North Carolina has long been a golf-rich state, home to legendary courses, major tournaments and a deeply rooted golf culture. These days, beyond the fairways, the Triangle region has emerged as a hub for golf and lifestyle apparel, housing some of the industry’s most recognized brands.
Three companies — Peter Millar, Stitch Golf and Johnnie-O — have set up significant operations in the Triangle where they contribute to job creation, economic growth and the state’s reputation as a center for premium golf apparel and equipment.
Peter Millar’s headquarters and distribution hub anchor its global business in the region, while Stitch Golf’s Cary base has positioned it as a leader in premium golf accessories. Johnnie-O has embraced Raleigh as its East Coast headquarters.
The Triangle’s appeal to these brands extends beyond location. Access to talent, a strong golf market, and a business-friendly climate have helped drive growth. As Peter Millar CEO Scott Mahoney puts it: “Raleigh offered us the ability and place to have a history and a home … It’s a great city with a strong undercurrent of young people, great architecture and a welcoming community.”
With global ambitions but local roots, this trio of brands highlights North Carolina’s increasing influence in the golf and lifestyle apparel industry.
Peter Millar
Defining luxury golf and lifestyle apparel
Founded in 2001 by Raleigh entrepreneur Chris Knott, Peter Millar started with a single cashmere sweater and quickly became a leader in luxury golf and lifestyle apparel. Today, the company operates corporate offices in Raleigh and an 80,000-square-foot distribution hub in Durham, selling a full range of golf, casual and dress apparel worldwide.
Peter Millar’s brand blends traditional tailoring with modern performance fabrics, creating apparel that is equally suited for the golf course, the office and travel. Its collections feature moisture-wicking polos, four-way stretch trousers and wrinkle-resistant blazers, providing a mix of function and sophistication.
CEO Scott Mahoney, a former Polo Ralph Lauren executive, joined Peter Millar in 2005 and has overseen its transformation from a niche golf apparel brand to a global luxury powerhouse. Under Mahoney’s leadership, Peter Millar expanded its wholesale distribution, launched a thriving direct-to-consumer business and opened retail stores in key markets, including a flagship store in midtown Manhattan in New York City.
Since 2012, Peter Millar has been owned by Swiss luxury conglomerate Richemont, which is the parent company of Cartier, Montblanc, Chloe and other brands. While the acquisition provided Peter Millar with expanded resources and international exposure, the company has remained headquartered in the Triangle and stayed due to its founding vision. A Richemont financial report cites Peter Millar as one of its companies with “continued outperformance.”
Peter Millar’s growth strategy includes exclusive partnerships with high-end retailers, including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and premier golf clubs. The company is the official outfitter of the United States Golf Association and U.S. Open Championship and outfits PGA Tour golfers Cameron Young and Thirston Lawrence. The brand’s appeal extends beyond golfers, resonating with business executives, travelers and style-conscious consumers.
Johnnie-O
West Coast prep meets East Coast growth
Founded in 2005 by John O’Donnell, Johnnie-O has carved a niche in the lifestyle apparel market, blending Southern California’s laid-back style with classic East Coast prep. What began with polo shirts and quarter-zips quickly evolved into a full lifestyle brand, catering to golfers, travelers and professionals who seek a refined yet relaxed wardrobe.
While headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Johnnie-O has developed strong ties to Raleigh, where it has its East Coast headquarters, design center and first retail store in North Hills. Raleigh native Chris Knott, the founder of Peter Millar, is the brand’s chief merchandising officer, overseeing product development and expansion efforts. In 2022, it received an investment of $108 million from Wasatch Global Investors and Ares Management Corp., which acquired minoirity stakes. Fourteen individuals also invested $48 million in the company in the same year, according to an SEC filing.
Johnnie-O’s growth strategy is built on a multi-channel approach, combining direct-to-consumer sales, strategic wholesale partnerships, and a strong presence in golf and resort retail. The brand has become a staple in private clubs, specialty boutiques and high-end resorts, while also expanding into college and professional sportswear. It has a major presence at Duke University’s campus store.
A key driver of Johnnie-O’s success has been its sports licensing program, which includes agreements with more than 200 universities, Major League Baseball and the NHL. The brand’s NCAA and MLB collections have seen double-digit e-commerce growth, fueling further expansion into licensed sports apparel.
Under the leadership of CEO Dave Gatto, an executive with a background in premium lifestyle brands, Johnnie-O continues to expand its retail and direct-to-consumer channels and innovate in the casual menswear space.
Stitch Golf
A homegrown success story in premium golf gear
Founded in 2012, Stitch Golf began as a headcover brand before expanding into golf bags, travel gear and performance apparel. The Cary-based company has a reputation for clean design, technical innovation and premium materials, making it a staple in private clubs, high-end retailers and direct-to-consumer sales.
Founder Charlie Burgwyn,
a PGA Class A professional, drew inspiration from vintage race cars, creating high-quality accessories that merged style and function. Brad King, a Wake County native and entrepreneur, became CEO and board chair in 2017. (He’s not related to this
story’s author.)
King was uniquely positioned to help drive Stitch forward. He had been Burgwyn’s golf coach at Apex High School and was a close friend and neighbor of Peter Millar founder Chris Knott. King’s background in business and retail, including the successful sale of his office supply company to Staples, made him the ideal leader to scale Stitch’s operations.
Under King’s leadership, Stitch has expanded into new product categories, strengthened its e-commerce platform, and grown its direct-to-consumer sales. Its
SL1 Golf Bag, made from tour-grade synthetic leather, was named one of Golf Digest’s best stand bags, reinforcing its place in the high-end golf gear market.
Stitch remains privately held, backed by investors focused on premium lifestyle brands. The company reported receiving $3.6 million from 20 investors in 2021, and another $2.7 million from 18 investors in 2022. The brand continues to blend heritage styling
with modern performance, helping shape the premium golf gear market and reinforcing the Triangle’s growing influence in the industry ■
