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The real intervention Tiger Woods needs right now

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If you haven’t seen Golf Digest’s retrospective on Tiger Woods’ regrettable history with denim, you need to do that. But be prepared for a dose of Dad Jeans that would put President Obama to shame.

The Golf Digest piece, and the horrors you’ll see below, have prompted me to take drastic measures.

Long before he was engaging in the bad behavior that led to his divorce and stint in therapy for one type of addiction, he displayed dangerous signs of another serious problem: an addiction to terrible off-course clothing.

The situation has been very bad for years. However, it seems to be getting worse. And this isn’t some sort of youthful experimentation that can be easily written off, like, say this:

enhanced-buzz-11876-1366396581-15

Or this:

twoods

Rather, it’s a deep-seated cluelessness that has Woods retreating further into the decade in which he came of age (the early 90s) as his hairline recedes.

No matter how dark things appear through the looking glass for Mr. Woods’ game on the golf course in the near future, they are darker still off the course when he is faced with the onerous task of dressing himself.

Consider, Woods has donned what look to be relaxed fit Lee jeans circa 1998 on two recent occasions: his appearance at a Raiders game and in this publicity photo for one of his courses. It’s the clashing golf polo and white belt that plunge this outfit into the inner circles of fashion hell.

tiger_woods_casual

And he wore his early 90s nightclub bouncer’s costume on Jimmy Fallon’s show recently.

[youtube id=”voCxOZCNRJ0″ width=”620″ height=”360″]

However, the truly awful spectacle of Tiger’s clothes-that-should-never-leave-the-dark-recesses-of-one’s-closet terror is an annual feat that—although noble in purpose—has given rise to some of Woods most regrettable sartorial selections.

Amping up the atrocity, let me introduce the unadulterated horror that is Tiger Woods’ Tiger Jam fashion.

Tiger Jam, which originated in 1998 “has garnered a reputation as being one of the premier fundraising events in Las Vegas,” according to Tiger Woods’ website. “To date, the exciting concert event, hosted by Tiger Woods, has raised approximately $15 million for the college-access programs of the Tiger Woods Foundation.”

The work of the foundation is commendable, and the fundraising is important work. This is what really matters at Tiger Jam. Still, a second-stage attraction at the event every year is the host’s attire.

Here a few examples of the menswear equivalents of shooting 74, 79 to miss the cut.

Here’s Tiger in 2001 with Stewart Scott combining a boot-camp buzz with a black tee shirt and leather jacket. This was arguably Tiger’s best look in the inglorious history of his Tiger Jam attire.

tiger jam 2001

And this, from a few years later is just…well the suit is stolen from an American business magnate visiting Panama in the early 20th century. Clearly he forgot to put a proper dress shirt on over his undershirt. And the glasses…no words.

2004

Then there’s the outfit below. TIGER: THOSE CLOTHES DON’T GO TOGETHER, AND A WHITE BELT DOES NOT MAKE EVERYTHING BETTER.

tiger jam-2009

And then, 1969 called. (It may have called for all three, actually).

2011

And some 3-D art Tiger decided to make into a shirt…It’s actually like two terrible shirts sewn together paired with dad’s jeans and the sneakers he wears to cut the lawn.

2012

And then…

The faintest ray of hope! While Tiger’s obsession with the tee-shirt-under-sport-jacket look continued at Tiger Jam last year, he’s actually managed to (against all odds) find himself a decent jacket that actually fits. The pants aren’t really the right style to go with the jacket, but we’ll take it. And if Lindsey Vonn had something to do Woods comportment, the golfing world gives its thanks.

2014

As I said, though, Woods has gone to a dark (tight-fitting tee-shirt-and-dress-pant combo) place lately, and the atrocious jean offensive has continued.

Behold, the final bit of evidence: Tiger Woods at the Oakland Raiders game with hall-of-famer Tim Brown last week. Brown is also a HOF dresser, showing Woods what the all-black and a blazer is all about. And really, the pocket square is just yards after the catch for the legendary wideout.

Tiger Woods is not.

The former world No. 1 elected to pair what appear to be Nike-style Airwalks from 1996 with K-Mart jeans from the same era and a polo he bought from the “gifts for dad” section of the O.co Coliseum team shop.

TigerWoods_18

Tiger, this is an intervention. All your fans are here, and there’s something we need to say…

Ben Alberstadt is the Editor-in-Chief at GolfWRX, where he’s led editorial direction and gear coverage since 2018. He first joined the site as a freelance writer in 2012 after years spent working in pro shops and bag rooms at both public and private golf courses, experiences that laid the foundation for his deep knowledge of equipment and all facets of this maddening game. Based in Philadelphia, Ben’s byline has also appeared on PGATour.com, Bleacher Report...and across numerous PGA DFS and fantasy golf platforms. Off the course, Ben is a committed cat rescuer and, of course, a passionate Philadelphia sports fan. Follow him on Instagram @benalberstadt.

