Golf shops across the nation are gearing up for the spring 2025 season, hoping they can ride the continued wave of popularity the game has been enjoying since the COVID-19 pandemic. The upswing can also be attributed to the rise of golf fashion, which combines lifestyle appeal with athletic technology in a range of products that perform on course – or off.
“Previously, all golf casual wear looked like an extension of golf pieces in the company catalogs,” says Bruce Christy, PGA of America General Manager/Head Professional at White Horse Golf Club in Kingston, Washington. “What has taken their place are items that can be worn when golfing but have a specific and casual look that transcends to a night out at the club or dinner with the wife and family.”
Emily Gifford, AGM, Director of Retail at Boca West Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida, agrees that cross-amenity apparel is driving retail sales at the private club level, adding, “Members are no longer purchasing golf-specific styles and are seeking apparel that appeals to every aspect of their club lifestyle, especially with versatility in styling and performance fabrics that can be worn from the pickleball court, to the first tee, to the grill room and later to the fitness center.”
Among the styles golfers can look for this spring are the wide variety of golf hoodies, which have taken the market by storm in recent seasons. On the men’s side, these include Holderness & Bourne’s Tilley pullover, the company’s first quarter-zip hoodie in an ultra-soft synthetic blend fabric with UPF 50+ sun protection and 4-way stretch; Rhone’s Founder’s Golf Hoodie in a textured performance fabric, with interior mesh for maximum breathability, moisture wicking and Glacier cooling technology; and Fairway & Greene’s Fair Seas Hybrid Hoodie, featuring a quilted, water-repellent center shell and hood plus warm, cozy sweater knit sides and sleeves. For women, look for Ahead’s Amelia Hoodie, an ultra-soft pullover available in grey heather, sky blue, shell pink and white; Zero Restriction’s Elle Hoodie in a peached face jersey knit; and FJ’s full-zip ottoman hoodie designed with “golf-specific features and unique styling to help her feel comfortable on and off the course.”
“Hoodies are definitely our biggest trend in the golf shop. We keep them in stock year-round, and both our members and guests love them,” says Jillian Messina, AGM, Golf Shop Manager/Communications Coordinator at Echo Lake Country Club in Westfield, New Jersey. “The lightweight ones for summer with UPF are always great to have, and the heavier ones are great in the winter when someone doesn't want to golf in a jacket or something too heavy.”
Prints are still present in the market, though they tend to be more abstract and subtle than in prior seasons. For men, Donald Ross Sportswear features a tequila print and vibrant "Miami" floral print in some of its polos, while Antigua (above) kicks off the season with an abstruse tropical group featuring a broken palm, pineapple and leafy floral palm print on the company’s signature textured jacquard fabric. On the women’s side, look for Belyn Key’s Sgt. Pepper collection featuring a larger-scale palm and softer micro texture prints; A.Putnam’s prints inspired by the architectural gardens of Europe’s iconic royal estates; and SanSoleil’s Shammy and Lucky Break clover prints that, while not identical, are designed to complement each other.
“Both men and women’s apparel are featuring more patterns,” says Justin DeFont, PGA of America Head Professional at Audubon Country Club in Naples, Florida. “It seems every manufacturer has a wide selection – from bold to subtle prints. Members and guests gravitate toward prints, as they’re looking for something different than what’s in their closet.”
Adds Echo Lake’s Messina: “Prints are still a big apparel trend for men. We thought it would die down a little, but we still sell so many fun prints. The women love the fun print skorts, and they're easy to pair with a basic top. I love all the prints because they make it fun to merchandise the shop.”