RealGolfers: Vibe With Your Tribe

I’ve often said that the up-and-coming, boutique brands are the ones driving the trends and redefining the golf fashion landscape. Discovering these change agents and sharing their POVs on golf style are a couple of the reasons I started GolfThreads. A few days ago, I was feeling a bit nostalgic and took another look at some of those early posts on this site. Besides realizing that plaids and exotic skin belts were all the rage at the beginning of this passion project, I also realized I had gotten away from telling the stories of these boutique labels over the past several years.

As we head into 2024, a New Year’s resolution is to get back to introducing you to the smaller brands doing cool things. I’ve never been one to wait until a certain date on the calendar to make a positive change so there is no time like the present to get back to this, and there is no better brand to dig into than RealGolfers.

Loopers Know Best

RealGolfers was founded by Henry “Hank” McGannon, who is bringing a unique perspective and mission to the world of golf apparel. Like many in the industry, Hank played his share of competitive golf over the years, but unlike others, he is also a full-time caddie. Following looping stints at Pinehurst, Eagle Point Golf Club, and Biltmore Forest Country Club, he now spends his days guiding golfers around the treacherous Ocean Course on Kiawah Island. A few things I’ve learned in my golfing life are if a caddie gives you advice about distance, wind, or the breaks of greens, you take it. They also spend their days walking half marathons and dealing with a plethora of elements, so if they have takes on shoes, apparel, or rain gear, you better be taking notes, too.

Knowing RealGolfers’ roots, it is no surprise that golf polos are its flagship products. Given that McGannon carries multiple bags on his shoulders for multiple rounds a day in heat and humidity, it is no surprise that RealGolfers’ polos are amongst the most comfortable shirts I’ve worn on the course. With the first touch, you know there is something different about the fabric. It has a cooling sensation, which is confirmed once you slip it on. While RealGolfers’ polos can certainly find a home in your rotation year-round, you’ll be most appreciative of their technical qualities during the warm and muggy months. The feel, performance, and fit are on par with polos carrying luxurious price tags, which brings me to another thing to love about RealGolfers’ polos…the price.

Affordable & Accessible

The going rate for golf shirts these days has surpassed the $100 mark and is quickly pushing $120. On the other hand, RealGolfers’ polos check in at half the price, which means extra cash for green fees or even a caddie.

Keeping RealGolfers’ apparel at affordable price points is important for McGannon for a couple of reasons. As a competitive golfer, McGannon always wanted to look and feel good on the course, but he couldn’t afford shirts from luxury brands. With RealGolfers’, he is working to make stylish, high-quality shirts affordable and accessible for all players no matter their skill level, income bracket, age, or location. This in turn supports his first priority–to grow the game of golf. In fact, RealGolfers donates 10% of all sales to the First Tee of Greater Charleston.

Check the Rhyme Y’all

Let’s be real; there is no shortage of golf apparel brands these days. How you connect with a brand’s vibe is just as important as the style, fit, and quality of its clothing. For me, I felt an immediate connection to RealGolfers through its Rhythm and Rhymes Polos.

Going to college on the East Coast in the ’90s, my mix tapes were loaded with hip hop, especially the eclectic sounds coming out of New York. A Tribe Called Quest was one of the groups bringing a unique approach to the genre. By merging free-flowing jazz with Afro-centric rhymes, A Tribe Called Quest created an alternative to many of the hard-driving hip-hop beats of the time. Not to mention, the group’s artsy album cover art with the semi-fictional Bonita Applebum placed “The Low End Theory” and “Midnight Marauders” covers amongst the most iconic of all time. It is this cover art that inspired RealGolfers’ Rhythm and Rhymes Polos.

Hoodies That Boogie

If polos are the showcase pieces of RealGolfers’ collection, then the hoodies are a close second. Cool and casual, the range of hoodies has a mix of retro and sporty feels. Two of my favorites are the Vinyl and AVL Municipal Hoodies. The Vinyl has an old-school vibe that takes design inspiration from golf apparel in the 1970s. At the same time, the Sand colorway feeds into the current natural neutral trend. The AVL Municipal is contemporary and clean. Lines on the chest are designed to replicate those on the faces of modern drivers. Not to mention, the ‘v’ shaped design of the lines creates the illusion of broad shoulders and a slim torso.

While these hoodies can comfortably hang in the streetwear scene, don’t sleep on the well-thought-out golf-specific features. Drawstrings have been removed to eliminate distractions while addressing the ball and swinging. Hidden zipper pockets create a convenient place for stashing tees, ball markers, and hand warmers. And, tightened stitching around the hood creates a snug fit to prevent the hood from moving around during the swing.

You On Point, Phife?

Phife from A Tribe Called Quest once rapped, “Brothers front, they say the Tribe can’t flow but we’ve been known to do the impossible like Broadway Joe.” RealGolfers has accomplished an amazing feat, as well. It has created comfortable, stylish golf apparel that fits well at an affordable price.