Course of Style: Ashworth's new casual footwear

At a time when the ranks of regular golfers seem to be declining slightly, golf manufacturers have been looking for ways to make the sport more attractive to the casual golfer. Various notions have been offered, from game improvement clubs to more forgiving balls. On the apparel side, several manufacturers are now offering less-structured, more comfortable shoes that take you from office to golf course without a hitch.

This week Ashworth Golf, building on the easy style of its sponsored golfer Fred Couples, introduces a full line of casual footwear. Four new styles will be hitting the shelves in early June:

The Cardiff ($120), a crossover golf shoe with treaded sole and sneakerlike look that can be worn on the street or the course.

The Leucadia ($90), a saddle shoe with suede and leather uppers that can also be worn on or off;

The Ash Standard Issue ($70), a sneaker with a canvas upper and leather accents

The Encinitas ($140), a slip-on loafer for off-course wear.

"The uniqueness of golf is that golfers don't just wake up on a Saturday and decide they're a golfer that day and then go back to being a lawyer, insurance salesman, banker, or whatever on Monday," said Harry Arnett, vice president and general manager of Ashworth. "In apparel and footwear that means having products that not only perform and look great on the golf course but can easily and seamlessly be worn off of it."

Want to play a quick nine or visit the range after work? Tired of bending over to take off your golf shoes in the parking lot before returning to the real world? Couples has shown that these kind of shoes can be playable. You can learn more about the new line at ashworthgolf.com.