Thanks to GolfThreads contributor Ian Galbraith for picking up the slack on The Open Championship Fashion Dimes & Crimes as I find my way back on the grid after a family vacation. Take it away, Ian.
Like many of you, Wednesday afternoon I was rubbing my hands in anticipation knowing my favorite Major of the year was only hours away. Being on the West Coast, I am always treated to late night golf the first two days of The Open. I even feel like I am getting two birthdays in the same week! I also know what the players are going through this week as the weather in Northern California forces me into pants, long-sleeves, and layers on layers for 11 months of the year.
One of the reasons The Open Championship is my favorite Major is the fact we get a preview of the great cold weather gear for the fall season, and this year, the top brands in the game are bringing the heat. The attire during the first two rounds did not disappoint, giving us a strong list of Fashion Dimes and a few Crimes along the way.
Fashion Dimes
Justin Thomas (Polo Ralph Lauren)
I applaud Justin for taking a sartorial risk with what was the Look of the Day in the opening round. He matched the sharp look with a blazing round to start The Open. The tie is a rarely seen accessory on the course, but it is one we would like to see more often from the top players in the world. The six-button cardigan was a nice bonus and the perfect complement to JT’s neckwear.
Thomas showed his fashion versatility on Friday by trading his timeless tie and cardigan for edgy and ultra modern gray camo pants. Unfortunately, a missed cut has us wondering what other sartorial gems he had in his suitcase for the weekend.
Billy Horschel (RLX Ralph Lauren)
The gray RLX Ralph Lauren insulated jacket paired with bright white pants was a Day 1 style winner. This is a tame outfit for the former FedEx Cup Winner who usually busts out some loud options for the game’s biggest events. Keep up the smart and subtle looks, Billy.
The pullover hoodie was a fresh look for Horschel as he paired it with a conservative and fun pair of blue pants. We’ve been preaching the style benefits of hoodies on the course for a couple of years, but Billy was the first player we’ve seen flip up the hood and use it for protection in a downpour. When done right, hoodies are fashionable and functional.
Rickie Fowler (Puma Golf)
Rickie was once again on point. The blue top with the red contrast stitching matched his blue pants for a sharp look from head to toe. I liked the pop of white in the shoes, too. Another top-notch kit from Rickie.
Paul Waring (Conte of Florence)
Waring nicely paired red and blue for a well-balanced look. The bright red sweater worked well with the blue pants, and both colors synced perfectly with FootJoy’s new DNA Helix shoes. This is probably the first of many Dimes we’ll be dropping on Paul.
Adam Scott (Uniqlo)
I love the Aussie’s cream sweater as it provided just the right amount of contrast against the hint of the white polo. This simple and classic layering piece looks so soft that it made me want to curl up on the couch with a cup of tea while watching The Open for hours.
Henrik Stenson (Hugo Boss)
Stenson’s blue multi-shade Hugo Boss quarter zip was the best sweater of the day. Again, the tailoring of his pants was spot on. I sometimes think Henrik’s outfits look just a tad too nice for today’s game. This is actually a good thing as overly casual and athletic looks are dominating the fairways.
Darren Clarke
The Northern Irishman looked like he should have been drinking a fine whiskey by a fire instead of playing 18 holes in torrential rain and wind. The ‘007 of Golf’ once again proved that pairing a black cardigan with luxurious trousers is the best way to class up your game.
Younghan Song (Le Coq Sportif)
Another great aspect of The Open is seeing golfers from all over the world, and Younghan Song is one to watch. The bright red pants with the black polo was a strong look for the Korean. On a day filled with rain and boring black waterproofs, Song added some flair and color to the mix.
Fashion Crimes
John Daly
John is a great ambassador for Loudmouth because the clothes get noticed, but is it for all the wrong reasons? If you are wearing Loudmouth on the links this weekend, you better hope you have the game and the personality to match Daly’s.
Jason Day
Before all of you say I am a traditionalist and need to get with the times, let me say that I like the high top look. However, what I don’t like is the contrast between Day’s black joggers and the bright white Air Jordan 1s. He needs to follow Rickie’s lead by making the high tops a secondary item and not the main attraction of the outfit.
Bubba Watson
Why do Zach and Rafa look so good in their Oakley gear, but Bubba looks so lost? An overly busy pattern on the shirt, the dreaded white base layer, and baggy pants. That’s three strikes, Bubba. You’re out…two days in a row.
Hideki Matsuyama
Hideki’s look on Thursday made me think of a 1920’s gangster movie. The pinstripe sweater and red shirt only work if you are robbing banks with Tommy Guns and escaping the “coppers.”
Yuta Ikeda
Sorry, but the plaid pants trend has come and gone. The red pants, blue shirt, white base layer, and gray sweater vest was too much. On the plus side, at least his core was warm throughout the round.
Adam Scott
After earning a Dime with a soft cream-colored sweater on Day 1, Adam’s copper colored jumper felt a bit blah on Day 2.
I was wondering if we would get a recap of the open. I don’t get Adam Scott’s zookeeper sweater. Days whole look was terrible. He can’t pull it off plus those high tops were very chunky.
Good points, Jim. I think both Day and Scott rallied on Saturday. They got back to what they do best. — Greg