76 Comments

76 Comments

  1. Pingback: How Modern Times are Killing Saving golf | DESIGN CODE COPY

  2. personalized t shirts cheap

    Jun 9, 2015 at 9:13 pm

    Do you have any video of that? I’d want to find out more
    details.

  3. jerry w

    Oct 26, 2014 at 6:45 pm

    give me a break. How and what Tiger wears while he is off the course (and maybe even there as long as it is acceptable as having enough fabric as to cover him well enough as to not be offensive to women and small children) should be his choice . Last time I checked he was still a citizen of the USA and as such entitled to freedom and the pursuit of happiness. come on people I play golf in shorts and my legs are not things of beauty but that is my choice.

  4. John L.

    Oct 21, 2014 at 3:13 pm

    THANK YOU FOR WRITING THIS. It’s a bout time someone raised attention to this issue. First off, to all the people bashing the author, you are what is wrong with the game of golf right now. You’re boring mentality is exactly what golf doesn’t need. We need more people with an open mind, who are fun and hip. You’re dull sense of humor and seriousness is what slows pace of play. I definitely would not want to be in a foursome with any of you, I might quit playing the game because I was bored. So stop being haters because chances are you probably dress just as bad.

    So again, thank you for writing a FUN article that is so true. It’s nice when people keep it real. Tiger needs a stylist, badly. Who knows, it might help rebuild his reputation.

    Isn’t it ironic that he is homies with MJ who is also a HORRIBLE dresser. It’s so bad there is a tumblr dedicated to it.

    http://wtfismikewearing.tumblr.com/

  5. JoAnn

    Oct 20, 2014 at 7:32 pm

    I’m glad to see so many comments dissing the clown who wrote this. What’s your handicap, Sweetie?

  6. Dale Doback

    Oct 20, 2014 at 6:57 pm

    While Tiger may be a golfer this article has nothing to do with golf and is in poor taste. This is by far the worst article I have read to date on this website. GOLFWRX PLEASE FIRE THIS AUTHOR AND GIVE HIM A RECOMMENDATION TO GO WORK AT TMZ.

    • Pat M

      Oct 20, 2014 at 10:43 pm

      His fashion sense is not that great but I have seen worse. I think as a force in golf that his era is over. He cannot match Rory and I doubt Tiger can ever win at The Masters again, especially if Bubba is palying well. Tiger had a great run but he is older now. The putting and the rest of the game is really shaky.

  7. Tom Duckworth

    Oct 19, 2014 at 11:23 am

    I thought this site was about golf. Why do we read some a**hole behind his keyboard taking shots at how someone dresses. Is this a fashion site now? OH MY GOD! DID YOU SEE THOSE JEANS HE WORE WITH THAT SHIRT? I THINK I MIGHT JUST DIE!!!!!!!

  8. steve

    Oct 18, 2014 at 9:02 am

    The guy that wrote this needs to be watched. Stalker alert, stage 3 clinger. Who pays that much attention to what any guy wears? This guy spends alot of time looking at Tigers pants, weird? What is he really looking at? Tiger get an order of protection fast.

  9. Cp3

    Oct 18, 2014 at 8:53 am

    Brandel Chamblee is that you?

    Bad attempt at comedy. Comes off as “kicking a guy while he’s down”. Honestly who cares how the guy dresses.

  10. Hank Haney

    Oct 17, 2014 at 9:16 pm

    I saw those same pants on an old lady at golden coral that tiger’s wearing in the last picture.
    He really needs to quit letting Phil pick out his clothes

  11. Justin

    Oct 17, 2014 at 4:07 pm

  12. hrey

    Oct 17, 2014 at 3:35 pm

    This is how really rich people dress. They don’t give a horse’s ass what they look like…they care more about their portfolio. Case in point-Bill Gates, Mark Cuban, Steve Jobs, Warren Buffet, etc.

    Tiger dresses under the mottto “It’s not how I dress that counts but who undresses me that does.” Raise your hand and post pics if your significant other looks like Lindsey Vonn or any other of the myriad of women that he’s slept with. I’ll grab a beer and wait.

  13. Ben

    Oct 17, 2014 at 12:53 pm

    This has to be one of the worst articles I’ve ever wasted my time reading… Seriously?

  14. Wally K

    Oct 17, 2014 at 11:29 am

    to each their own, I dont think he is dress badly at all off the course. The clothing fits the occasion in my book.

  15. labatomy

    Oct 17, 2014 at 11:08 am

    garbage articles like this are ruining what little integrity golfwrx is holding onto

    • Pat M

      Oct 20, 2014 at 10:45 pm

      Kind of funny mentioning “integrity” in an article about a guy who was a serial adulterer.

