JT’s sweater game, EVR’s juxtaposition of styles, Poulter’s Tartans, Keith Mitchell’s throwback look, and how not to dress as a spectator. Greg breaks down the best and worst looks from the first round of The Open Championship at Royal St. George’s.
Fashion Dimes
Ian Poulter (Custom Apparel & FootJoy)
The Open is back and spectators are lining the fairways. The world seems to be getting back to normal, especially when Ian Poulter tees it up while wearing his signature Tartans. Poults can sometimes go over the top with his looks, but this black and grey pattern with a hint of magenta was sophisticated and stylish for the English Links.
Justin Thomas (Greyson Clothiers & FootJoy)
My biggest takeaway from Day 1 was that I need more Greyson Tomahawk sweaters in my wardrobe when the cooler weather arrives. They are soft, warm, and breathable. The subtle mélange texture elevates even the simplest fits.
Dustin Johnson (Adidas Golf)
Speaking of textures elevating a look, Dustin Johnson put a twist on his go-to navy blue monochromatic outfit with this checked print. The heavier, tweedy pattern is perfect for cool conditions.
Garrick Higgo (Macade & FootJoy)
My favorite print of the day goes to Garrick Higgo. The black top and bottoms create a sophisticated backdrop for the colorful floral print. This is one floral that plays well year-round and can find a home both in the tropics and on an old-school links course.
Ryosuke Kinoshita
Another cool print was the one sported by Ryosuke Kinoshita. I’m not sure what to call this one. There is a lot going on here, but this is an easier print to wear than you may think. Up close it is loud and vibrant. At a distance, the lighter hues blend nicely together for a more subtle look.
Erik van Rooyen (Greyson Clothiers & ECCO)
EVR is still the most stylish in the game in IMO. He flipped his script for round one, but still nailed the juxtaposition of styles by pairing a classic striped polo with ultra-modern joggers and athletic shoes. Plenty can go wrong when mixing traditional and contemporary pieces in one fit, but van Rooyen always hits the right notes.
Brandt Snedeker (Peter Millar & G/FORE)
Add Brandt Snedeker to that category, too. Players and brands who can put modern spins on classic designs while respecting the traditions of the game have my attention right now. Sneds modernized a classic quarter-zip by pairing it with casual 5-pocket trousers, sporty shoes with hits of camo, and a glove in a complementary color.
Keith Mitchell (Sid Mashburn & FootJoy)
If you want to stand out from the crowd and turn heads for all the right reasons, take a page out of Keith Mitchell’s book. While most players are sporting athleisure-inspired looks, K-Mitch is bringing back classic ’80s golf fits and making them look good with natural fabrics, cuffed trousers with tabbed waists, high-crown visors, and saddle shoes.
Viktor Hovland (J.Lindeberg & Nike)
Hovland looks so much better when he wears a slimmer-fitting polo and keeps his shirt tucked in. I’m still a sucker for a J.Lindeberg polo with the JL bridge logo across the back. It’s iconic! #SorryNotSorry
Lee Westwood (Peter Millar & FootJoy)
We often talk about how the wrong belt can ruin a look, but here’s an example of the right belt improving an outfit. A solid blue polo and white pants is a fairly pedestrian fit. Add a multicolored braided belt, even in neutral colors, and it adds interest and dimension.
Fashion Crimes
Jason Day
My eyes! A clever plan by Jason Day to move up the leaderboard by trying to distract the other players in his group with this monstrosity of a print. Put this one in the archive and don’t take it out again.
Tony Finau
Black pants, black shoes, and…white socks??? It reminds me of Michael Jackson in the Beat It video, but MJ could pull it off. Tony has moves, but he’s no MJ.
Brian Harman
I’m penciling Brian Harman into every Crimes section until he ditches the ill-fitting pants and the brown belt with black shoes and pants.
Random Fan
No words…🙈
Great to see the D&C’s back at the grandest tournament. Don’t know if J Day would have been allowed on the course in the past with that shirt , at least the badly dressed fans have paid to get in.
That shirt is brutal.
NIke does it again! At this point i have to believe they do it on purpose. The hat Fleetwood is wearing today confirms it.
Another rough major for the swoosh.
Glad to see Westwood getting some love. He’s been looking spectacular lately.
Peter Millar is a good fit for him.
The Nile shirts are so bad you have to laugh. No one can be buying these.
I think they are trolling us now.
Nike has completely lost its way. They need a new design team.
I’m wondering what doesn’t make the cut at Nike.
Yeah I really like Keith Mitchell’s style, kinda reminds me of Fred Couples back in the day. Also, thanks for putting Nike where they deserve to be. They are the only brand in the world that can make the ugliest designs and never worry about going out of business if the product doesn’t sell. Maybe they are too modern for me but their stuff is just bad. The colors, patterns, etc. It’s always funny to watch Fleetwood wear an ugly shirt one day and then Finau, Rory or Casey will literally be wearing the same shirt, same colorway the very next day! It makes me laugh, nobody on Nike has their own style.
I’m beginning to think Herman only owns one belt