into the world of design, he was inspired by the work of Daniel R. Day, known as “Dapper Dan,” and Donna Karan, the founder of DKNY. He also received guidance from his mother and some mentors that caught sight of his talent through drawings he posted on LinkedIn. With no formal education in fashion, he remains self-taught, constantly adding new skills to his toolbox.
“That’s how my career started, and I’ve never worked a single day since,” Ford says.
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Like anything he designs, Ford’s golf collection prioritizes comfort, quality materials and versatility for everyday wear. It stands out for its minimalist design and soft color palette. Subtle choices of reds, blues, oranges and pinks are bolder than a neutral but still modest enough to maintain a level of sophistication synonymous with golf attire.
Beyond Ford’s brick-and-mortar storefront at 725 Broadway Ave. in Bedford, his golf collection quickly found a second home in the pro shop at Highland Park Golf Course in Highland Hills, a place that echoes the same sense of heritage that inspires the David Ford Golf collection. General manager Tom Scheetz helped inform Ford’s design.
“Tom was very nice about helping us get a good look at what this should look like in golf,” Ford says. “Until next golf season, (Highland Park) will definitely be the flagship. Besides my own (shop), I want people to go there and really get their eyes on it next to a golf course.”
In the ‘50s and ‘60s, Highland Park Golf Course was a pioneer in diversifying the game of golf, becoming one of the only places in the Cleveland area that allowed Black golfers to play. This brought African American golf leagues to the grounds, among a host of other iconic professionals for PGA Tour tournaments. One pro in particular, Charlie Sifford, was the first Black man to win on the tour, and he credited Highland Park as his home course while living in Northeast Ohio later in his life.
“In the African American community, golf is becoming bigger, and it just kind of became appropriate,” Ford says of his collection. “This was the next pinnacle.”
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It’s even caught the likes of other legends, like former Cavaliers player Austin Carr and renowned Fox 8 videographer Richard “Zoom” Scott, who collaborated with Ford on the collection.
“They’re good people,” he says. “It’s a blessing to have them believe enough in your mission enough to wear your apparel.”
It all proves a promising future for Ford in the world of sportswear. He teases an additional line of golfwear called the “Inheritance” collection coming in the fall. With a more timeless and traditional design, the gear will honor America’s greatest golfers since the 1890s.
“I wanted to make sure it gets everybody,” Ford says of his golfwear, “Black or white or any other. That was the big key.”
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