11 key dates as FootJoy turns 100 years old

One of the most recognisable brands in golf turns 100 this year, as FootJoy celebrates a century at the forefront of the sport.  

The #1 Shoe in Golf continues to deliver the goods, with some stunning releases this year, but to fully understand the story behind the US-based brand, we need to go back to 1923, when the FootJoy name was born.  

Although the brand can be traced all the way back to before the first Open Championship was played, it wasn’t until 1923 when a competition gave the brand the name we know today.

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Here’s 11 key dates, all of which paint a story of how FootJoy came to rule the golf footwear and apparel scene. 

1857 – First founded  

Before FootJoy was the brand we know today, in 1857, Frederick Packard broke away from his father’s shoemaking business to start his own company. Packard is seen as one of the pioneers of modern footwear, and his new company was the start of what we know as FootJoy today. Recently, FootJoy released the Packard series of shoes, a nod to the man himself. 

1923 – FootJoy name is born 

100 years ago, the FootJoy name was born. The Field & Flint Company, who led the brand’s progress, held a competition to determine the name of their footwear range. A woman in the stitching room submitted a name that took the $50 prize, a large amount back then – FootJoy. 

1927 – USA Ryder Cup team represent the brand 

The very first Ryder Cup was an important one for FootJoy. The USA team ,who won the inaugural match, were all kitted out with FootJoy shoes. 

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1928 – First tour win 

Such was the success of the 1927 Ryder Cup, players from the US team began to wear the shoes in tournaments, with the first big success coming at the 1928 US Open. Johnny Farrell, pictured below, who won both his matches in the first staging of the Ryder Cup, wore FootJoy shoes when he defeated Bobby Jones, pictured on the left, in a 36-hole playoff at Olympia Fields. That win was the first of over 8,000 professional victories for the brand. 

1945 – #1 Shoe in Golf 

Just 17 years after their first professional win, FootJoy were the most worn brand on the PGA Tour. Nearly 80 years on, that’s still the case. 

1957 – Tarlow brothers buy the brand 

Brothers Bill and Dick Tarlow, pictured below, bought the brand in 1957, making the commitment to focus solely on golf. Similarly to Packard, the Tarlow’s have a shoe dedicated to them, which is a popular option on tour.

1979 – FootJoy enters the glove industry 

Up until this point, FootJoy was exclusively a footwear brand, but that changed with the introduction of the PowerStrap glove. Soon, the StaSof glove came along, becoming the most popular glove on tour in 1983. To this day, it’s still the most popular on tour.

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1989 – DryJoys introduced 

Setting the standard for waterproof shoes, the DryJoys were introduced in 1989. A classic design that has stood the test of time.

1997 – Entry into outerwear 

Not content with just shoes and gloves, FootJoy’s next venture was into outerwear. The introduction of the DryJoys performance outerwear saw FJ gain immediate recognition as one the top performing rainwear brands in the game. 

2003 – First customisable golf shoe 

The introduction of MyJoys shoes, the very first customisable golf shoes. Still an option today, players can select a variety of colours, leathers and even add logos and initials to the shoes.  

2023 – FootJoy turns 100 

Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

Performance Editor