PGA of America Golf Professionals and merchandiser/buyers attending the 2025 Frisco Buying Summit were treated to an explosion of color, as well as some of the most luxurious fabrics ever developed for golf or sport in general.
Bright, rich palettes could be seen across the aisles, from Antigua’s spectrum of greens – perennial green, juniper and soft jadeite – layered with pinks and anchored by a rich, modern navy; to Scales’ vibrant blues and greens “inspired by time spent on the water;” and Greg Norman Collection’s combinations of soft lilac/fuchsia/deep charcoal, oceanic blue/serene aqua/capri and red lobster/vintage blue.
Collections shown by 186 veteran, rising and first-time vendors were also invariably multi-purpose – some going the athleisure route with garments fit for golf, fitness and casual wear, others presenting more sophisticated looks that can be worn on the course, to the office or for evening/ weekend activities.
“Since COVID, we’ve seen golf, pickleball, tennis and other sports have gained a younger demographic that wants an interchangeable wardrobe with active components and fashion,” said Kim Gillie, Sales Manager for Hugo Boss, which is revitalizing its golf business with items like activewear polos and trousers that are quick drying and water repellent with four-way stretch.
This fitness influence could be seen in the proliferation of hoodies in golf, including 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;” and SanSoleil’s women’s hoodies for golf and everyday wear that can be styled up with a puffer vest or dressed down with leggings.
“Hoodies are everywhere in golf – you see golf professionals wearing hoodies on the course – and they’re not going away,” said Dave Leveille, President of Wholesale for tasc Performance, whose own selection of hoodies are lightweight, breathable and versatile for on- or off-course wear.
In addition, Rhone, an increasingly popular option in the performance category, touted pieces like the women’s Dream Glow Jogger – now with a more tapered leg – and Ribbed Jogger and Hoodie with a terry hand, while new exhibitor Bov Active presented items like women’s tank tops, flared yoga-style pants, sculpted sweat-wicking skorts and a “court dress” that comes with an accompanying bike short.
There were also number of lines showing sophisticated crossover styles – some are calling them “wardrobe staples” – meant to take golfers from the course to the office, to evening/weekend activities.
For men, newcomer Blanco displayed monochromatic outfits (polo, belt and trousers) done in luxury performance fabrics, while Redvanly showed “modern-day luxury golf and athletic” styles like the Ranstead pull-on jean and MOTION pique polos with a subtle, refined texture.
On the women’s side, A. Putnam continued to lead the charge in this area with the Mac Knit Cardigan with minimalist stripes and enamel and gold metal buttons and Wren Polo, a ruched piece done in a tonal performance seersucker fabric. At the same time, Williams Athletic Club’s palette of “elevated neutrals” could be seen in items like the Cooper Polo, a high-stretch technical knit with refined short sleeves and contrast tipping, and Anne Jacket, a new “go-to layer for cool mornings or post-round socials.” —Lisa Goulian Twiste
