The Ghurka story began at an antiquities auction in the early 1970s, where founder Marley Hodgson bid on campaign gear made for a British Regimental Officer who commanded the brave Nepali Soldiers known as Ghurkas during World War I.
Inspired by his love of history and the rugged elegance and workmanship of the nearly 70-year-old leather, Marley returned to the U.S., trademarked the brand and handcrafted a knapsack for his son – known as the No. 1. He had one intention: “to create iconic American designs that embody timeless style and functionality, offering reliable companions for a life well-lived.”
Fifty years later, Ghurka is bringing a curated selection of its fine leather goods to the golf industry. The brand name, familiar to the game’s seasoned players, is now being introduced to the next generation through in-shop displays, tournaments and other events at some of the most exclusive facilities across the U.S.
“When I talk to young golf professionals and merchandisers, most haven’t heard of Ghurka, but their members know it,” says Bart Berning, who joined the company as National Sales Manager in 2022. “Our message is, these are pieces you hand down – legacy products. People really value what goes into a quality bag.”
One PGA of America Professional with a great appreciation for the brand is Shawn Gifford, Director of Golf at Adios Golf Club in Coconut Creek, Florida. Gifford partnered with Ghurka on the club’s 2024 spring and fall invitationals, where embossed tee gifts with the event logo were handed out to participants at registration. Berning was on property during both events to handle special orders and offer customization, if requested.
The first Adios event featured a leather Utility Case, which is a small kit meant to store power cords and electronics, while the second debuted the leather Cache Travel Pouch designed to keep passports, currency and essentials secure and organized. According to Gifford, the gifts were very well-received by each field of 120 players.
“We chose half black and half chestnut so participants had a selection, and the reaction was all very positive,” he says. “For the most part, people were familiar with the brand. Some had items from past years – some they had owned for 20 years or more.”
Long-term ownership of Ghurka products is not unusual. As a heritage brand, the core collection features numbered products in the order they were introduced to the market since the company’s founding. No. 2, for example is the Express, an “iconic bag for stylish weekend escapes” that retails for $2,695; No. 3, the Overlander tote/briefcase ($1,795); and No. 4, the Gearpack boarding bag ($1,295). The brand’s most famous product over the years has been No. 97, the Cavalier II, a duffle described as the “ultimate companion for extended journeys,” which retails for $1,995.
“True style doesn’t change from season to season, and we have been handcrafting timeless classics since 1975,” Ghurka President Robert Williams says. “We are now at an exciting trajectory of the company’s history, launching this season as the official and exclusive Leather Goods Partner of the PGA Magazine Ambassador Program.”
More recently, Ghurka launched the rolling Kilburn Duffle (2023) and the Traveler 4 Wheel Spinner (2024), and the current lineup is also highlighted by several totes and crossbody shoulder bags, as well as a full selection of wallets and gifts, including wine bags, lined journals, writing instruments and snap trays.
“Overall, we’re dedicated to active leisure lifestyle, where most of our customers are focused on quality and exclusivity,” Berning notes.
These are exactly the demographics that tend to be members at clubs like Adios, which is why Gifford also carries a full selection of Ghurka styles in the golf shop – often doing special orders for members – and plans to do more events around the brand.
“Delivering a high-quality product and experience to our members and their guests during special events is essential in upholding the club’s reputation for excellence,” Gifford says. “By ensuring exceptional service, premium bespoke offerings and seamless execution, we can foster an atmosphere of exclusivity and satisfaction that strengthens member loyalty, enhances their guest’s impressions and reflects the club’s commitment to providing an unparalleled experience.”