In this exclusive collaboration, eVent Fabrics sat down with Ian Forrester, Founder and CEO of HLINC, a new brand redefining extreme weather apparel for links golf courses. With a commitment to performance and durability, HLINC has crafted clothing designed to withstand the toughest conditions on the course. In this interview, we dive into the brand’s history, its vision for the future, and how eVent Fabrics’ PFAS-free breathable, waterproof technology plays a crucial role in enhancing its new collection. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the passion and expertise driving HLINC’s mission to provide golfers with the best gear to tackle even the harshest weather on the course.
eVent Fabrics: Could you start by introducing HLINC Golf and what sets your brand apart in the golf apparel market?
Ian Forrester: HLINC golf is a new premium waterproof brand designed exclusively for links golf. After years of playing links golf, and with years of experience in retail (clothing), I recognized a gap in the market; the majority of waterproofs available didn’t function, as the weather you are dealt for links golf hits differently from anything else. You have a 1 in 5 chance of playing in driving rain and 30 mph winds on the western coasts of Ireland and Scotland, and you need to be prepared for it. Not only that but from a design point of view, the majority of brands are rebadged running jackets as opposed to golf specific. When I say golf-specific, HLINC is purposefully designed in terms of how the body moves when playing golf, from pocket position to hemlines - everything has been considered.
The product is set to launch in March 2025 in selected links golf clubs across Ireland and Scotland from Waterville in Southwest Ireland to Brora in the Highlands of Scotland.
eF: Links courses are the oldest style of golf courses. Could you tell us more about links courses and how they inspired HLINC?
IF: Links golf is the oldest and most sought-after form of golf course. There are only 249 true links golf courses in the world, and 220 of them are in the UK and Ireland. True links golf courses are cut from the land that was originally there, millions of years ago. The word HLINC is derived from the old English word, 'links', meaning raised ground or slope.
Everything about links golf makes it unique. Having the privilege of playing it myself over the years, I understand the challenges links golf poses, and the weather is just one of those challenges. With the weather you get, you need to make sure you are prepared for it, and this is what formed the idea of HLINC. You see it most years in the Open Championship. Last year at Troon, the Saturday brought a challenge that even the best golfers in the world struggled with.
eF: What led HLINC Golf to incorporate eVent BIO technology into your new line of waterproof golf apparel?
IF: Instead of taking inspiration from sports brands, I looked at the outdoor brands, as that market for me is light years ahead of sports brands in terms of fabrics, design, and construction of apparel. With that in mind and the challenge I had, the eVent BIO technology gave me the waterproof and breathable capabilities needed for links golf. Secondly, it had the stretch in the fabric that you need for all golf. Thirdly, the ripstop face fabric really helps when you're in the gorse of links rough. And finally, the fact it's sustainable makes it a non-brainer for HLINC to choose it as the preferred fabric. In a world where everyone is going lighter, I needed a fabric that protected golfers from the elements. eVent BIO technology offered this.
eVent Waterproof Golf Jacket eVent Waterproof Golf Trousers
eF: Golf demands both freedom of movement and protection from the elements. How does eVent BIO help you balance these aspects in your designs?
IF: All the above as discussed, if you had a tick list of what you needed in a fabric for links golf, eVent had it all, literally no other brand on the market could offer me that.
eF: Lastly, what excites you most about this partnership with eVent Fabrics and the future of golf apparel?
IF: The fact that we have the opportunity to establish ourselves within the golf industry, delivering a much-needed new fabric that is purpose fit for links golf. Add to that the bespoke design elements that HLINC has added, this is a great partnership. Golf pros at these links courses have seen it all and the fact that they are giving HLINC and eVent a chance gives us confidence we are doing the right thing. We have tested the collection in storms in Ireland with winds of up to 60mph and it has stood up to the test. Recently, Golf Monthly reviewed the product and gave it a great report— “We tested HLINC in a complete deluge and can attest to how superbly waterproof it is. Attention to detail on the design makes for a seriously practical and premium waterproof” Best Golf Rain Jackets 2025 | Golf Monthly.
As HLINC continues to push the boundaries of golf apparel, their new collection represents more than just clothing—it’s a commitment to performance, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in extreme weather conditions. By partnering with eVent Fabrics, they’ve ensured that every piece offers the ultimate in breathable, waterproof protection, keeping golfers dry, comfortable, and focused on the game. Whether facing wind, rain, or unpredictable links course weather, HLINC’s gear is designed to keep players focused on their game. With a deep respect for tradition and a drive for modern innovation, HLINC is shaping the future of performance golf apparel—one round at a time.