3 Q’s of Golf Fashion: Q #3: The Pros Are Doing it Why Can’t We?





Well, the answer here is actually simple.  You can.  
To answer the question of” why shouldn’t you” will take a bit more conversation.  Keep in mind, most tour pros have sponsorships with apparel companies that determine what they wear on the course.  As with some "superstar" golfers, like Tiger Woods and Rickie Fowler, a company’s apparel line is greatly influenced by the face of the collection.  In other instances, the golfer has virtually no influence in the design and is simply sent a box full of items to wear on the job.  Either way, there are many trendsetters and looks seen across all professional golf tours that could give you some great ideas on what to wear for your tee time.  However, you might want to consider a few things before you jet off to duplicate all you have seen on a Sunday broadcast:
·         Does your personality and age range match the golfer wearing the look?
·         Are you actually going to play golf in it?
·         Are you obligated to wear plain polos and khakis out of a sponsorship obligation, or can you use your freedom to add a splash of fun?
·         Are you trying to make a marketing statement and gain valuable buzz by wearing something totally unique?
·         Are you going to play any more like Tiger Woods if you wear an awful white belt? 
If you answered yes to the first four questions, then by all means, go ahead and take the look you are eyeing for a whirl in that golf cart! If you answered no, then you should probably think of how you can adjust your approach.  As Mr. Style (Marty Hackel) himself once said “color doesn’t have to be loud to make a statement.” You can find ways to add color and fun style to your golf wardrobe without looking inappropriate and silly.  If you said yes to the fifth question listed, you are a hopeless Tiger fan, but you seem to be in good company.  Take note of a few examples of why you might not need to attempt to wear exactly what tour pros are strolling the fairway in.

1.       Over the Top Bold- Rickie Fowler, John Daly
o   First of all, are you even in the same generation as Rickie Fowler?  If not, that is fine, just ditch the flat bill and hot pink pants.
o   Make sure you really have the personality to wear super bold-all-over looks and try to only attempt every once in a while.
o   If you are a spectator at a golf event, it is not ok to dress in head-to-toe Puma or Loudmouth Golf, ever.


2.       Knickers & Ties- Payne Stewart, Ryan Moore, Joel Sjoholm
o   There are those who will strongly disagree with my criticism of this look for the weekend golfer (I am fine with Tour pros sticking with a standout look if it fits their disposition), but I am still not on board.  
o   Heritage style can be touched upon with a nice cardigan or touches of argyle, instead.
o   You may end up looking less like a sharp gentleman and more like a goober if you are not careful wearing these stand-out pieces during a round.




3.       Just Plain Boring- David Toms, Lee Westwood, Countless Others
o   Good for these pros for securing a golf sponsorship, however you are not locked into wearing boring solid polos all the time, use your freedom!


4.       The Statement Piece- Billy Horschel, Ian Poulter
o   There is a good reason Ian Poulter has worn Union Jack tartans why RLX put Billy Horschel in a pair of octopus print pants for a major, and it is genius.  These looks created a buzz that drew attention to the golfer and their apparel brand.  Marketing efforts well spent.
o   However, you are likely not in need of creating brand awareness, so take caution in adding these type of pieces into your closet, unless you are just dying to wear them a time or two to turn some heads.




Again, there are several stylish golfers you can get ideas from on how to liven up, and add some style to your weekend golf wardrobe.  Just give some thought into how to best glean from the looks you see on tour in order to make them work for you.  When in doubt, remember a little goes a long way, but adding fun colors and patterns can really add to the spirit of your apparel and could add a measure of confidence to your game.

3 Q’s of Golf Fashion: Q #2: How Much Weight Should I Put Into Golf Apparel Reviews?





We are all so busy are we not?  So, if we are going to spend our free time reading, or more likely skimming, blog posts the content must be of some value to us.  I asked a few friends, that are faithful blog readers, what keeps them loyal to a blog and why they became interested in their preferred blogs.  I heard a consistent answer.  “I have to learn something I can apply to my life.  If it is not going to educate me, it must be really interesting.  Otherwise, it is just a waste of time.”   
So a post on golf apparel has to either be interesting and insightful or it must provide information that you could apply to your life as a golfer.  Ok, check. The question is, how much weight should I put into a golf apparel review? Well, if insightful and interesting content determines the value of a blog post, what defines “interesting?”  A good friend of mine, and one of the best golf writers I know, once told me, “Write what interests you, not what you think will interest others.”  If bloggers are following this principal and writing posts on what interests us, then you may put zero weight into a particular post because the topic simply doesn’t interest you. Check back next time.
I think the main focus of this question is, “Does a particular post give me good information on golf apparel that I could, or even should apply, when making choices on what to wear on the golf course?”  The answer to this question will vary from post to post and from blog to blog.  Below are a few things to consider when choosing what blog to invest your time in.  Remember, as bloggers, we are first writing what interests us, and second what we feel could add value to you the reader, hoping that we nail both.