  16. Evan

    Oct 17, 2014 at 9:22 am

    Despite being a sport where fashion can/ should be showcased, golfers tend to be woefully unfashionable (not all, just most). Considering you can dress like Adam Scott or Luke Donald with just a bit of effort and/ or intervention, not sure why Tiger is such a marketing force. I guess America likes tacky/ cheap and no personality. Tiger’s game has risen to his endorsement hype, the rest of his life is not even close. Isn’t that what sports marketing and endorsements are all about? Kids or adults admiring an individual and wanting to be like them or buy their clothing and equipment?

    Whoever has been in control of Tiger’s brand needs a huge pat on the back, they might be better at marketing and PR than Tiger is at golf.

  17. Robeli

    Oct 17, 2014 at 9:10 am

    This article is racist as Ben is expecting Tiger to dress and look like a black man.
    Doesn’t Tiger have a right to dress and look like he wants! Seriously. Even is this article is suppose to be ‘tongue in the cheek’, it sends the wrong message.

    • Colin Gillbanks

      Oct 17, 2014 at 9:39 am

      Racist article?

      Really?

      I mean, seriously?

    • John

      Oct 17, 2014 at 10:37 am

      You have no idea what racism is if you consider this article racist. Go back into your hole please. By the way, Tiger is only half black

    • John L.

      Oct 21, 2014 at 3:19 pm

      This is the dumbest comment imaginable. How does a black man dress? Please enlighten us… I’m actually offended now.

  18. Desmond

    Oct 17, 2014 at 4:44 am

    Tiger grew up a golf prodigy … the real world is new to him. Street smarts, common sense and style takes a teacher.

  19. Upchucking

    Oct 17, 2014 at 4:17 am

    Oh man, this article brought tears and roaring laughter! So on point in every criticizing way. Dude has some serious sartorial isha’s, as Jesse Jackson would pronounce it. The 90’s bouncer gear!! Nice!
    And what in the Lawd’s name is he thinking with the stone washed David Lee Roth denims?!! I mean……is he caught in an eternal American Bandstand episode? 70’s music and dance series for our younger Canadian brothers and sisters up north. I thought the article was a great escape from the alleged state of the art equipment snooze material of coming driver downforce creating whale tails, fins, racing stripes, bogus shafts, counter balance this and that, 2 3/4 gains in distance with someone else’s design theme from years ago articles!! Bravo for pointing out the foibles of the rich and thick headed ungrateful clown that is on his way out the back door! Can you imagine what he’d pull from his closet for a stint on Dancing With The Stars………errrrrr fallin’ Stars, that is?

  20. D Louis

    Oct 17, 2014 at 2:19 am

    Hey Ben…you should post a full picture of yourself so we can insult and make fun of you

  21. KK

    Oct 16, 2014 at 10:42 pm

    Tiger’s actually a 38 yo white dude from the burbs who just happens to look like a black man. This article confirms it.

  22. AZ Golfman

    Oct 16, 2014 at 10:03 pm

    That was a hilarious article. I have always wondered why he so fashion challenged. I guess once a nerd, always a nerd.

  23. BOSS

    Oct 16, 2014 at 9:42 pm

    not everyone can look as good as Kaymer.

  24. Tmk

    Oct 16, 2014 at 9:08 pm

    Wow, chill out critics. This article is downright hilarious.. Quit looking for hidden meanings or agendas. Smile. Laugh.

  25. 8thehardway

    Oct 16, 2014 at 7:46 pm

    If Nike isn’t sending him coordinated outfits it’s time for rumor and speculation.

  26. Dutch

    Oct 16, 2014 at 7:46 pm

    Funny stuff Ben. The last thing the internet needs is another story about Tiger’s swing, his coaches or his personal life. Kudos for injecting a little humor and taking a different approach on a tired subject.

    Ignore the complainers this probably just hit a little too close to home.

  27. Fred

    Oct 16, 2014 at 6:19 pm

    He should hit up his buddy MJ for some fashion tips?

    http://wtfismikewearing.tumblr.com/

    • Waqar

      Oct 16, 2014 at 7:06 pm

      Some people just don’t have it, he is a bit dorky like the Pres.

    • John L.

      Oct 21, 2014 at 3:21 pm

      The greatest blog ever. MJ is trying to bring JNCOs back.

  28. James

    Oct 16, 2014 at 5:53 pm

    Tour issue jeans…where can I buy them?!?!?!

  29. scotty pimpin

    Oct 16, 2014 at 5:46 pm

    I thought it was a great story. I thought it was hilarious nice one golfwrx!!

  30. Garbage man

    Oct 16, 2014 at 5:46 pm

    I am far from a Tiger fan, I actually typically root against him when I watch golf. But this article is obnoxious. Why is it wrong that Tiger dresses like a regular guy? Would it be better if he wore ridiculous “urban threads” like Kanye West or one of those clown rappers? Sure he could maybe work on some better color matching or some better size choices but it’s not that bad. He dresses for himself, like he should, like men used to. I understand the full onslaught of emasculation that has occurred in the last 15 years is really pushing men to try to be as feminine as possible, and compete with women for title of most fashionable. But don’t hate just because some men still choose to have balls and dress how they want. Next article!

