Put on Your Par-tee Pants

Parents know the struggles of finding athletic pants that actually fit while looking nicer than your average sweatpants. Emily Sprague is taking on the problem with Turtlebacks, a boys’ performance apparel brand. Emily said she never intended on creating her own business, but her boys have golfed competitively since they were five years old and finding quality golf pants has been a challenge. Turtlebacks launched in August 2024 with four pant colors, two of which sold out quickly. So she decided to really drive it home with a full-blown brand. Now you’ll find polos, hats, shorts and pants for boys in size 4-14. 

“The golf world is a pretty small community, all things considered, so now when I see photos at tournaments of kids wearing the products, I can’t believe it. It’s just been really cool,” says Emily. Emily and her family split their time between Alexandria, Virginia and Pinehurst. “This place has become a very special place in our family’s heart. When I was trying to think of a name, I was trying to think of something that was an ode to Pinehurst,” she says. “Turtles to me symbolize resilience and toughness.” And, of course, the “turtleback greens” are an iconic feature of Pinehurst.

Right now you’ll find the brand primarily online and in a few boutiques sprinkled through the country. Long term, Emily hopes to get the products into more Pinehurst shops and in some major retailers. She says the experience has grown her appreciation for other small businesses and all the work they put in to make a shopper’s experience a hole-in-fun.