The arrival of fall means the busiest period of the golf season is over in many parts of the country, yet there’s still a lot of time to enjoy the sport, as well as other fitness activities surrounding it. The golf apparel industry has evolved in recent years to encourage golfers to play longer into the fall season with performance layers that can be worn during chilly mornings on the course or a daily workout. These include everything from short- and long-sleeve tees to hoodies and other pullovers to joggers and sweatpants, all being offered by an increasing number of vendors each year.
“Fabrics that feel natural, yet still provide performance characteristics, have been increasingly in demand in our shop,” says Kyle Capps, PGA of America Head Golf Professional at Hallbrook Country Club in Leawood, Kansas. “Anything that feels like cotton, yet still breathes and stretches, seems to be top of mind from September through April in Kansas City.”
Among the fitness-inspired fashions arriving in golf shops this fall season is Holderness & Bourne’s first-ever T-shirt style, the Mason, which is a premium mid-weight tri-blend offering a tailored fit and combination of comfort, style and durability. Also in the line is an expanded range of patterned performance shirt styles such as the Elgin in a jersey fabric and Nessie in H&B’s bestselling DryLuxe jersey shirting fabric, which offers a luxurious hand feel, plenty of stretch and moisture-wicking for comfort in warmer weather. Also look for performance layering pieces, including a lightweight heathered hoodie (pictured), the Stowe, which features a streamlined and stylish design with no extraneous drawstrings or pouches.
Ahead’s assortment of mid-layers and outerwear items (pictured below right) are suited to the changing temperatures and conditions of fall, including transitional items like the Connor Pullover, offering a fresh and stylish design that partners well with Ahead’s performance fleece for additional warmth. At the same time, FootJoy presents mid-layers, vests, hoodies (pictured above) and fashion shorts, as well as the ThermoSeries Collection that includes an updated hoodie, hybrid mid-layer and vest and a new base layer with a fleece inner lining that is moisture-wicking to keep golfers warm and comfortable.
Harlestons presents a seasonal collection of hoodies, quarter zips and polos (pictured above left) in a soft mesh fabric, as well as the “Seaside” category featuring the Surfside Long-Sleeve Tee, Surfside Hoodie and Dockside Fleece layer that the company says “is an extension of lifestyle out of golf, as it can be worn to play a round or at a bonfire or to go sailing.”
In addition, Zero Restriction ensures comfortable fall activity with the Conqueror, a double-layer waterproof shell with a fully lined hood and shapeable brim to protect from the elements, and the Urban Hiker, featuring water repellency, four-way stretch and a woven shell with brushed fleece lining (pictured above).
From Antigua, look for brushed polyester spandex polos, quarter-zip pullovers and a new buffed fleece collection for “maximum luxury and comfort and ease of movement for any activity.” At the same time, Bermuda Sands distinguishes its fall line with a new four-way stretch fabric that’s 90 percent polyester and 10 percent spandex jersey and makes the garments “softer and cooler to the touch.”
Also look for PUMA’s (pictured above) emphasis on textures, such as a popcorn-like fabric in a hoodie and quarter-zip in multiple colors. As well, check out Donald Ross SPORT’s outerwear pieces (pictured below left) distinguished by lightweight sherpa, a hoodie crafted from merino and cashmere and a stylish new technical piece from the Expedition series. And new this fall season from Scales Gear is an innovative active performance line available in various styles such as long- and short-sleeve hoodies, quarter zips and polos done in a super soft fabric blend that’s moisture wicking and has UPF 50+ protection.
In addition, the fall line from Dunning (pictured above right) is headlined by weather-accommodating fabric technology and ergonomic silhouettes that increase player mobility. At the same time, Nike Golf (pictured right) continues to innovate with Nike FIT, which uses athlete data and body mapping technology to provide the “ultimate in movement and comfort,” the company says. Using double-knit fabrics for softness and a pique texture for a classic look, these garments can keep athletes cool (Dri-FIT), warm (Therma-FIT) and protected from the elements (Storm-FIT).
Finally, Rhone’s tech-driven line (pictured below) includes a Golf Sport Polo featuring GOLDFUSION anti-odor technology to allow for more wear between washes and a pique mesh-lined collar for comfort and breathability. “Golf has become far more than the game on the course. It’s the pre-play training, the post-game recovery and the lifestyle around golf,” says Co-Founder and CEO Nate Checketts. “At its roots, Rhone is a performance brand that has grown to include great lifestyle products, not a lifestyle brand parading in active product. We want to continue to build Rhone as a brand built for the way you move, work and sweat, and the versatility lends itself incredibly well to the golfer of today.”
Lisa Goulian Twiste is a Senior Apparel Writer at PGA Magazine.