Tarek “Ty” DeLavallade is a happy camper (or more appropriately ‘happy golfer’) with the serial entrepreneur’s latest business success including both a product partnership with Troon golf shops and an exciting Deuce Amateur Golf Tour, also with Troon. Deuce, a Black-owned golf lifestyle brand specializing in premium headwear and accessories for golfers has quickly risen to the top echelons of the golf industry and was prominently featured in the July/August 2022 issue of Troon Magazine. DeLavallade, a Chicago, Ilinois native serves as Founder and President of Deuce while exercising a multiplicity of other business ventures and responsibilities under his ‘Deuce’ golf belt.
Starting with colorful golf gloms, he quickly expanded to designing and manufacturing hats, belts, t-shirts, cigar accessories, and leather travel bags. “We’re finding a way to blend golf and lifestyle products, ” he said. “The brand began in golf but quickly moved over to tennis and pickle ball, and our headwear is now very popular with adults and even teens.”
As the VP of Business Development at DeucePromo.com and Executive Director of the United Golfers Association, DeLavallade appeared on a golf industry podcast in 2019, a question came up about Black-owned businesses that manufactured golf apparel. He didn’t know of any at the time, so he immediately decided to launch Deuce, a premium golf, sports, and lifestyle accessories company based in Orlando, Florida.
THE EVOLUTION OF A GOLF BRAND
Deuce has evolved into a brand that can be enjoyed and worn on and off the links, including its expansive belt collection. “It’s all very much about being bold and daring for our team as we grow the brand and challenge what has been the norm,” says DeLavallade.
As President and Commissioner at DeuceAmTour.com. MarketWatch.com reported on July 18 that the Deuce Am Tour would be partnering with Troon. When the team at the Deuce Am Tour conceptualized this Next Level Golf Tour for Amateurs they wanted to host the events at some of the best properties across the US. Troon was the first phone call they made to the recently appointed Kendall Murphy to see if he could make it work. He Did! From LA, Phoenix, Vegas, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, DMV and up to New Jersey – they made it happen.
“The game is changing and competitive amateur events should be changing with that new shift in the sport. Am Tours have been fairly stale for the last decade and well – we’re here baby,” said Tarek DeLavallade, Deuce Am Tour Commissioner.
“We will be as competitive as the other Amateur Tour events, but with a different vibe that’s been missing. I know plenty of guys who can have a few beers, a seltzer, or cocktail along with a cigar as well as enjoying their favorite music and still shoot their handicap!” said DeLavallade.
Troon’s Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion-Kendall Murphy, “When Tarek reached out to me in January and shared the concept, I immediately felt that Troon had to be at the front of this incredible Amateur Tour. We are already working with Deuce to get them in our Pro Shops from our Daily Fee courses to the Prive Collection, so it just made sense.” The tour has also secured partnerships with Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, GolfPass/GolfNow, PXG, and several other regional brands in specific locations. The Deuce Am Tour Series officially launches September 23rd at the Troon Managed Tustin Ranch Golf Club in Irvine, California.
DeLavallade, the President of Deuce has planned over 250 golf events over the last 25 years across the US and Caribbean is ready to shake the world with this national sporting event series for the cool kids of golf. The tour has also secured partnerships with Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, GolfPass/GolfNow, PXG, Golf Genius, and several other regional brands in specific locations.
July 18, 2022 (PRLog via COMTEX) — We’re Changing the Amateur Golf Tour Industry for competitive golfers who love to battle and roll that pill against other golfers at all handicap levels. No more Corny Amateur Tours because the Deuce Am Tour is for the Cool Kids of Golf! The Deuce Am Tour is simply the answer for what many amateurs have been asking for in competitive golf. The game is changing and amateurs should be changing with that new shift in the sport.—Tarek “Ty” DeLavallade
The 10 National Tournaments will feature 4 Competitive Flights and 1 non-competitive flight called “Hackerish” which is for 25+ Golfers on Mondays at mostly Semi and Private Golf Clubs. The events will feature social media influencers who will be conducting live interviews utilizing their social media platforms including Deuce Am Tour YouTube Channel, and IG Live. Additionally, Golf Genius will be providing live leaderboard coverage that will be available on the website of DeuceAmTour.com.
After being featured in Forbes earlier this year, the brand has grown beyond expectations, with increasing sales in golf accessories as well as in its high-end cigar pouches, torches, and weekender travel bags. The brand can be seen on athletes, celebrities, elite junior golfers, amateurs, and weekend hackers.”
“Honored to be featured by my friends at Troon in the Summer Edition of the Troon Magazine!” commented DeLavallade on his LinkedIn page.
Keep an eye out for Deuce merchandise at Troon golf shops or visit www.Deuce.co.