The fall season is upon us, and that means shorter days, cooler temperatures and layered dressing – with no layer being more important in golf these days than the hoodie. This category continues to expand as golf shops broaden their appeal to golfers, non-golfers and other athletes with more lifestyle and fitness apparel. Also adding to the boon is the fact that many facilities are now allowing hoodies on the golf course – part of a relaxing of dress codes as the sport’s demographics trend younger.
“Back in the day, hoodies were heavy sweatshirts with big kangaroo pockets you would see only at the gym. Now they are made in all different fabrics for all kinds of functions,” says Patricia Daniels, AGM, Merchandiser/Buyer at the Walker Course at Clemson (South Carolina) University. “Hoodies are an accepted layering piece on the golf course, perfect for casual wear, and can also be dressed up for a night out. Hoodies are here to stay.”
Daniels goes on to say that just about every brand she carries in the shop has hoodies in their collection, including Peter Millar, Greyson, Holderness & Bourne, FootJoy, Johnnie-O, Horn Legend, tasc, Turtleson, Scarlet & Gold and Hype & Vice.
“Lightweight hoodies are selling out in every collection we have,” she adds. “Our customers really like the poly/spandex hoodies, as this fabrication combination is very soft and breathable.”
Some of the hoodies being offered in upcoming spring 2026 collections include Harlestons’ Summit Hoodie, part of a group of luxe layers in merino wool and cashmere; the Club Hoodie from Eastside Golf, whose mission is to “make golf more inclusive, modern and reflective of today’s diverse players and fans;” Rhone’s Founder’s, Waffle Tech and DreamState hoodies in varying fabrics and weights; Ashworth’s hoodies done in a terry twill back layering fabric that’s a “perfect year-round weight” and Antigua’s buffed fleece hoodies, billed as “the softest hoodie you'll ever wear.”
Turtleson recently introduced two hoodies as part of its limited edition 2025 Ryder Cup Collection: the Wynn Performance Hoodie that balances comfort, modern style and everyday versatility with a sleek, tailored fit, lightweight construction and performance properties; and the Bellfield – a pullover style with a clean, structured three-piece hood – one of the brand’s lightest layers made from a soft performance knit with a refined, textured exterior and smooth interior.
"A modern golf apparel lineup isn't complete without a hoodie,” Turtleson Co-Founder and CEO Greg Oakley says. “Thanks to the innovation in performance fabrics, hoodies have transformed from restrictive outerwear into versatile layering pieces that deliver warmth without bulk. Golfers today embrace them as a contemporary expression of traditional golf style with the warmth, stretch and breathability needed to compete in cooler conditions.”
Matt Jordan, PGA of America Master Professional and Director of Golf at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, recently called hoodies “by far, the biggest trend” in golf apparel – from lightweight to cashmere models, and everything in between. Noting that golf is more driven by tradition than other sports, he believes the tide turned at the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin, when the American team showcased hoodies as part of their uniform.
“Golf saw that the traditions were held with a cashmere piece with an athletic flair,” says Jordan, whose shop does well with hoodies from Polo RLX, Peter Millar and Greatness Wins. “People like the casual yet still appropriate feel. I think these types of items help soften the ‘stuffiness’ sometimes associated with golf.”
Washington Golf and Country Club in Arlington, Virginia, was one of the first private clubs to introduce hoodies in 2022, says Director of Retail Bonnie Hamilton, beginning with Polo RLX’s Ryder Cup line and quickly expanding to other brands.
“We relaxed our dress code to allow golf-appropriate hoodies on the course,” she says. “This fall, we continue to see quilted and textured hoodies from Holderness & Bourne, Greyson and Polo. Every vendor now offers hoodie assortments in various fabrications, and while textured hoodies remain popular, there are also lightweight UPF sun protection hoodies like those being offered by Johnnie-O.”
In fact, Hamilton notes, just about all golf vendors are including hoodies in their seasonal collections, though she is careful not to oversaturate the shop by sticking with a few top-selling brands.
“Even though members are buying hoodies from our shop, they may not necessarily be wearing them while playing golf,” she adds. “Our quarter-zips remain strong, along with hoodies that continue to be popular with new, younger golfers wearing them both on and off the course.”
Lisa Goulian Twiste is a Senior Apparel Writer at PGA Magazine.