The heat is on! Nike expects this to be the case (literally and figuratively) and it is taking the opportunity to showcase shirts, pants, hats and shoes from its Summer 2013 Collection at the U.S. Open.
There’s no surprise that Nike will have a high level of technologically advanced apparel, the freshest designs and colors and the latest in ultra-lightweight fabrics on display at Merion. Its 10 athletes will be sporting laser perforations for increased ventilation, no-sew technology for comfort, and body mapping technology for maximum breathability.
Of course, Tiger Woods will have the most advanced technology built into his apparel including (no joke) “a posture performance chassis with kimono-style back design” in his four shirts. Huh? Say what? He’ll also be striding down the fairways in his newly released TW’14 shoes. Read more on the TW’14s here.
Here are the 10 Nike apparel scripts for the U.S. Open with a few critiques.
Tiger Woods U.S. Open Apparel Script
As expected, it will be a fairly conservative apparel week for the world’s number one player–the exception being Friday when he’ll actually look like a tiger. Woods’ style remains an enigma. Classic designs (for the most part), fresh colors, and cutting-edge fabrics topped off with a poor fit and tailoring from about 10 years. For my money, I’d take Tiger’s Saturday script–simple design and warm colors.
Rory McIlroy’s U.S. Open Apparel Script
Hopefully Rory will be striding down the middle of the fairways (a rare occurrence these days) in pieces from the Nike Tour Performance Collection with lightweight, performance fabrics that offer maximum breathability. Expect bright and electric colors from Rory and he’ll complete his look with Nike Lunar Control shoes. Give me Rory’s Thursday look–ice blue and white. You can have the rest of the week.
Kevin Chappell’s U.S Open Apparel Script
Kevin Chappell is bringing an edge to Nike Golf with his whole x-sports vibe. It’s a fresh look for the brand and he is the perfect fit for the Lunar Swingtip shoes that he’ll be rocking all four days. His apparel will come from the Nike Sport Collection which features youthful designs and slimmer fits. Chappell’s Thursday and Saturday looks are tight, but Friday’s ensemble has me wondering, “Where’s Waldo?”
Thorbjorn Olesen’s U.S. Open Apparel Script
Thorbjorn Olesen and Kyle Stanley are the two players that wear the Swoosh the best, in my opinion. (Tiger, get the number for their tailors.) Unfortunately, Stanley’s game has fallen “flat” and he will be missing from Merion. Olesen got himself into the mix at the Masters and he’ll be looking to do the same at the year’s second major in the Nike Sport Collection. While I’m not a big fan of the two-toned cap, it works for him and speaks to players in his generation. Thursday’s script is the standout for me.
Nick Watney’s U.S. Open Apparel Script
Charl Schwartzel U.S. Open Apparel Script
Carl Pettersson U.S. Open Apparel Script
Francesco Molinari U.S. Open Apparel Script
Russell Henley U.S. Open Apparel Script
Paul Casey U.S. Open Apparel Script
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