even the clubs.

As the game of golf continues to increase its appeal with young people, manufacturers are scrambling to take advantage of the emerging niche market -- hip, fresh golf clothes.

Today's golfing apparel features high-tech fabrics and modern styles while adhering to the game's strict dress codes.

"Most courses recommend shirts with collars,'' explained Sports R Us manager Daren Mayeaux. "If you wear shorts they must be a certain length, around the length of Bermuda shorts. No cut-offs or jeans.'' Mr. Mayeaux said golf apparel was a growing segment of the sporting goods market with big-name companies like Nike and Fila producing garments for the greens.

"Nike's Tiger Woods line is the most popular line,'' he said. "Nike is also very strong with women.'' Ladies clothier Liz Claiborne markets their LizGolf line specifically to reach young women golfers with clothes they can wear both on and off the course.

The Guess? clothing company started a women's golf line three years ago and have scored a hole-in-one with young ladies with their slim fitted cigarette/tapered pants.

Another big international hits with the young golfing set are slim fitted shorts and `skorts' -- part shorts and part skirts.

And designers are even getting into the swing of things, producing fashionably hip golfing attire.

According to In Style magazine, Tommy Hilfiger's two-year-old men's golf line is turning a $40 million profit.

Fashion power houses like Giorgio Armani, Prada, Nicole Miller and Louis Vuitton have also teed off with flair.

Lois Vuitton produces a canvas carrying case, complete with famous LV logo, which allows golfers to tote three golf balls in high style and Prada has made the ultimate fashion/golf statement with their black nylon golf bag.

But Mr. Mayeaux said golfing attire need not cost a king's ransom, but if you what high-tech fabrics expect to pay more.

"The price depends on the fabric,'' he explained. "The dry fit fabric is in the higher category since it absorbs moisture from the body. It is good for someone who sweats a lot.

"There is quite a range in prices, it just depends on the technology of the fabric and if you want to wear a logo.'' Technology has even invaded the golf shoe department, he added.

"Nike golf shoes are the most popular. They have taken many of the features of their running shoes and applied them to golf shoes.'' And new materials are replacing the old metal spikes on the traditional golf shoes.

"Many courses are adopting spike-less rules,'' Mr. Mayeaux explained. "We now have soft spikes, made of rubber. You can purchase the soft spikes, remove the old spikes and add the soft ones to your old shoes.'' He said the change was made in a bid to improve the quality and conditions of golf courses.

Technological advances are also helping the average golf player tear up the links thanks to products which help lower handicaps.

"There are two golf balls that you will be seeing everyone use in next week's Gillette Challenge, the first is the Top Flite Strata-Tour Bolata,'' Mr.

Mayeaux explained. "It has a higher spin ratio and has a soft cover. It is the top ball on the tour.

"The other is the Top Flite Arrow, it's for distance and gives the player more control. It has a new dimple design -- pearl shaped -- and has less drag.'' Three new golf clubs are making news in the golfing industry and promise to be on display at the Island's premier golfing event next week.

"Top Flite Tour Titanium Irons are one of the best iron clubs on the market,'' said Mr. Mayeaux. "You will see them at Gillette.

"The Trimetal Woods are also very popular and the new Top Flite Tour Titanium 400 metal woods have also done extremely well.

"Golf is a growing segment of the sporting industry,'' he added. "The industry cannot provide enough courses for all the players. It is a major part of the sporting goods business.

"Bermudians are definitely becoming more educated in golf.''