Sāmoan's new Birdie tool set to transform golfing experience

A Sāmoan golf enthusiast has launched a new tool to address one of the most common frustrations in golf.

Kurt Stowers, who bought his first set of clubs for $5 at a garage sale when he was 15, has turned his passion into a new venture called the Birdie Perch.

Speaking with Latonya Lole on Pacific Huddle, Stowers says he aimed to resolve a “frustrating pain point” for golfers.

“You’re around the green, you’re putting your clubs down on the ground, they’re getting wet, they’re getting dirty, they’re getting lost in the grass,” he says.

“So we’ve created a 12-centimetre tool that keeps your grips dry, clean, and visible, and it just helps with the pace of play as well. So you’re not thinking ‘where am I going to put my club?’”

In golf, a birdie is when a player completes a hole in fewer strokes than par. For example, finishing a par-4 hole in just three strokes qualifies as a birdie.

The Birdie Perch is a pocket-sized prong designed to prop club handles off the grass. The product was launched on Thursday, with a limited release.

Stowers credits his business vision to the support of his partner, who not only helps run So On Golf Society but also influences the product design.

“I’m the director, she is the design queen, she’s the design influence. She’s like that snazzy, stylish, hair flowing in the wind, glasses on, sun shining on her type of vibe. So the Birdie Perch is a great reflection of her style, and also the way she designs things as well. There are three colours. So we’ve got 33 of each, matcha, olive, and also bone.”

The Birdie Perch comes in three colours. Photo/So On Golf Society

Golf in the Pacific

Golf is a growing sport in the Pacific region, with notable achievements such as Tongan teenager Sālote Alexis Vakasiuola winning the State Junior Golf Championship in Australia and Faith Vui winning the New Zealand Women’s Amateur Championship in 2023.

Earlier this year, Tunganekore Fuavao also launched Manu Golf, a sportswear brand featuring Pacific designs.

Stowers says golf offers many benefits beyond just a sporting outlet, and he encourages Pacific families to try it.

“There are massive, massive benefits from playing golf: personal development, problem solving. It’s really helpful in all areas of your life. You've got hours of fun, you're out in nature.

“Give it a go, go to the driving range. Get your kids out there, get them hitting some balls, get them using up all their energy and coming home and eating all the food.”

Kurt Stowers says there are many benefits to playing golf. Photo/Facebook