Spring comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Everything in between is a total crapshoot. As Mother Nature sheds the cold darkness of winter in favor of the warm sunlight of summer, her moods seem to change faster than a Steph Curry crossover.
Warm one minute, cold and rainy the next.
I’ve rolled into the course plenty of times sporting a lightweight polo and shorts on a balmy spring day only to find myself curled up in a ball behind my stand bag by the 12th tee.
(Side note: Titleist carry bags are great for walking the course, but if you are relying on them for shelter from the elements, you have issues.)
Half the battle of spring golf is being prepared for whatever Mother Nature decides to throw at you, and that means layers. If you are heading to the course this spring, you won’t find better layering options than those from Zero Restriction.
While Zero Restriction isn’t new to the golf apparel game, I just recently became a fan after meeting Billy Draddy, Creative Director at Summit Golf Brands, at the PGA Fashion Show last August. (Summit Golf Brands is the company behind Zero Restriction, as well as Fairway & Greene, EP Pro, EP Sport and B. Draddy.)
I was blown away by Billy’s charisma, passion and enthusiasm towards outerwear. Not to mention, every piece that he had me try on, from pullovers to vests to rain gear, was top shelf. The fabrics were cutting edge, the fits were on point and the playability was exactly what golfers need. (After all, the brand is called Zero Restriction.) For these reasons, it is not surprising that three of my go-to layering pieces this spring have been from Zero Restriction.
The Z525 Pullover has the softness and broken-in feeling of your favorite college sweatshirt with the sophistication of a luxurious ¼-zip sweater. It is the type of pullover that you’ll buy for the course, but you’ll end up living in it. It pairs just as easily with technical pants as it does jeans, or even joggers as you move to and from the gym.
You’ll swear the polyester/spandex fabric is cotton, but don’t be fooled, the lightweight, breathable and stretchy technical material was built for on-course performance.
From a style standpoint, the Z525 possesses all the qualities that a sharp-dressed player would want. It is simple and modern with just the right amount of flair. The mélange effect is completely on trend, while the covered placket, hidden zippered side pockets and understated branding elements offer a clean aesthetic.
If you are looking to grab an extra layer, while still maintaining playability and style, then add the Forbes or the Kiely Vests from Zero Restriction to your look.
Insulated vests are the biggest trend in golf outerwear these days, and The Forbes was the best-looking quilted vest that I saw at the PGA Merchandise Show in January. Like the Z525, this is an outerwear piece that can go anywhere or do anything. In fact, I’ve worn it more off the course than on it this spring. It works nicely layered over a merino sweater in a complementary color to provide an extra layer of warmth to your core.
The Forbes is the first stretch insulated vest to hit the golf market. The fabric, insulation, and lining all move in concert with each other during the swing.
The innovative 3DeFX+ fill, with a blend of coiled yarns, molds itself to the body. Even the thread used for the stitching stretches with you. Yes, the future of the golf vest is here, and it is called The Forbes.
Spring winds can be harsh, but much like a 2-iron stinger, The Forbes is the ultimate windcheater. Its wind repellent polyester knit fabric helps to block out the season’s cool breezes, while the quilted box design keeps the lightweight layer of insulation in place to pack in the heat. The covered zipper placket and the rounded tail provide extra protection and an internal draw cord creates a snug fit at the hem.
The Forbes is a great example of how less is more. Details like the mélange fabric, contrast lining, matte silver zippered chest pocket and reflective logos, are distinctly modern and elevate the look of the vest, but they also help to maintain a clean, understated look. The hidden side seam pockets feed into the sophisticated vibe and make a great place for stashing hand warmers on frosty mornings.
Joining The Forbes is a sportier cousin named the Kiely, which looks like it just slid off of the ski slopes and found a home on the golf course. This was my go-to vest on the course this past winter, as it is not only a stylish and functional piece, but the reversible design makes it highly versatile, too.
Many of the high performance and comfort features of The Forbes are also found in the Kiely. The Kiely, though, has the extra benefit of a water repellent ciré fabric on the front and back that has no problem standing up to light showers.
One comfort feature that shouldn’t be overlooked is the anti-chafe guard. With so many great outerwear pieces available today, the way a pullover or vest treats your chin and throat separates the best pieces from the crowd. Whether you zip the funnel neck design all the way up, or just part of the way, your good walk won’t be spoiled with a rubbing or grabbing on your chinny-chin chin.
If you are looking to layer up for spring with the Z525 Pullover, The Forbes, or the Kiely, head over to the Zero Restriction website or Fairway Styles. All three run true to size with a not-too-tight-not-too-loose fit that is sure to appeal to a wide range of personal styles and body types. It is safe to say, that Zero Restriction has you covered this spring.
Zero Restriction on the web: zerorestriction.com
Zero Restriction on Facebook: facebook.com/zerorestriction
Zero Restriction on Twitter: @ZRGear
Zero Restriction on Instagram: @zerorestriction
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