Former TU great Maritz gives back to game through new apparel company
By Ken MacLeod
Former University of Tulsa golfer Martin Maritz knows full well the grind of trying to get established as a professional golfer.
After finishing his successful career at the University of Tulsa in 2000, Maritz played on the mini-tours, in Europe, in his native South Africa and around the world in an attempt to get established on the PGA Tour or European Tour.
Although extremely talented, inconsistencies in his short game prevented Maritz from reaching his goal and he went into private business in 2012. Now a nine-year veteran of placement agency Inceed, Maritz wants to give back to others going through the same struggles he endured, namely finding the money for that next entry fee or travel.
To that end, Maritz has started his own golf apparel and accessories company called Birdies and Bogeys Golf Gear. The website (https://birdies-and-bogeys-golf-gear.myshopify.com) offers a full range of apparel, specialty items and golf gear emblazoned with the logos which Maritz has created.
Maritz is going to use 25 percent of the proceeds from Birdies and Bogeys apparel and merchandise to fund entry fees for aspiring professionals in events such as The Oklahoma Open, or All Pro Tour events in the state. He also would like to help young pros from South Africa with entry fees into events in his home country.
“I don’t want anything for myself on this,” Maritz said. “I know how hard it is when you’re young and you have to pay all these entry fees just to have an opportunity. I really hope we can get the word out on this and people will use us for not just apparel but a variety of specialty items.”
Maritz launched the company in July and has had some modest success. He plans to sell this fall and winter through the holidays, expanding his brand awareness, then begin making entry fee donations in 2022.
Those who wish to nominate a player for help with entry fees should email birdiesandbogeysgolfgear@gmail.com. Applicants will be reviewed based on funds available and tournaments selected.
Maritz would also like to set up an amateur tour for players who enjoy competing, starting with events in Northeast Oklahoma. Stay tuned for more on that.