U.S. Ryder Cup Team’s Stylish Uniforms by Ralph Lauren

After a long drawn out selection show on Tuesday that saw Captain Tom Watson name Keegan Bradley, Hunter Mahan and Webb Simpson to the U.S. Ryder Cup Team, Ralph Lauren delivered some much needed sizzle to the Ryder Cup proceedings by unveiling the U.S. team uniforms on Wednesday.

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I’ve been watching the Ryder Cup since 1987 and have become accustomed to seeing the U.S. team outclassed in the style department and on the course by the Europeans. The drab browns of 2006, the lavender sweaters and boot cut pants of 2010 and those horrid shirts on Sunday at Brookline were as tough to watch as the U.S. team’s putting at most Ryder Cups.

However, the 2014 outfits put together by Ralph Lauren are the sharpest that I’ve seen for the American side. The styling is on-point. The detailing is subtle and purposeful. The designs are clean and modern with vintage elements. In addition, the layering pieces are elegant, yet functional.

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If you are looking for an overarching theme for the U.S. Team’s uniforms, I see it as “Unity and Patriotism.” Iconic stars and stripes, graphic color-blocking and a classic palette of red, white and blue dominate the on-course looks. The words “United We Stand” are embroidered into each of the polos along with 12 stars to signify the importance of each member of the team.

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Here’s a closer look at the U.S. Ryder Cup team uniforms for the three days at Gleneagles.

Day 1

Shirt: Laser Cut and Glued Seam Short Sleeve Shirt Lightweight Airflow Jersey
Pants: Navy Pinstripe Lightweight Stretch Italian Wool Pant
Layering Piece: Trophy Intarsia Sweater (not shown)

GolfThreads Take: This is my second favorite look and it offers a great blend of styles. The wool pinstripe pants provide an air of sophistication that we typically see from Ralph Lauren’s Polo Golf line, while the laser cut and glued seams on the Airflow polo scream high-tech performance that is usually reserved for the brand’s RLX line. Can’t you see Phil rockin’ these pinstripe pants while giving Keegan a goofy smile and a thumbs up?

Day 2

Shirt: Short Sleeve Knit Collar Performance Pique Shirt
Pants: Black Watch Plaid Lightweight Stretch Italian Wool Pant
Layering Piece: American Flag Intarsia Sweater (not shown)

GolfThreads Take: Consider the Black Watch plaid to be an homage to the famous Scottish tartans of the Ryder Cup host country, while the performance pique fabric, banded sleeves and tipped collar offer vintage American feel. I like both of these pieces independent of each other. I’m just not sure how well they complement each other, but I’ll reserve judgment until I see this look at the matches.

Day 3

Shirt: Short Sleeve Knit Collar Yarn Dyed Lightweight Airflow
Pants: Red Matte Tech Gab Cypress Pant or Red 10 Wale Stretch Corduroy
Layering Piece: Long Sleeve Hybrid Cardigan Sweater

Golf Threads Take: Tom Watson and the PGA of America have talked about shaking it up for this Ryder Cup. While Watson’s captain picks were anything but outside the box, the outfit for the Day 3 singles matches will certainly bring a wow factor to the course. The all-over-stripe with blocked upper chest is aggressive and on-trend, while the red pants provide the energy needed to mount a final round charge. This is my favorite look of the week for Team USA. It is bold and patriotic without being garish and over the top. This could be a winning look for the U.S. side.

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The good news from Ralph Lauren and the PGA of America wasn’t limited to the stylish uniforms. Both sides announced that the brand has been named the official outfitter of every U.S. Ryder Cup Team through 2020. When you think about preeminent American fashion brands, Ralph Lauren has to be at the top of the list (at least the top of my list), and the brand has reinforced this with the U.S. Team’s uniforms. It is great to know we will see the U.S. side sporting the brand for the next three Ryder Cups, too.

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This is also the first time that pieces from the U.S. Ryder Cup Team’s uniforms have been available to the public. The shirts and outerwear pieces can be purchased at Trendygolf, Ralph Lauren, and the PGA of America.