Accessory Review:
Daphne's Headcovers
by Jeffrey Reed, Editor, LondonOntarioGolf.com

Question: what do Ernie Els, Justin Leonard, Aaron Baddeley, Bubba Watson, Laura Diaz, Meg Mellon, Amy Hung, Lorena Ochoa and Tiger Woods all have in common? Answer: all of these golfers carry an animal headcover from Daphne's Headcovers in their bags.

We're all familiar with Frank, Woods' headcover mascot. Els has a lion, Leonard a yellow lab, Badds a koala, Bubba a pink chimp, Pepper an eagle (good choice), Diaz a golden retriever, Mallon a border collie, Hung a Survivor Celebration Kitty (to inspire, educate and empower cancer survivors), and Ochoa a Mexican flag.

My Daphne's Headcovers zoo has grown recently. My baby Emperor penguin hybrid headcover is now joined by Els' Lion and Woods' Frank, both fitted for 460cc drivers.

Daphne's Headcovers has joined three-time major champion Ernie Els in support of the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation by donating a portion of proceeds from the sales of their Lion headcover which has been a fixture in Els' bag for many years. "To know that the sales of our Lion headcover will assist talented young golfers from families of limited resources is very gratifying," explained Jane Spicer, president of Daphne's Headcovers. "We've always felt that our headcovers bring a lot of pleasure to the users, but to know now that sales of every one of our popular Lions will help to educate talented kids is very rewarding."

"Our Foundation has been running for nearly 10 years now and it is great to have the support of companies like Daphne's Headcovers who share in our vision of creating educated young leaders. Growing up, I was very privileged to have a family who could support me in playing golf and getting to junior tournaments, so this is my chance to help other less fortunate kids by giving back," explained Els.

Based at 2003 Presidents Cup host venue Fancourt Hotel and Golf Estate, the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation supports talented young golfers from families of limited resources in South Africa, ensuring that they receive the best possible opportunities both in learning and playing the game of golf and, as importantly, in attending and passing high school.

Daphne's Headcovers is the original animal headcover company. The Phoenix, Arizona-based company is owned by Jane and her husband, Steve. Jane and her mother, Daphne, founded the business more than 25 years ago with the intention of making enough money to buy a sailboat. A quarter of a century later, and after many sailing adventures, the company is as strong as ever.

From conception to completion, every headcover from Daphne's Headcovers - more than 200 and growing - is created with an eye on quality, function, form and attention to minute detail. After all, they are more than just critters: they're protecting valuable golf clubs. Daphne's Headcovers places the factory phone number on each creation. "We are so convinced of our quality that should anything ever go wrong with one of our products, we will fix or replace it at our expense," company literature explains.

Portions of the proceeds of Leonard's yellow lab headcover go to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Baddeley, in conjunction with the Australia Koala Foundation and Daphne's Headcovers, are working together to raise awareness and funds for the Save The Koala Foundation. These are just a few more examples of how Daphne's Headcovers is helping make a difference in people's lives.

In addition to Els' charity efforts, Daphne's Headcovers' lineup also includes: Survivor Celebration Kitty, a pink tabby feline from which a portion of proceeds benefits the Marathon of Miracles Foundation; and Monkey Made of Sockies, a portion of proceeds for Play Golf America.

For a complete lineup rivalled only by Noah's Ark, visit the company web site, www.daphnesheadcovers.com.