    • Jimbo

      Oct 17, 2014 at 10:45 am

      If you think he dresses ok then I’ve got news for you son. He doesn’t need to dress “urban”. Can’t he employ someone to give him some pointers. Some of that attire is horrific. But he’s American so….

  31. Josh

    Oct 16, 2014 at 5:45 pm

    Those of you saying this is an irrelevant article are probably the same ones who think that with a few more golf lessons, you’ll be ready to hit q-school. There is so much more that goes into becoming a professional and a brand that can compete week in and week out.

    Tiger is a brand — he is not just a golfer or a normal person–he is the predominant force in the golf industry’s sales pitch until someone unseats him…not just in equipment but also in apparel.

    Because he gets PAID TO REPRESENT FASHION, it’s fair to realize this as a major misstep in the presentation of his brand to the public. And, the fact that he apparently refuses to hire a competent stylist for pennies compared to what he potentially could net in image recognition, is a sign that he’s not as “on top of his game” as some in the public want to credit him being.

    Take this coupled with his infidelities….his play with injuries that cause more time away from the game, the fumbling of his coaching/caddy relationships…he truly is lucky that he delivers in the clutch because all signs point to someone who thinks they are without fault and unwilling to see any blind spots. Or as some would call a d-bag.

    Just my 2 pennies.

  32. dapadre

    Oct 16, 2014 at 4:57 pm

    So this is what becomes of Tiger news when we run out of real golf news to write about.

    • Greg Hunter

      Oct 16, 2014 at 5:23 pm

      I agree, stupid article I wasted my time on. since it was from golfwrx I thought it would decent…honestly, this was crap!

    • pvsd4090

      Oct 18, 2014 at 7:05 am

      I agree. Who is writing this stuff? What does it have to do with golf? This author; Ben, has came up with some dumb stuff but this article takes the cake. This is the kind of material reserved for tabloids at the checkout stand.

  33. Ben

    Oct 16, 2014 at 4:57 pm

    I read everyday, but I must say that this article is a total hijack of a Barstool Sports acticle that “Pres” wrote last week.

    Come on!

  34. MikeB

    Oct 16, 2014 at 4:50 pm

    mind your own business! Who died and made you the fashion police! Get a life, will you?

  35. drew r

    Oct 16, 2014 at 4:49 pm

    GolfWRX I hate to tell you, but your target audience is generally out of touch with fashion. These are golfers we’re talking about. If someone dresses too well at course and isn’t below a 4 cap, other players snicker, “who does that guy think he is?”

    • Knobbywood

      Oct 23, 2014 at 6:42 pm

      Wow really? So you and your friends PURPOSELY dress like clowns and make fun of somebody who actually dresses well because they can’t shoot 76? Thank my lucky stars I don’t have to tee it up with your crowd

  36. Largechris

    Oct 16, 2014 at 4:46 pm

    Perfectly good article quit complaining…

    Reality check Tigers fashion sense is beyond awful. We judge on appearances, yes, it is the easiest and quickest thing to make a judgement on. Why not, we all do it every day, consciously or not.

    Surprised that the ‘dressed by grandma’ apology press conference didn’t get a mention as well.

    I and millions of other fans will never get to know the real tiger, so we form our opinion from other cues. And the data unfortunately supports the conclusion douche.

  37. snowman0

    Oct 16, 2014 at 4:33 pm

    I agree some of the outfits don’t look great, but this article is really irrelevant and a waste of server space/bandwidth.

  38. Philip

    Oct 16, 2014 at 3:35 pm

    Tiger dresses for himself – as confident individuals often do. Why would he dress for anyone else? Only insecure sheep give a care for the general public, especially in regards to their attire.

    So Ben, when are we going to see you on the catwalk?

    • Evan

      Oct 16, 2014 at 4:36 pm

      And only insecure sheep care what score they shoot on the golf course or what golf course they play at or what golf clubs are in their bag… oh wait, why are you on GolfWRX? The same thing can be said in any walk of life… it’s ok to have an opinion as long as it’s kept in perspective. Fashion/ Design/ Art/ Music mean very little to some people and a whole lot to others. No, fashion is not necessary, but neither is golf.

      • Philip

        Oct 16, 2014 at 5:12 pm

        Obviously I did not explain myself properly. I did not say fashion is not important. That is what is wonderful about life, we all have different interests and various things that are important to each of all. If we were all the same – boring! Besides, if we were all honest, there is little we do that is necessary.

        However, there is a difference between an opinion and picking on someone because you can. Is this article truly in perspective? What is it’s point other than to poke fun at someone.

        One is not an insecure sheep because they want to improve and search out venues to do so, i.e. “GolfWRX”. One is an insecure sheep if one cares more about what others think of them and their actions, thoughts, dress, etc., than there own views of themselves. Few of us can claim to be totally secure in all parts of our lives, but as long as we do not allow the opinion of others to hold more importance, then no harm.

