In September, State Apparel moved into the former Kit and Ace space (3108 Fillmore St.) in Cow Hollow, giving local duffers a place to shop for new golfwear—and potentially get to know other players off the links.
Jason Yip, who founded State Apparel in 2013, describes himself as a a passionate golfer who's spent most of his professional life "taking a lot of risk building other people's dreams" in tech startups.
"I wanted to take all that I learned, apply it to my passion for golf and my unique product ideas, and build my own dream," he said.
Since launching, State Apparel has built a following, earning the company coverage in Golf Digest and Golf Magazine; recently, its made-in-San Francisco Competition Pant ($205) was featured on the Golf Channel.
Yip's first physical store carries a full line of golf apparel, along with an indoor driving range that gives the store a social aspect.
"We wanted to create an urban clubhouse as a golfer's home away from the course and as a hub for the golf community," said Yip. "Golfers can drop by to take a few swings in the indoor driving range, have a drink and talk golf with others hanging out in the shop."
Yip said his brand stands apart because "we're offering unique and socially responsible products with a great experience and entertainment."
All items are manufactured locally to support sustainability, provide jobs, and keep resources in the community.
Thanks to patent-pending designs, Yip's clothing aims to make golfers comfortable while taking on the sport's persistent challenge of keeping equipment and hands clean.
By incorporating layers of absorbent fabric into pants and shirts, players no longer need to step away from a shot to grab a towel and wipe down their hands, clubs or golf balls.
The company's most popular items are Competition Pants—its first product—along with Biarritz Quarter Zips ($125), "which are super-soft and perfect for the golf course or around town," said Yip.
Yip said he selected Cow Hollow because it has "the heart of a neighborhood with a very active lifestyle."
State Apparel is open seven days a week from 11am–7pm.