Kentwool's mission: 'The world's best golf sock'

It seems likely that most golfers don't give much thought to the socks they wear on the golf course, but there is a company attempting to persuade them that they should.

Kentwool, a family-owned textile company founded in 1843 (yes, before the Civil War), set out to develop "the world's best golf sock" as a result of blisters that it's CEO Mark Kent developed walking a hilly course for three consecutive days.

The result is Kentwool socks engineered specifically for golf that are made from a blend of merino wool and high-tech fibers. They provide cushioning at pressure points in the foot, are said to be moisture-wicking and come with a blister-free guarantee.

Several players on both the PGA and LPGA tours are wearing Kentwool socks, not all of them paid to do so. Among those who do endorse the socks are Bubba Watson and Matt Kuchar.

The socks aren't cheap -- $20 to $25 per pair -- but they are comfortable and seem to do what the company claims.

-- John Strege