Golf punk
Encyclopedia
GolfPunk magazine was launched by Tim Southwell and John Dean through their Keep Yourself Nice Ltd company in 2004, after securing investment from (initially Premier League footballers Michael Gray, Thomas Sorensen, Phil Babb, Jason McAteer and Steven Wright), and then Genesis Investments (part of Chris Ingram's investment portfolio).
Steve Read was signed from the Conde Naste Magazine Group as Creative Director, producing an award-winning style of magazine design. Iestyn George (formerly NME and GQ Features Editor) was also part of the launch team, as was star writer Gavin Newsham, who contributed largely to the initial creation of the magazine. GolfPunk quickly established itself as the alternative voice of golf, whilst also demonstrating huge love for the history of the game and unique 'honesty-first' culture of the sport. Sales rose from 14,000 in 2004 to around 22,018 in its heyday of 2006. With cover stars ranging from new kids on the block Ian Poulter and Paul Casey) to more established legends such as Ernie Els and Sam Torrance).
Danny Crouch, former Equipment Editor, was appointed Publisher in 2005 and oversaw an impressive rise in commercial revenues for the brand. One of the most talked about GolfPunk innovations was the annual GolfPunk Clubhouse which appeared every year at The Open. Launching in Troon 2004 (to which the GolfPunk staff travelled by rock & roll tourbus) and last appearing at St Andrews 2010, the GP Clubhouse attracted industry figures, the public, celebrities and, most importantly, the tournament players themselves, bringing the entire golfing world together under one roof for a right royal knees up. Golf stars who 'cut the ribbon' to open the Clubhouse were Ian Poulter (2004), Paul Casey at St Andrews 2005, Nick Dougherty Hoylake 2006, (no event 2007-2008) Boo Weekly at Birkdale 2009, Darren Clarke at St Andrews 2010.
The magazine quickly became an international success, with editions appearing in 14 countries including Germany, Italy, South Africa, China and Singapore.
Awards
Tim Southwell was named Editor Of The Year in 2006 at the BSME (British Society of Magazine Editors) Awards, and Editor Of The Year at the IPA (Independent Publishers Awards).
Steve Read's Creative Direction won Golf Punk the 2006 Best Designed Fashion Pages award at Magazine Design Awards.
Southwell and Dean left the company in late 2006, quickly followed by Steve Read, Danny Crouch, Gavin Newsham and Iestyn George. Owen Blackhurst (a former work experience turned Travel Editor) was appointed Editor from November 2007 to , followed by Shaun McGuckian (former work experience GP website Editor) in April 2008.
in November 2010, JF Media, the publisher of Golf Punk folded after struggling with debts of more than $1 million.
Steve Read was signed from the Conde Naste Magazine Group as Creative Director, producing an award-winning style of magazine design. Iestyn George (formerly NME and GQ Features Editor) was also part of the launch team, as was star writer Gavin Newsham, who contributed largely to the initial creation of the magazine. GolfPunk quickly established itself as the alternative voice of golf, whilst also demonstrating huge love for the history of the game and unique 'honesty-first' culture of the sport. Sales rose from 14,000 in 2004 to around 22,018 in its heyday of 2006. With cover stars ranging from new kids on the block Ian Poulter and Paul Casey) to more established legends such as Ernie Els and Sam Torrance).
Danny Crouch, former Equipment Editor, was appointed Publisher in 2005 and oversaw an impressive rise in commercial revenues for the brand. One of the most talked about GolfPunk innovations was the annual GolfPunk Clubhouse which appeared every year at The Open. Launching in Troon 2004 (to which the GolfPunk staff travelled by rock & roll tourbus) and last appearing at St Andrews 2010, the GP Clubhouse attracted industry figures, the public, celebrities and, most importantly, the tournament players themselves, bringing the entire golfing world together under one roof for a right royal knees up. Golf stars who 'cut the ribbon' to open the Clubhouse were Ian Poulter (2004), Paul Casey at St Andrews 2005, Nick Dougherty Hoylake 2006, (no event 2007-2008) Boo Weekly at Birkdale 2009, Darren Clarke at St Andrews 2010.
The magazine quickly became an international success, with editions appearing in 14 countries including Germany, Italy, South Africa, China and Singapore.
Awards
Tim Southwell was named Editor Of The Year in 2006 at the BSME (British Society of Magazine Editors) Awards, and Editor Of The Year at the IPA (Independent Publishers Awards).
Steve Read's Creative Direction won Golf Punk the 2006 Best Designed Fashion Pages award at Magazine Design Awards.
Southwell and Dean left the company in late 2006, quickly followed by Steve Read, Danny Crouch, Gavin Newsham and Iestyn George. Owen Blackhurst (a former work experience turned Travel Editor) was appointed Editor from November 2007 to , followed by Shaun McGuckian (former work experience GP website Editor) in April 2008.
Awards
'in November 2010, JF Media, the publisher of Golf Punk folded after struggling with debts of more than $1 million.