        • Evan

          Oct 16, 2014 at 5:24 pm

          I agree with most of what you say… but going back to your original post, it would be hard call Tiger a confident individual. On the golf course maybe but his personal life has been far from balanced and secure. From someone who is such a public figure and makes ALOT of money off of his image (not just his golf game) I would say that a light hearted opinion piece about his fashion sense at public events is in perspective. Tiger has also been voted best dressed on tour multiple times by fellow players, not sure if this says something about the other players or about the person at Nike who puts out his clothes.

          • Philip

            Oct 16, 2014 at 5:34 pm

            True enough. Didn’t know he was voted best dressed on tour – like anything, whether it should be taken as a compliment would depend on the tour standard for outfits. In my opinion, the credit would go more to the individual at Nike outfitting him.

  39. stripe

    Oct 16, 2014 at 3:32 pm

    So “Dad Jeans” are ones that bunch at the bottom? I really did not know this LMAO. Seriously, this is good to know!

  40. :-p

    Oct 16, 2014 at 2:58 pm

    Dudes……. what you guys don’t understand is that he doesn’t have the body of a fashion model! He can’t wear skinny jeans, because his body shape is not meant for the catwalk! Sheesh, what, you all been watching too much Project Runway

  41. Kelly

    Oct 16, 2014 at 2:52 pm

    In the second last photo it took me almost a full minute to realize that Tiger was even in the photo.

  42. Dane

    Oct 16, 2014 at 2:43 pm

    lol this is great! Of all the body guards and entourage hes invested in, Joan Rivers would of been the wisest!

  43. Evan

    Oct 16, 2014 at 2:20 pm

    ^ These dudes ^ probably dress just like Tiger, and thus, have no understanding as to why his attire is appalling. Anyway, I enjoyed the story. I also understand that not every story from Golf WRX needs to be a serious issue, or equipment related, or whatever. This story was written to be entertaining, not to inform the reader of a serious matter.

    • bradford

      Oct 16, 2014 at 2:33 pm

      he meant “v those dudes v”

      • dot dot

        Oct 17, 2014 at 10:58 am

        Do you have proof he meant that. Back up your claim please.

  44. Rwj

    Oct 16, 2014 at 1:59 pm

    Wow. Tiger Woods and his clothing choices vs a guy who writes about another man’s clothing choice…Tiger wins

    • bradford

      Oct 16, 2014 at 2:32 pm

      …vs some guy who comments on the article? (I realize guy 4 in this string is me, but #3 is going down with me)

      • Evan

        Oct 16, 2014 at 4:39 pm

        lol, bravo! I’ll be #5… going down with the ship just for the fun of it!

      • Jeremy

        Oct 16, 2014 at 5:55 pm

        Hilarious. Loved this “article,” despite having to put “article” in quotes.

      • dot dot

        Oct 17, 2014 at 11:00 am

        Bradford, please stop trolling.

  45. Carl truitt

    Oct 16, 2014 at 1:57 pm

    another shameless story that incorporates Tiger, if for no other reason than because his name alone draws eyeballs.

    i hope golfwrx got a deal on this story

    • Josh

      Oct 16, 2014 at 3:15 pm

      Yet you clicked on it – know how to get them to stop writing these pointless Tiger articles you hate? Stop giving them hits.

      • Carl truitt

        Oct 16, 2014 at 8:33 pm

        Josh,
        You’re right but sometimes you have to speak your mind…you know what I mean?

    • Joe Momma

      Oct 16, 2014 at 3:46 pm

      They should have gotten Levis or some other denim company, but they didn’t.

      So rest assured you can sleep at night knowing Tiger and GolfWRX made no more money than they did the day before.

      Good thing you monitor peoples money… where would we be without all you haters?

      You should critique the Health Care system next, it really needs your attention.

      • Carl truitt

        Oct 16, 2014 at 8:32 pm

        Joe momma….Not sure you understood the post, but glad you could go on the offensive. Re-read my post and see if the light comes on.

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Club Junkie

Tour Edge Exotics mini driver review + TaylorMade Spider ZT Max first look – Club Junkie

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On this episode of Club Junkie, I put the new Tour Edge Exotics Mini Driver to the test and break down the performance, forgiveness, distance, and where it fits compared to a traditional driver or strong fairway wood. If you have been curious about adding a mini driver to the bag, this one is worth a look.

I also dive into the new TaylorMade Spider ZT Max putter that was recently spotted and discuss the growing zero torque putter trend. Plus, there is a closer look at the new Project X Titan Yellow shaft showing up on the PGA Tour and what makes it different from other profiles currently out there.

 

Continue Reading

Opinion & Analysis

AVL: We’re talking about practice! My best tips for taking your game to the course

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With the beginning of June on the horizon and courses rounding into peak condition for the season, it’s time to hone the finer skills that often get rusty over the winter. More sunlight also means more time to get out on the course and work on your game.

