Inside story on America’s waterproof suit shambles

A press release put out by Sun Mountain ahead of this year’s Ryder Cup says “may the team with the best waterproofs win.” Let’s hope so, eh.

Team America have ditched the Sun Mountain rain suits they wore on the first morning of the Ryder Cup – to wear the same kit as Europe’s team.

Captain Corey Pavin said his men were “disappointed” with the performance of their original gear in the torrential rain this morning, so British company ProQuip has been put on standby to help the USA Ryder Cup Team with new weatherwear.

 
ProQuip, the specialist Scottish weatherwear brand that is the Preferred Supplier to the European Ryder Cup Team, was approached by USA team officials during the suspension of play on the first morning.
 
A list of sizes of USA team members was supplied to ProQuip at approximately 10.30am on Friday following heavy rain in the morning session, leading to a suspension of play.
 
ProQuip’s Managing Director, Richard Head, who personally fitted all the European Team players for their rain suits, sourced a number of ProQuip suits from the merchandise store and supplied these to USA Team officials.
 
“We were surprised to be put on standby to help the USA Ryder Cup Team with their rain suits within a few hours of the Ryder Cup starting,” said Richard Head. “However, for the sake of the match, we were happy to help and supply back-up weatherwear.
  
“From the European Team’s perspective, we had anticipated rain and the team was well equipped for the conditions,” continued Richard Head. “Our exclusive fabric technology has resulted in the lightest and quietest Ryder Cup rain suit ever – and one that is effective in all conditions, keeping players dry and comfortable.”
 
During the suspension of play, Ian Poulter told Sky Sports: “All I can say is that our waterproofs are keeping us nice and dry.”