The term “hot stove league” originated with baseball. It refers to the sport’s “off-season” and conjures an image of its fans gathering around a hot stove during the cold winter months, discussing their favorite baseball teams and players. The “hot stove” is also known for the wave of activity (including rumors and speculation) of player contract negotiations, re-signings, free agency, and trades.
There is not much of a layoff on the PGA Tour so when the calendar flips to the new year we get an abbreviated version of golf’s Hot Stove league. For those of us who closely follow golf fashion, the Hawaii-swing, and The Sentry, in particular, is akin to the Baseball Winter Meetings; it’s our first opportunity to not only peek at new gear but also check out which players have changed apparel sponsor.
The Times They Are a-Changin’
Max Homa (Lululemon & Puma Golf)
The biggest story from the 2025 Hot Stove season is Max Homa making the switch to Lululemon apparel and Puma Golf shoes (he will be playing Cobra clubs this season too). I was excited to see him break out a printed polo on Sunday, it opens the door a crack for Lululemon to expand on its typically understated men’s polos. Let’s face it, their pants are already the best in the biz. It appears that Max will be kicking around in the new Puma Ignite Elevate Tour golf shoes. These will be available to the rest of us mortals in March, but you can get your hands on the spikeless Ignite Elevate 2 and Ignite Elevate X right now!
Sahith Theegala (FootJoy)
And taking the place of Max Homa as a full-fledged FootJoy ambassador is? Sahith Theegala! Although the move didn’t become “official” until the tournament wrapped up, golf fashion super sleuths were quick to pick up on the change right away. In other news, Sahith’s former apparel sponsor, Linksoul, and their founder, John Ashworth have parted ways, and John will be working with his namesake, Ashworth Golf.
Akshay Bhatia (TravisMathew)
Akshay Bhatia was a great signing by TravisMathew. He has a ton of talent and an inimitable style. I’ve been on board with the TM Open To Close Pants for a few years now and am excited to try the Joggers. Anyone else getting Greyson-feels from this ‘fit?
Matthieu Pavon (J.Lindeberg & FootJoy)
J.Lindeberg signed celebrated French golfer, Matthieu Pavon to their global stable of golfers. Pavon joined the PGA Tour in 2024 and won in just his third start on Tour. This could be a fun pairing, and it reminds me that it might be time to update my “Tats on Tour” article.
Justin Thomas (Greyson Clothiers & FootJoy)
Ok, ok…not “Hot Stove” worthy but JT has become synonymous with the FootJoy Premiere Series (Greyson and FJ Premiere are like peanut butter and jelly) and seeing him in the HyperFlex detracted from his overall sartorial elegance. I’ve always thought that the Premiere Series masterfully combined functionality with high-fashion aesthetics, whereas a shoe like the HyperFlex brings more of utilitarian vibe to the course.
Billy Horschel (Ralph Lauren & FootJoy)
Here is a visual to prove my aforementioned point.
Trousers and Slacks and Joggers, Oh My!
One thing I learned from the kickoff of the 2025 PGA Tour season at Kapalua, is that when it comes to pants this year there are NO RULES…
Cameron Young (Peter Millar & FootJoy)
…from Cameron’s Peter Millar Blade trousers…
Thomas Detry (Hugo Boss & G/FORE)
…to Thomas’ Boss move to a more generous, classic fitting pair of slacks…
Jason Day (Malbon & Payntr Golf)
…or a Day in the life of streetwear-inspired joggers on the course. Anything goes!
Need more details on John Ashworth parting ways with Linksoul.
Hi David, I wish I had more to report. There was a low-key press release from Ashworth on 12/12 that their founder, John Ashworth was rejoining them as Creative Director. That is all I’ve got.