Whether it’s the practice green or the driving range, there’s always something to improve—whether you’re enjoying the fresh air or preparing for a weekend game or tournament. You can work on drills or freestyle around the green, and friendly competition is a great way to sharpen your skills.

While there are endless ways to get better at golf, I’m going to focus on practicing around the green. Let’s take a look at a few things to keep in mind as we head into the summer months.

Drills

From the driving range to the practice green, it’s important to incorporate drills into your routine. Years ago, I spent a weekend working on my short game with James Sieckmann. He recommended doing drill work for 5–10 minutes, then returning to your main practice.

This way, you create a balance between structured drills and real-world scenarios, so you’re not confined to “perfect” situations. For example, hitting the same three-foot putt over and over is good for repetition, but after a while, it becomes less interactive for your brain.

My approach is to use a putting trainer with a narrow gate for the ball to pass through, or simply place tees just outside the width of the ball. I’ll hit a series of four putts through the gate for three sets. Then, from a similar distance, I’ll hit four putts without the training aid and repeat that sequence three times.

Next, I’ll hit a number of 15–25 foot putts in a random fashion, then circle back to repeat the short putt drills with and without the training aid.

This breaks up the rhythm of hitting short putts with the training aid. When you hit the same short putts over and over, it’s easy to get into a groove—which is great for the drill, but not reflective of actual course play. While finding a rhythm is fundamental for drills, I like to introduce variation with longer putts to keep things realistic.

Game Mode

Once you’ve established a foundation with drills, it’s time to simulate on-course scenarios. This is where a few practice games come in handy.

One that I’ve been enjoying lately involves putting 10- to 15-footers with two balls. If I make the putt, great! If I miss, I pull the missed ball back a putter length. Suddenly, that little tap-in becomes a nerve-wracking three-footer—at least at first. As you get better at this game, those three- and five-footers become much more comfortable and routine.

It may sound cliché, but each shot is just what it is—it’s how we react that makes the difference. I like this game because it blends the pressure of on-course putting with the consequence of leaving yourself a much longer putt than usual.

Another game I like is one I recently learned from Brad Faxon. Place three tees in a line at four different locations around the hole: one at 3 feet, one at 6 feet, and one at 8 feet. The 3- and 6-foot putts count as par, and the 8-footer is for birdie.

This game keeps you focused on scoring and helps you get into a competitive mindset. You can even think about this putting game while you’re on the course. I just started playing it, and last week I couldn’t get better than two under par.

Competition

Competition during practice is when drills and games come to life, and you start to see results. For me, nothing beats a putting contest with a friend or two. In the right setting, these contests can become talking points for the whole season.

Match play, a game of 21, or simply seeing who can make the most one-putts (with a small prize on the line) are all great ways to simulate real on-course pressure. Recently, I played in a putting contest where one competitor made back-to-back 30- and 50-foot putts. As they say, expect your opponent to make every putt—and he nearly did. That’s impressive, and it’s something you see on the course, too: you have to stay committed to your game plan, no matter what.

When it comes to practice, it’s important to blend feedback from recent rounds with the fundamentals you want to reinforce. Drills, games, and competition—from the driving range to the putting green—form the backbone of skills you’ll rely on during actual rounds.

Finding the right balance is something we’re all working on, one practice session at a time. With the beginning of June on the horizon and courses rounding into peak condition for the season, it’s time to hone the finer skills that often get rusty over the winter. More sunlight also means more time to get out on the course and work on your game. Whether it’s the practice green or the driving range, there’s always something to improve—whether you’re enjoying the fresh air or preparing for a weekend game or tournament. You can work on drills or freestyle around the green, and friendly competition is a great way to sharpen your skills. While there are endless ways to get better at golf, I’m going to focus on practicing around the green. Let’s take a look at a few things to keep in mind as we head into the summer months.

Drills

From the driving range to the practice green, it’s important to incorporate drills into your routine. Years ago, I spent a weekend working on my short game with James Sieckmann. He recommended doing drill work for 5–10 minutes, then returning to your main practice. This way, you create a balance between structured drills and real-world scenarios, so you’re not confined to “perfect” situations. For example, hitting the same three-foot putt over and over is good for repetition, but after a while, it becomes less interactive for your brain.

My approach is to use a putting trainer with a narrow gate for the ball to pass through, or simply place tees just outside the width of the ball. I’ll hit a series of four putts through the gate for three sets. Then, from a similar distance, I’ll hit four putts without the training aid and repeat that sequence three times. Next, I’ll hit a number of 15–25 foot putts in a random fashion, then circle back to repeat the short putt drills with and without the training aid.

This breaks up the rhythm of hitting short putts with the training aid. When you hit the same short putts over and over, it’s easy to get into a groove—which is great for the drill, but not reflective of actual course play. While finding a rhythm is fundamental for drills, I like to introduce variation with longer putts to keep things realistic.

