The first round of The Open Championship delivered exactly what you’d expect from Royal Birkdale. Timeless style, plenty of texture, and a healthy mix of heritage menswear and modern tailoring. Knit polos continued their hot streak, pleats keep gaining momentum, and FootJoy and Harris Tweed once again dropped a footwear masterpiece worthy of the Open. Of course, not every outfit deserved a standing ovation. Greg breaks down the best and worst looks from Thursday at Royal Birkdale.
Fashion Dimes
Billy Horschel (Ralph Lauren & FootJoy)
Look of the Day belongs to Billy Ho.
Sweater polos are one of the defining menswear pieces of the summer, and Billy was wearing them on Tour long before everyone else caught on.
We’re living in the era of texture, and this polo delivers. The waffle knit adds depth without feeling busy, while the breathable cotton and open-weave construction make it far more practical for a warm day than it first appears. The striped tipping on the collar and sleeves adds just enough vintage sportswear energy without feeling costume-like.
Credit Billy for getting the proportions exactly right. Untucked polos can go sideways in a hurry, but the tailored fit and ribbed waistband land perfectly at the waist, giving the outfit a relaxed feel without sacrificing polish.
Jordan Smith (Peter Millar & FootJoy)
FootJoy and Harris Tweed have become one of the best annual traditions in golf footwear. Six years in, they’ve yet to miss.
This year’s Premiere Series Packard may be my favorite. It taps directly into the quiet luxury movement with authentic Harris Tweed handwoven in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, wrapped in a classic navy herringbone pattern that feels more Savile Row than sportswear. The gold lace tips, eyelets, and spikes add just enough richness without pulling attention away from the saddle design.
It’s heritage storytelling done through texture instead of logos.
Jason Day (Malbon & PAYNTR)
This is the version of Malbon I enjoy most. The chest-pocket polo, generous trousers, and high-crown visor all work together without trying too hard. The fuller cut on the pants has movement and drape, but never crosses into oversized territory.
Keith Mitchell (Sid Mashburn & FootJoy)
Another day, another fashion dime for Keith. No cashmere today, but the linen check trousers looked perfectly at home along England’s coastline. Relaxed, tailored, and effortlessly elegant.
Travis Smyth
If you’re thinking about adding pleats to your wardrobe, Travis Smyth is the blueprint.
The double-pleated trousers have beautiful drape and movement, while the contrast polo ties everything together. It’s a modern interpretation of late-’90s and early-2000s golf style without being a caricature of itself.
Kota Kaneko
Still not sold on pleats? Pintuck trousers might be your gateway.
Instead of traditional pleats, pintucks feature narrow stitched folds running vertically down each leg. The effect is subtle. They add texture, sharpen the silhouette, and naturally elongate the leg without adding volume around the waist.
Think of them as the tailored evolution of the flat-front pant.
Tom McKibbin (Greyson Clothiers & Adidas)
The Open Championship always gives us our first glimpse of fall fits, and Tom McKibbin delivered one of the best transitional looks of the day. The silver sweater softens the darker trousers, creating an outfit that feels equally appropriate for late July or early October. It’s clean, understated, and easy to wear.
Viktor Hovland (J.Lindeberg & Nike)
J.Lindeberg is celebrating its 30th anniversary by revisiting some of the designs that made the brand famous. This look feels like a greatest hits album.
Long before Jason Day’s sweater vest caused a stir at Augusta, Charles Howell III was turning heads in tuxedo-striped trousers. Camilo Villegas made the oversized Bridge logo iconic during the mid-2000s, and Jesper Parnevik turned the Bridger Belt into one of golf’s most recognizable accessories.
Viktor somehow pulled all three references into one outfit. Here’s hoping Vik and J.Lindeberg keep digging through the archives all week.
Kristoffer Reitan (Original Penguin)
Every good Open Championship wardrobe should have some tartan in it.
Collin Morikawa (Adidas)
Low key, Adidas won Thursday at Royal Birkdale. Every player looked polished without feeling overstyled.
Morikawa’s muted blossom-print polo was one of the standouts. Pairing the soft green with navy trousers gave the outfit just enough contrast and helped it stand apart from the endless parade of beige.
Ludvig Aberg (Adidas)
vig leaned classic with the rope hat and tri-color striped polo. The mix of colors gives the shirt plenty of versatility, and I’d love to see it paired with something other than navy later this week. Also, Ludvig might be the perfect ambassador for the four-button placket. Few players wear one better.
Michael Thorbjornsen (Adidas)
This vibrant shade of pink is turning out to be the color of the tournament. The small geometric pattern gives the polo a subtle retro-mod feel while adding texture from a distance. It’s another reminder that prints don’t have to shout to make an impact.
Fashion Crimes
Tommy Fleetwood
I’m prepared to take some heat for this one, but I’m going to stand by it. Tommy has been one of favorites this year, but today’s fit was a miss. He’s been great a pairing neutrals all year, but there wasn’t enough contrast between them today. Everything blended together to the point where he disappeared into the Royal Birkdale landscape. I was half expecting to lose him in the fescue.cue.
Robert MacIntyre
This shirt was so bad, even Bobby Mac roasted himself during his post-round interviews. Sometimes I think Nike is just trolling the guy. “What’s the ugliest shirt we have? Great. Send it to him and see if he’ll wear it.” And he always does.
Scott Vincent
Scott Vincent is your White Belt Victim of the Day. It’s not just the white belt, but the white socks with black pants, too.
Kurt Kitayama
Enough with the joggers. They’re past their expiration date.