GBN: As a fully qualified PGA Professional you had harboured hopes of playing on tour, but did you always think you had an eye and a brain for business?<\/p>\n
Stephen Riley: Absolutely. While I was fully committed to a playing career in my early years, I always had a natural curiosity for the business side of the game \u2014 how brands were built, how products were made, and what truly resonated with players and retailers. I think being around club pros and pro shops gave me a unique commercial perspective. The idea of building something from the ground up always appealed to me, even if I didn\u2019t realise it right away.\u00a0<\/p>\n
PRG celebrates 20 years next year. It has been a long road, but what was the single biggest moment for you and the business?\u00a0<\/p>\n
There have been several defining moments over the last two decades but seeing our products on display at our first Ryder Cup \u2013 Hazeltine in 2016 \u2013 being used by some of the game\u2019s biggest names and stars was definitely one that stands out. It was a validation of everything we\u2019d worked toward \u2014 design, quality and reputation. It made me realise PRG had gone from a concept to a respected global brand.<\/p>\n
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PRG has been producing a range of officially licensed accessories for the Ryder Cup since 2016<\/p>\n
How did the Ryder Cup partnership come about \u2013 do you remember that first call?<\/p>\n
I remember it vividly. It started as a conversation about custom products for a specific event and quickly grew into a deeper opportunity. The Ryder Cup is golf\u2019s most iconic team event, so to be trusted with representing that history in our products was a real honour. It felt like a turning point \u2014 not just for brand exposure, but for what it meant in terms of recognition for PRG within the industry.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges in the bespoke accessory market?<\/p>\n
Speed and scale without compromising quality \u2014 that\u2019s the biggest balancing act. Customers want bespoke accessories faster than ever, often in small runs, but they still expect premium craftsmanship. The market is also becoming more crowded, so innovation and quality are key. We\u2019ve spent years building a trusted supply chain and creative team that allows us to meet those demands without cutting any corners.<\/p>\n
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PRG\u2019s accessories have both a functional purpose and artistic flair, turning clubhead covers into personal mementos and collector\u2019s items<\/p>\n
What is helping to make your products stand out from the competition?<\/p>\n
Right now, it\u2019s the elevation of materials and finish. From our VANTO Leather collections to intricate Kinsale metal designs, we\u2019re always blurring the lines between performance accessories and collector-worthy pieces.
It\u2019s exciting to see how far we can push the boundaries of design while still keeping it functional for golfers. Our customers are more design-aware than ever, and that pushes us to elevate our products and applications wherever possible.\u00a0
Our new Originals range also offers some of the most exciting designs we have ever done, and more and more people are looking to bring their golf bag to life with expressive accessories. Our products offer golfers that opportunity to show their individuality. At the same time, they are treasured mementos.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
As well as partnering with events such as the Ryder Cup and the Major Championships, you also work directly with golf clubs and resorts. How did that side of the business first get off the ground?<\/p>\n
That was in 2006, and I remember it very well. My mum had left Titleist and was working in distribution with Champ and Golf Pride. I started to help. We were doing various accessories, but nothing was customised. That was when I saw a gap in the market. The first call I made was to Kevan Whitson, the head pro at Royal County Down. I left the shop with an order for 18 customised head covers. I was thrilled. That\u2019s how it all began.\u00a0Twenty years later and we are currently working over 7,000 golf clubs and resorts around the world.<\/p>\n
You are in the process of moving into your US headquarters near Carlsbad in California. How important is that location for the growth of the business?<\/p>\n
Carlsbad is the epicentre of the golf industry in the US. With the new facility, which includes offices, a warehouse and a showroom, we\u2019re enhancing our ability to deliver premium products and custom accessories to our clients with even greater efficiency. We now have a physical location for many of the game\u2019s biggest brands to come and experience, first-hand, the top craftsmanship of our entire range of products.<\/p>\n
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PRG\u2019s Originals range allows golfers to express their individuality and personality<\/p>\n
Can you identify any part of your business philosophy that has been key to your success?<\/p>\n
We are where we are because we have a people and family-orientated ethos. It is always about the people \u2013 it is about their character. We have a very talented team working at PRG, who care deeply about the product and the history and values of the company. They are invested in what we do and what they do, and they want to grow with the business.\u00a0<\/p>\n
What does the future hold for PRG and the bespoke accessories market?<\/p>\n
As we continue to grow the business and work with a greater number of resorts and professional events, including the Major Championships, we\u2019re investing more in our team. September also marks the fifth time that we have partnered with the Ryder Cup. These are exciting times for the business and it shows that there is a huge demand for bespoke accessories.\u00a0<\/p>\n