Game Mode

Once you’ve established a foundation with drills, it’s time to simulate on-course scenarios. This is where a few practice games come in handy. One that I’ve been enjoying lately involves putting 10- to 15-footers with two balls. If I make the putt, great! If I miss, I pull the missed ball back a putter length.

Suddenly, that little tap-in becomes a nerve-wracking three-footer—at least at first. As you get better at this game, those three- and five-footers become much more comfortable and routine. It may sound cliché, but each shot is just what it is—it’s how we react that makes the difference. I like this game because it blends the pressure of on-course putting with the consequence of leaving yourself a much longer putt than usual.

Another game I like is one I recently learned from Brad Faxon. Place three tees in a line at four different locations around the hole: one at 3 feet, one at 6 feet, and one at 8 feet. The 3- and 6-foot putts count as par, and the 8-footer is for birdie.

This game keeps you focused on scoring and helps you get into a competitive mindset. You can even think about this putting game while you’re on the course. I just started playing it, and last week I couldn’t get better than two under par.

Competition

Competition during practice is when drills and games come to life, and you start to see results. For me, nothing beats a putting contest with a friend or two. In the right setting, these contests can become talking points for the whole season. Match play, a game of 21, or simply seeing who can make the most one-putts (with a small prize on the line) are all great ways to simulate real on-course pressure. Recently, I played in a putting contest where one competitor made back-to-back 30- and 50-foot putts. As they say, expect your opponent to make every putt—and he nearly did. That’s impressive, and it’s something you see on the course, too: you have to stay committed to your game plan, no matter what.

When it comes to practice, it’s important to blend feedback from recent rounds with the fundamentals you want to reinforce. Drills, games, and competition—from the driving range to the putting green—form the backbone of skills you’ll rely on during actual rounds. Finding the right balance is something we’re all working on, one practice session at a time.

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Seoul Sensibilities: Is Korean golf fashion starting to shape the world?

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For Korean golfers, we always look forward to the last of the kkot-saem-chu-I for the true start of a new golf season. The term refers to a cold snap, but literally translates as “winter being jealous of the flowers beginning to bloom, thus lashing out one final time before surrendering to spring”.

A rather poetic mouthful packed into a short expression.

Koreans can be like that. Understated, yet oddly expressive at the same time. And nowhere is this more true on the golf course and in our golf bags. In fact, I suspect many Korean golfers look forward to new apparel and accessory drops more than they do actual equipment launches each year.

At this point, Korean golf fashion may exist on its own timeline. (courtesy of @seonbi_golfer)

There is ample evidence to support that suspicion. Korea is the world’s third-largest golf market behind the United States and Japan, yet its appetite for golf apparel exceeds that of both countries combined. Recent estimates suggest that Korea accounts for nearly 40 percent of the global golf apparel market, placing it among the world’s most influential golf fashion markets and punching well above its size.

Simply, we care deeply about how new golf clubs look and feel, but enjoy looking good while swinging them even more.

Golfers in the West may laugh and say that golf is played on a course, not a fashion runway. Perhaps. But what’s the harm in trying to look and feel good, if the added self-confidence can help actual performance? It certainly seems to have worked for Jason Day, who may have unlocked a new stats category: dormant strokes gained. Coincidence?

During the COVID-era, estimates placed the market near $9 billion, an astonishing figure for a single country.

As a proud member of Gen X, I’ve witnessed the highs and lows of golf fashion firsthand. The pleated trousers and wing-tipped shoes of Jack Nicklaus, the stylish plus-fours and knickers of Payne Stewart, the baggy black trousers and fitted mock-necks of Tiger Woods, and the thigh-hugging athletic tailoring of Rory McIlroy. Golf fashion, like the golf swing itself, has rarely stood still.

But nowhere have those trends shifted, evolved, and been scrutinized quite as relentlessly as in Korea. Here, golf fashion moves faster than fairway gossip, and consumers dissect brands with a level of discernment that can be both impressive and mildly terrifying. New brands are studied, judged, embraced, or dismissed with startling efficiency.

The result is a consumer base with one of the sharpest eyes for quality and authenticity anywhere in the world. It is difficult to quantify, but easy to recognize. Clean lines without trying too hard. Luxury mixed with utility. Trend awareness balanced by restraint and purpose.

It’s golf fashion shaped by one of the world’s most style-literate cities, something I like to call Seoul Sensibilities, referring to the taste level forged by a uniquely competitive environment.

And increasingly, global brands have noticed.

Many golf brands in Korea have their own flagship shops dedicated to apparel only

Titleist understood this years ago, when its apparel business in Korea took on a life of its own under new ownership and local direction. What had once been a straightforward extension of an iconic equipment giant became something sharper and more premium. By going all in on the serious Tour-player look (I couldn’t even fit into their XL sizes), Titleist struck the right chord with Korean consumers and helped its fledgling apparel business break into the mainstream. Titleist became a household name even for non-golfers who wore its caps, shirts, and windbreakers in daily life. In many ways, it proved that even heritage golf brands could carry real fashion credibility when viewed through a Korean lens.

