THE ORIGIN STORY
The Sugarloaf Social Club began in 2011 as an après-graduation group chat among a few college roommates. Before long, the name shifted to an annual golf trip, which then became an Instagram account, then an eponymous brand and shortly thereafter, in 2017, Sugarloaf became a full-time creative agency working with some of the most beloved names in golf. The Sugarloaf moniker comes from our beloved college hangout, the now-defunct Coore & Crenshaw course called Sugarloaf Mountain (FL). Spend enough time hanging around this space and you’ll hear us exploring ways to reverse this travesty and bring her back to life. Alternatively, we have Plan B, which is to create a gem of our very own in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley (VA). Because the only thing better than curating one’s own golf aesthetic, in our view, is curating one’s own golf experience. That has always been the endgame - Sugarloaf 3.0. The happiest part of our accident, however, will always be the smallest joys - the chance to be creative each and every day, and the freedom to steer clear of projects or designs that don’t spark joy, so we can focus whole-heartedly on those that do.
This freedom is the most precious thing in the world to us and we owe it all to you guys. We started out making hats and logos and head covers in the beginning simply because we wanted to. That was reason enough. If we wanted red hats, we’d make a red hat. If we already had a red hat, we’d make a blue hat. And when we had enough hats, we'd make a headcover instead. In short, we have only ever made the things we wanted for ourselves and not a single thing more. That same basic approach still guides everything we do today. Products only ever return if we have lost one of our own collection or simply long for a freshie. Our club logo also changes frequently, because no grownups are around to tell us we can’t do that. Sometimes the club icon will be a seasonal one-off and sometimes we like a mark so much, it becomes a staple forever. There is truly no rhyme or reason to what we do. Whimsy steers the ship and “Play or Perish” is the motto.
-- Ian Gilley, SSC Founder
The Team Behind the Sauce
founder & president
Ian gilley
A golf nerd who started his own apparel company, Ian has spent the last 15 years helping other brands become their best all whilst methodically building Sugarloaf Social Club's community via enjoyable content, adventure storytelling and fun products. "I just want to make cool stuff with my friends." He lives in Virginia with his wife and two kids, and he's the ultimate Hidden Gem Scoutfitter.
General Manager
Katie White
Katie lives in Virginia near most of the SSC crew. She played soccer at UVA and is quickly realizing those skills don't translate very well to her golf game. Go figure! She has three boys under four years old, so between managing the boys and our (just as crazy) Sugarloaf team, her cup runneth over with different hats to wear...all Sugarloaf, of course.
Design Manager
Meryl Reynolds
From apparel to accessories, Meryl is all about crafting goods built to move and made to vibe on the back nine. With design roots in surf, golf, and activewear —and two decades in the game—she’s spent her career making sure you look sharp while doing what you "mad love."
Content Producer
Sam Stamey
Your friendly neighborhood cameraman has been in the content game for almost seven years now, which is wild because he swears he just learned how to focus a camera yesterday. He and his wife Cierra live in Washington, DC with their Great Dane, Mouse (the irony is intentional). Sam is deeply obsessed with golf and golf gear, his board game collection could crush a small car, and he owns a borderline criminal number of white sneakers. You’ll always find him with a camera in hand — usually trying to justify another golf club purchase.
Brand Associate / community manager
Jack Morel
A self-described "golf sicko," Jack joined the SSC team after three years working inside the moat at the PGA Tour. He never turns down an opportunity to play a Donald Ross course, and his preferred post-round drink is a cold root beer. If he's not on the golf course, you'll likely find him somewhere in Washington, DC watching sports with his girlfriend, Annie, and his dog, Blue.