Wow! What a weekend at The Open Championship. It gave us a little bit of everything—a record-breaking round, a near choke, a furious finish, and plenty of fashion Dimes and Crimes. In the end, Jordan Spieth was sipping from the Claret Jug, Matt Kuchar needed a standing eight count, and Henrik Stenson fought a pen and lost. Even the Beatles and a bunch of wizards showed up!
Here’s GolfThreads’ final look at the fashion scene from Royal Birkdale.
Fashion Dimes
Henrik Stenson (Hugo Boss)
Most Tour players have a go-to shot when things start to go sideways. Henrik Stenson has a go-to look. After opting for that unfortunate white base layer in round two, the defending champ dialed up this signature monochromatic navy kit with a bold pattern across the chest. It was a mixed bag for Henrik this week (see the good here and the not so good below), but this was my favorite look of the weekend.
Adam Scott (Uniqlo)
Adam Scott was another player who got back to what he does best. After that golden brown jumper on Friday, the Aussie opted for more timeless colors and on trend crewnecks.
Rafa Cabrera-Bello (Oakley)
RCB has mad game and some serious swagger in the style department. On both days he elevated fairly basic looks with subtle textures. Saturday’s tonal geo pattern wore like a solid at a distance, but up close it added interest and intrigue. Sunday’s Gravity Polo with a heathered fabric brought a modern and athletic vibe to his look. Props for bringing a pop of color to the outfit with the royal blue hat, too.
Rory McIlroy (Nike Golf)
Warning: Swoosh haters can skip down to Daniel Berger. Yellow is a tough color to pull off but Rory nailed it with this yellow (Nike calls it Laser Orange, go figure) and navy combo, and he balanced the bright sunshiney hue nicely with the yellow accents on the shoes. In some way, I have to think he was paying homage to The Open’s iconic yellow scoreboard with this kit. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it to the top of the leaderboard. I know the Blade collar isn’t for everyone, but Rory’s slim fit pants should be on everyone’s short list.
Jason Day (Nike Golf)
Jason Day got off to a clunky start with those ski boots Air Jordans in round one, but by Sunday, he was back to sleek looking kits. For those of you who aren’t buying what Nike is selling, I have to ask, “What is wrong with this outfit?” Day’s pants are trim and kiss the tops of his shoes. The tonal belt creates an easy transition from top to bottom. The shirt has a subtle texture. And, he’s not even wearing a Blade collar! Okay, the collar could be a little bigger and I could do without the toe Swoosh on the kicks, but everything else is on point.
Daniel Berger (Lacoste)
For those of you looking to make a bold statement while also staying with a classic vibe, check out Daniel Berger’s wide rugby stripes. This is a look that plays well year round.
Brandon Stone (Ping Apparel)
Brandon Stone proved that great tailoring and a small splash of color go a long way. The fiery red hit on the engineered stripe polo adds the right amount of pop, while the black shoes and accessories help to blend the entire look.
Ian Poulter
Remember when Poulter would show up at The Open with the Union Jack flag and the Claret Jug on his pants? You knew he had no chance of winning because no one has ever won a trophy while wearing the trophy. Since the Ryder Cup hero (or villain) shuttered his IJP Design apparel company, he has sported more refined looks with modern fits, like this one. That being said, I wouldn’t mind seeing some of those Poulter Tartans every once in awhile.
Danny Willett (Descente)
I know not everyone is feeling Willett’s funky geometric designs, but I’m all in. They bring me back to the early days of J.Lindeberg when golf style was experiencing a renaissance. It was big, bold, and fashion forward. I’ll take this over another played out camo print any day.
Sergio Garcia (Adidas Golf)
Autumn golf is only a couple of months away, and here’s a tip for keeping your layers in check. Match your vest to your polo or sweater for a super clean look.
Fashion Crimes
Henrik Stenson
Did Henrik’s Sharpie explode all over his shirt? I thought the whole splatter thing came and went a few years ago. One of the stories of the week was the break in at Stenson’s rental home in Royal Birkdale. While burglary is no laughing matter, I’m not surprised the thieves left this shirt behind.
Michael Greller (Jordan Spieth’s Caddie)
It isn’t often a caddie makes our Dimes & Crimes list, but I have to drop a misdemeanor on Michael Greller. He navigated Jordan through one of the best, and most bizarre, bogeys in major championship history, but he couldn’t lend a hand to tuck in that collar for the trophy ceremony. Really??? Caddies have many jobs and one of them is to make sure their guys don’t have jacked up collars for historic photo sessions.
Kevin Na
“Hey, those are some nice yellow camo pants you have on there,” said no one ever.
Marc Leishman
I’d be sad, too, if I was wearing that white base layer and white belt.
Thongchai Jaidee
Thongchai apparently received a shipment from the Bubba Watson Busy Pattern Collection. At least Jaidee’s shirt fits better.
Austin Connelly
Austin Connelly was the feel good story of the tournament, but I’d feel better if we could get the kid some clothes that fit. Plus, the black shoes weighed down the entire outfit.
Golf Bros
I’m not surprised to see everyone in this picture holding an adult soda. I am surprised to see only one guy wearing a skirt, though.
Gryffindor House
Did these guys have anything to do with Spieth’s wizardry down the stretch?
Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club
Nice of them to include Ringo. Hello, Goodbye.
Fantastic Writeup. I really loved the detail and couldn’t agree more. How does RCB wear Oakley well when Jaidee,Bubba and even ZJ look bad almost always? I am fairly certain Rory wore black with the yellow not a dark navy. Either way it was bold and well done.I love Danny Willett’s shirts and am with you there. Sergio with the vest matching the shirt looked very sharp. Spieth’s pullover with the subtle diagonal lines was really cool even if his collar stood out!
Thanks, Jim! Think you are right about the black pants for Rory on Sunday. Glad someone else is with me on Willett’s shirts. Some solid layering pieces from Jordan this week.
Do you know what clothing company Ian Poulter is wearing now? Those are not IJP design and I have not seen anytweets from him on this
Hi Jim,
Trying to do some research on Ian’s apparel. Definitely looks like he has moved on from IJP Design. The placket and collar reminds me of Dunning, but I’m guessing it is something custom while he finds a sponsor.