Finally a brief breakthrough from the dangers of summer golf

It’s a topic most guys don’t talk about. But any man who has played golf in warm, humid climates is familiar with concept of chafing – and we’re not talking about dishes here.

I learned about this dilemma the hard way. Back in my younger days, I thought nothing of walking 36 or 54 holes during a summer day in the Houston area. It isn’t hard to imagine the effect that a 95-degree, 90-percent humidity day can have on one’s upper thighs and other unmentionable regions after walking 15 miles with a 30-pound golf bag. I tried everything – medicated powder, lotion, vasoline; it all helps, but doesn’t entirely prevent the funny walk if the day is ripe enough.

Now a company has addressed the problem. This comes under the category of “why didn’t I think of this?” I can’t predict how successful Ruez Performance Underwear will be, but it’s about time.

Anyway, here’s the deal: Created by Chris Varney, an avid sportsman and medical equipment representative, Ruez Performance Underwear features a hole cut through the garment’s front panel, which leads to a covered compression pouch. The resulting design is supposed to deliver a comfortable way to separate and protect male anatomy from contact with surrounding skin.

That’s it in a nutshell (no pun intended). It’s also designed with minimal seaming to further reduce chafing. These body-hugging, but non-restrictive, wicking boxers and briefs are constructed from 85 percent polyester and 15 percent spandex. The boxers also feature a small back pocket to secure room keys, ID or credit cards for the traveling golfer.

“I always ask golfers if they ever have to cope with sweat or adjusting, and 100 percent of the time, the answer is affirmative,” Varney said. “Ruez does for men what no other underwear or ointments can by eliminating skin-to-skin chafing in a man?s most sensitive region.”

Company officials say that Ruez has gained a significant following from urologists and other specialists who rely on the underwear’s unique pouch to hold post-surgical cold packs for extended periods.

Ruez Performance Underwear is currently available (MSRP: $28-$30) through sporting goods retailers and specialty sports shops in the Pacific Northwest. But you can also purchase it through the company’s website at RuezUnderwear.com .