1.       Are Relationships Clouding Objectivity?
o   Is the content of a blog only positive, meaning the writer is never willing to give a negative review?
o   If the content seems to lack objectivity, it could mean the writer is only reviewing apparel, or subjects because they stand to gain, for example, complimentary product, favor in relationships, etc.
o   The “not so hot” must be pointed out too, for comparison    
2.       Does the Blogger Push Personal Brand Loyalties On Readership?
o   We all have our personal favorites, but favorites can cause bias and distract from other options
o   Writer must provide options that fit every style, not just their own
3.       Are Brand Comparisons of Quality & Comfort Providing Insight?
o   Bloggers claim to “test” apparel a lot.  Does this testing produce insights that are helpful?
o   Are you able to walk away with an understanding of how product truly excels over other options or why it doesn’t meet expectations?
4.       Are Brands Being Showcased That You are Unfamiliar With?
o   Are you being introduced to new brands you might like to try?
5.       Are Stories Shared That You Might Not Otherwise Hear?
o   Does the writer provide inside scoop that you find interesting?
o   Sometimes it is fun to learn the background on your favorite label/designer or why a tour pro wears a particular brand


No matter how much weight you end up deciding to put into my blog or any other golf apparel review, I think I speak for my fellow bloggers when I say your readership is appreciated.  Hopefully, we can keep providing insightful and interesting content to keep you coming  back.

3 Q’s of Golf Fashion- Q # 1: Why Should I Care about Golf Fashion?




Fashion seems to be discussed more and more in the golf industry.  Virtually every golf media outlet has a resident “golf fashion expert” and blogs covering apparel are popping up continuously.  For those of you that don’t find yourselves particularly interested in the subject, I have narrowed it down to the three questions you really should be asking.  If you missed my intro post to these questions, take a minute to catch up by reading HERE..  


Q #1: Why should I care about golf fashion?

This question actually applies to apparel choices in general, not just golf apparel.  Typically women pay more attention to how they look, while men pay more attention to how they perform.  However, men still love attention.  Oh come on, you know you do!  The fact is, you will get more attention by putting more effort into assuring what you wear looks good.  You don’t have to start subscribing to GQ or Details and spending your Saturdays at high-end retailers.  However, there is something you need to hear.  Are you listening? What you wear matters.  Period. 

Ask yourself, why DON’T you care more about what you wear?  Men get bored with a lot of things in life, but wearing the same clothes is not one of them.  The truth is, most men (I said most) are lazy and don’t want to take the time to put a nice looking outfit together.  They find a comfortable style that they like, and they stick with it.  It never crosses their mind to wear something different and unique.  Men usually hate the process of shopping and they don’t like a lot of choices.  They tend to shop at the same retailers and purchase the same brands, whatever it takes to end the task of shopping as quickly as possible. Hit home?   

Answer #1: Your apparel can help you work your way to the top. 

Chances are, quite often your golf outings are either work related or you are in a position to network with those in your foursome, be it with clients or others that could be helpful business connections. These fellow golfers may be people you have known for years, or those you are just now getting acquainted with.  In case of the latter, give yourself the best chance to succeed at impressing them.  First impressions are made based on appearance.  People see the clothing on your body before you ever open your mouth.  Snap judgements are made. A well-put-together style increases perceived status and competence.  The reality is people will automatically respect you more if you are dressed sharply, whether that is fair or not.  If you appear sloppy, people will doubt that you can be trusted with anything important.  Not a reaction that typically leads to successful business endeavors. 


Answer #2: Your apparel can earn you more respect from fellow golfers. 

Dressing fashionably can also increase your status and popularity with your peers.  A lot of guys purchase clothing items based on peer pressure and a demonstration of financial stability, not on fashion trends. I am not saying this approach is right, it is actually quite vain, but it happens, and it works because we live in a materialistic world.  Your apparel is a reflection of who you are to others.  Reflect pride, confidence, assurance, attention to details…and others will be drawn to you. There is also a transformation affect.  If you don’t naturally have these characteristics, your clothing can dictate how you behave and respond to situations, giving you the edge you need.


Answer #3: Your apparel WILL help you impress the ladies.

Sure you have heard it said, women love a man in uniform, but have you ever witnessed the attraction first hand?  Trust me.  It cannot easily be resisted.  Our military takes great pride in making sure every detail of their uniforms are impeccably worn, and it has quite the positive effect on women.  Take note fellas!  A fashionable man gets more attention from women.  He is instantly more attractive and well-received.  Also, are you one of those guys that only sticks to the basics?  Women notice a man that can wear color and unique items.  Boring clothes might = boring dude.  

You tracking with me?  What you wear matters.  No need to let choosing the right apparel overwhelm you, just start thinking about it.  Craft a style that represents who you are, and who you want people to see you as.  Plan ahead so that you don’t have to think too hard about what to wear when you are in a rush. Look back through some of my previous “Wear This Not That” posts for tips on how to get started.  Reach out to your wife, girl friend or female friends for some assistance.  One step at a time in a pair of nice looking shoes and you will be well on your way toward a sharp look and more respect in no time.   


Style inspiration photos by Korean LG Fashion Group's label Hazzys.  Not currently available in the US.