The golf course is not just a place to swing clubs and hit little white balls: it is also an athletics track where functionality, comfort and style converge to creating a unique aesthetic known as Golfcore. This fashion trend combines the classic, refined elements of traditional golf attire with contemporary streetwear. Let's discover how this stylistic revolution is redefining the world of fashion, beyond the green.
A stylistic revolution
Changing the standard golf uniform is just the beginning of combating stereotypes associated with the game of golf. Many designers, golfers and fans of the sport are driving this change, transforming golf into a platform for stylistic expression and inclusiveness.
Golf during the pandemic
During the pandemic, it seems like everyone has taken up a new hobby while quarantining at home: baking sourdough bread, scrubbing their house, playing tennis in their backyard, or hosting fashion shows on Animal Crossing. But the activity that caught our attention here was a new obsession with golf, even among skaters, rappers, and sneakerheads.
What we didn't know is that this change in perception happened a long time ago in the golf world. The ideal spokesperson for a golf-focused brand doesn't have to be a professional golf player. The aesthetic itself was dubbed Golfcore. With a new wave of golf apparel brands hitting the market, like Quiet Golf, Macklemore's Bogey Boys and Drake's NOCTA Golf collection with Nike, it was clear that this momentum was much more than a pandemic trend.
Breaking golfer stereotypes
For years, the stereotypical golf player was an old white guy in a polo shirt and ill-fitting suit pants. Long Drive golf champion Troy Mullins refers to players like Ben Hogan and Gary Player as original archetypes, and points out that Tiger Woods was an anomaly "not only because of his race, but also his physical strength and his lifestyle".
Troy Mullins recalls that when she first became interested in golf, she felt discouraged by the lack of investment in women's golf. “A few companies even told me that they didn’t pay their golf ambassadors, as if it was something to be proud of,” she says. However, the growing attention has been promising - the women's World Long Drive was broadcast on television for the very first time in 2017. With so many different styles and people playing, Mullins doesn't believe there is just one golf player archetype.
An evolving scene
Still, the golf community has a lot of work to do to make people feel comfortable within this scene. Founders of golf apparel brands, like Whim Golf's Will Gisel and Colin Heaberg, and athletes like Jarrell English (also known as Rory Blaklroy), have all reported struggling to feel welcome at one point or another, whether due to their gender, race or more “alternative” appearance compared to the image associated with the golfer stereotype.
In popular culture, the question of who is allowed to be an ambassador for the sport has been evolving for decades. The founders of Whim Golf both remember the collaboration between Michael Jordan and Wilson in the 1990s. In 2020, when the documentary series The Last Dance aired, viewers were able to see Michael Jordan's obsession with the golf. This is a pivotal moment in pop culture where something clicked: the generations who grew up watching Jordan on television as an NBA champion have now reached an age where "they have an income discretionary and don't play sports anymore," and when they see someone like him playing the sport, they realize "you don't have to be that stereotypical golfer."
Towards equality on the ground
Even for those who fit the "golfer stereotype," the golf world hasn't always been the most welcoming. Before Lang started Random Golf Club, he had trouble fitting in with the crowds that came his way, and he didn't start playing the sport until he was in his 30s.
Mullins notes that more feminine clothing brands have also emerged on the women's golf scene in recent years. “At first, I really struggled to find clothes that fit my style, but also my more athletic body type,” she explains. “I had to look outside of golf clothing to find things that worked in the golf world but also fit my fashion sense.”
The impact of fashion on accessibility
Golf is still considered a status symbol for the more elite section of society, so financial commitment is usually the main barrier to entry. The equipment alone is expensive, but when you add the long list of restrictions, the costs rise even more. Improving the dress code for golfers is a small step toward leveling the playing field. The next action on the agenda should be providing access outside of the country club model through affordable indoor spaces , training grounds and simulators.
Our advice for adopting the Golfcore trend
1. Focus on Modernized ClassicsThe golfcore style takes a lot of inspiration from the aesthetic of golf courses, but with a modern twist. To adopt it, start with classic pieces like polo shirts, pleated skirts and cashmere sweaters. Choose modernized versions with fitted cuts, bright colors or original patterns. For example, an organic cotton polo shirt in pastel shades or a pleated skirt with geometric prints can refresh these timeless classics.
2. Accessorize with Finesse
Accessories are essential to achieve your golfcore look. Opt for stylish caps, visors or retro sunglasses to add a sporty touch to your outfit. High socks and updated golf shoes (like loafers or chic sneakers) can also enhance your look. Don't overlook the little details: a braided belt or a perforated leather handbag can really make a difference.
3. Play with Colors and TexturesGolfcore isn't just about neutral tones. Have fun with bright colors and bold patterns to add dynamism to your outfit. Checks, stripes and argyle patterns are popular choices, but don't be afraid to think outside the box with floral or abstract prints. In terms of textures, mix soft materials like cashmere or cotton with technical fabrics for an interesting and modern contrast.
In conclusion, Golfcore represents much more than just a fashion trend: it is a cultural evolution. By embracing diversity and emphasizing inclusiveness, this trend promises to make golf more accessible and welcoming for all. By following our advice, you too can join this revolution!
