Pure Profiles: Birds of Condor
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Few Australian golf brands have carved out a lane quite like Birds of Condor.
Founded by Frankie Kimpton, the brand draws inspiration from surf culture, music and art, bringing a fresh perspective to golf that’s helped build one of Australia’s most recognisable independent golf labels.
For our latest edition of Pure Profiles, we caught up with Frankie to chat about the inspiration behind Birds of Condor, the products he believes everyone should own, the ideas shaping the brand today and what’s next.
So tell us, what was the inspiration behind the brand?
I come from surf culture and a music background, so heavy doses of lifestyle and melodies run deep within the brands DNA. That raw artistic energy from those worlds have always inspired and allowed us creative freedom, it’s safe to say that we naturally look at golf through a different lens than most.
The one piece from your collection everyone should own?
Definitely one of our Tokyo or Osaka Country Club hats. We developed a custom block nylon silhouette for these and they have become our signature piece and best selling products.
We’ve since rolled this design out across many different colours, shapes and materials, but the main formula hasn’t changed. It’s one of those rare hat designs that look as good if you’re on the tee box, down at the beach or chillin at the pub with your mates.
Whatever the mood, when you throw one of these on, you look a million bucks.
What was the very first product you ever made?
We kicked off Birds of Condor with 10 hats. I've always been a hat guy, so it felt like the only place to start and after 10 years headwear is still the main category that our customers froth on the hardest.
What product idea are you obsessed with right now?
Both headwear and apparel are very crowded spaces and although we keep a steady pulse in those categories, I’m more pumped on accessories atm. We’ve put a huge focus into that side of our business over the last couple of years, because they’re the products golfers truly geek out on, everyday and very much needed bits and pieces that assist and can make the game more fun. I love the challenge of developing hardware products, learning about new manufacturing techniques and sweating the small details that help something level up and genuinely stand apart from mainstream. On the apparel side, we are maintaining that evolution of blending performance fabrics with streetwear influence to keep the lines blurred between golf and culture.
What are you most excited about next for the brand?
There’s a bit going on mate, we recently opened our flagship store in Byron Bay late last year which has been received so well and a very proud moment to have a shop in the streets we grew up in. We’re also launching a signature boardshort & beach towel with one of our sponsored surfers, Marsy Harrison in late spring, he absolutely rips and loves playing golf. But the most exciting news is that we’ve partnered with the NRL to create golf collections for each of the club teams, it’s become one of the biggest creative projects we’ve ever taken on, and rolling into production as we speak, I can’t wait for it to kick off end of year. What excites me most isn’t just the collaboration with the NRL, it’s seeing people from completely different codes connect through Birds. Whether they’re golfers, surfers, musos, footy fans or just appreciate good design, it reinforces that we’re building a lifestyle around the game, and not just another golf brand.
Most underrated public golf course?
Byron Bay Golf Club, given it’s my home track but it truly is a thing of beauty and punching well above its weight. You’ve got two very different nines that keep you guessing and on your game, ocean breeze from across the road and even the odd koala asleep somewhere above you, it just feels nice and easy… The post round hangs on the deck is enjoying one of Byron’s best kept secrets, great staff with zero pretentiousness.
One club you could never take out of the bag?
My Taylormade Hi-Toe 54 degree wedge. It’s my most consistently dialled club and deadly from 100m out.
Current swing thought?
Coca…Cola... Thanks Nelly.
Last one - Who’s the most stylish golfer… and who’s the worst dressed? (past or current)
Tony Finau is looking money in his Jordan gear and has the jump on the PGA lads. As for who could use a little help, Lonnie “The Hawk" Hawkins could level up with some Birds in his life, give me a call Lonnie, happy to look at a multi year deal.
Be sure to check out Birds of Condor’s latest collections and follow their journey as they continue pushing golf culture in a different direction.