Putting on the style as golfers start lining up a whole new look
Grey polo shirts, diamond jumpers and flat caps may be the historical uniform on the green, but thanks to golf’s growing popularity with younger players and celebrities, the usual sporting attire is changing.
Polo necks and sweaters are the favoured threads on the fairways and, as athleisure takes the high street by storm, golfers are also opting to wear their sports gear away from the course.
Mikhel Ruia, managing director at golf clothing brand Glenmuir, said: “In the last five years there has been a big growth of celebrity tournaments across the world, and the sport is starting to appeal to a younger audience.
“High-profile players such as Justin Timberlake and Niall Horan are great ambassadors for the game.
“Gone are the days where you would get dressed in your golf gear then put on a tie and jacket to go into the clubhouse for a drink. People want to be in comfortable clothing leaving the house, they go on to the course and then go straight home again wearing the same gear. “Fifteen years ago, that couldn’t happen. You would be wearing big, chunky spiked shoes, full trousers and thick garments that wouldn’t feel comfortable at home. People have less time now and they’re not spending five hours on the course every Sunday.
“We’re not wearing clothing that’s just for golf – it’s lifestyle wear, too.”
The construction of golf garments is also changing, according to Mikhel, with more players opting for lightweight, high-performance fibres, as well as brighter colours.
He explained: “Generally three generations ago, the fashion was oversized, heavy knitwear.
“Now, people are opting for more layers, which they can adjust according to the weather, and performance fabrics such as Merino rather than traditional lamb’s wool or cashmere.
“Merino is a sustainable, natural fibre, but it’s also very high performing as it allows your skin to breathe when it’s very warm and insulates when it’s cold.
“Players are also be a little more brave on the golf course in terms of the colours they wear. Our top-selling designs are still charcoal, navy and black, but we’re seeing bright pinks, oranges, yellows and greens mixed in with the classic colours.”