The Arnold Palmer Invitational is one of my favorite events on the PGA Tour. In recognition of Mr. Palmer’s inimitable sense of style, everyone seems to step up their fashion game. However, my favorite part of watching twenty plus hours of golf coverage is unearthing the wonderful sartorial tributes to the King.
See Also: This Week In Golf Fashion: The Belt Edition
Imitation Is the Sincerest Form of Flattery
To imitate someone is to pay that person a genuine compliment. Arnold Palmer’s style is not capable of being imitated. With that being said, Rory McIlroy kicked things off on Thursday with the ultimate Arnold Palmer tribute. He looked classy and cool. Just like Arnie….
A Look I Would Like to Imitate….
If I could cop one look from the API other than Rory’s kit on Thursday, it would be Matt Wallace’s outfit on Saturday by J.Lindeberg. I love how the striped rib collar on the Mat TX Jersey Polo coordinates perfectly with his Work Blue Ellott Pants. “Work Blue” is a versatile color that pairs especially well with white, navy, red, and pink…
Real Men Wear Pink
Rickie Fowler (Puma)
We saw plenty of pink, which was Palmer’s go-to color. No surprise, Rickie might’ve worn it best. I am eager to get a glimpse of the Arnold Palmer by Puma collaboration, a collection of gear that represents the heritage style, swagger and charisma that has become synonymous with Arnold Palmer. The first collection is set to be released some time in the middle of 2020.
Graeme McDowell
Graeme McDowell’s tribute to AP might not have been quite as overt as Rickie Fowler’s, but he looked equally as sharp in his custom pink polo with the Palmer Umbrella logo. Not to go unnoticed was the dark gray braided belt that transitioned nicely to his light gray slacks. Slick move by a guy who knows a thing or two about fashion.
Kevin Streelman (johnnie-O)
Not only did Kevin Streelman think “pink” on Sunday with his johnnie-O polo; he paired it with an official Arnold Palmer Umbrella Embroidered Web Belt. That’s almost as good as combining ice tea and lemonade!
Sam Ryder (Greyson & G/FORE)
My favorite “subtle” use of the color pink was Sam Ryder’s socks on Friday. Wearing them with Espresso colored G/FORE brogue kiltie shoes? Even better! Sam Ryder continues to show the world why he finished in the top three on GolfThreads 2018 Best Dressed list. And he’s done it with great panache!
The Once and Future King
However, Sam Ryder has to get past Billy Horschel and his expanded Ralph Lauren Golf wardrobe to be the “King” of the Threadies…
Sweater Weather
Justin Rose (Bonobos) & Henrik Stenson (Hugo Boss)
When I think of Arnold Palmer, I think of his beloved cardigans sweaters. Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson beat the chill and looked cool on Thursday wearing Palmer-worthy sweaters.
Do What’s Right
Chris Kirk is wearing Tasc Performance apparel this season. I do not know much about Tasc, except that they make their clothing from bamboo; the world’s most sustainable and naturally replenishing resource. Seems pretty righteous to me! Chris Kirk is also wearing TRUE Linkswear Original shoes. Another environmentally friendly brand. TRUE Linkswear ditched the shoe box and ship all of their TRUE Majors in a reusable shoe/shag bag. Plus, they encourage you to #enjoythewalk. The best part? They are good dudes who know their IPA’s. Just sorry Greg and Janice didn’t get to try it….
Custom Kicks: Fit for a King, Indeed
Bryson DeChambeau and Rickie Fowler paid homage to the King in their custom Puma kicks. Rory McIlroy channeled his inner Arnold Palmer in his Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour.
See Also: Spring 2019 Shoe Guide: Lace Up, Dial In
At the end of the day, NO tribute was better than the personalized FootJoy Fury Boa worn by Arnold Palmer’s grandson, Sam Saunders. A tribute fit for a king, indeed!
I liked the pink, and Matt wallace’s kit was remarkably sharp. Rory is now having custom kicks every week. Genesis, Mexico, Bay Hill and now the players.