Several years later, PXG took a page out of Titleist’s playbook and followed suit. Korean consumers helped transform the brand from one known largely for irons and loud commercials into something broader and more stylish. PXG apparel’s growth in Korea was explosive, where it found an early audience and turned the category into something more than mere logo merchandise. It is still hard to walk anywhere in Seoul without seeing its palindrome logo.

Malbon’s meteoric rise in the United States was genuine, but its ascent into a global golf lifestyle brand owes much to Korea, where it was elevated by a market already fluent in modern golf style. Korea did not simply embrace Malbon. It pressure-tested the concept, refined its appeal, and helped push it into the global spotlight.

As such, new brands may arrive from abroad, but more often than not, their sharpest evolution happens here. If a brand can earn credibility in Seoul, it’s deemed to have passed one of the toughest style audits in the game.

That is why the next meaningful chapter may not come from outside, but from a Korean brand moving in the opposite direction, carrying those Seoul Sensibilities outward as K-pop once did.

Play young Stay dope.

From Seoul, With Intent

Khalhon is a label that feels less like a trend-chasing newcomer and more like the product of a market that has already seen everything. Golfers here have long been surrounded by luxury logos, technical fabrics, and tour uniforms disguised as lifestyle wear and vice-versa. In other words, novelty alone rarely lasts here, and the Koreans seems to understand that instinctively.

Its style language leans into clean silhouettes, relaxed but tailored proportions, muted palettes, and premium materials that speak quietly but confidently. There is a modern city aesthetic running through it all, with strong layering pieces, thoughtful textures, and subtle branding that suggests sophistication rather than demanding attention.

“Built for the course. Designed beyond it.”

Most importantly, the garments seem designed to blur the line between golfwear and everyday style. Shirts, trousers, knitwear, and outer layers move comfortably between a game of screen golf, a lunch reservation, an airport gate, or an afternoon coffee in Gangnam with friends.

It raises the question of whether this is golfwear that happens to look good off the course, or everyday clothing that performs beautifully on the fairways.

Personally, I have long appreciated Nike Golf for its clean, athletic modernization of golf attire. It also has the useful side effect of making me look like a more serious golfer than I probably am. But off the course, there are times when being instantly identified as the golf guy in a crowd of non-golfers can feel a touch self-conscious.

“Built for the course. Designed beyond it.”

That is part of what drew me to Khalhon, which seemed to blend golf and everyday wear naturally. While some of the outfits may be slightly beyond my personal confidence level, the brand also offers tasteful options for older guys like me who still want to express a little personality without regretting the decision later.

These are not simply flashy outfits worn on the course and then banished to the closet until the next tee time. They work surprisingly well off the course too, and I suspect many of the pieces will still look right a couple of years from now, which would certainly be kinder to my wallet than most golf fashion trends tend to be.

And perhaps that broader lifestyle positioning also helps explain why someone like Sean Wotherspoon would find Khalhon creatively interesting in the first place.

“Built for the course. Designed beyond it.”

“Korea is not only one of the most fashion-forward golf markets in the world, but one of the most fashion-forward markets globally. Korea is ahead, and I love to watch and try to catch up.” – Sean Wotherspoon, Creative Director at Khalhon

Seoul and Beyond

If Khalhon’s rise says something about where Korean golf fashion is today, its relationship with Sean Wotherspoon says even more about where it is heading.

For readers less familiar with Sean Wotherspoon, his arrival at Khalhon is not some routine celebrity endorsement or influencer collaboration. In design and streetwear circles, Wotherspoon is regarded as one of the more influential creative voices of his generation, particularly when it comes to blending nostalgia, storytelling, and contemporary culture into products that people can connect with.

He first gained widespread attention through his now-famous Nike sneaker collaborations, where his vintage-inspired designs and instinct for color helped turn him into one of the defining artists of the late-2010s sneaker era. His work gradually expanded beyond footwear into apparel, automotive collaborations, collectibles, and broader lifestyle design.

Modern golf style now extends well beyond the fairways, where performance and functionality are largely expected by default. And while plenty of brands already make technically competent golfwear, Khalhon seems more focused on designing clothes people would genuinely want to wear even after the round ends.

And when guys at Wotherspoon’s level show genuine interest in working with a Korean golf brand as its new Creative Director, fashion circles tend to sit up and pay attention. There’s already a huge buzz among the fashion-conscious here about upcoming collabs with iconic sports stars and brands.

“My creative direction for Khalhon is disruptive, colorful, nostalgic, and modern. My goal is to blend these avenues seamlessly within each collection.” – Sean Wotherspoon

In chatting with Sean, what stood out most to me was how genuinely energized he sounded about the project itself. Despite having already worked across and countless other creative spaces, he described golf as a completely fresh category for him, saying that Khalhon “will be an amazing vehicle for my design work.”

At the same time, his enthusiasm seemed tied just as much to Korea itself. He spoke openly about admiring Korea’s fashion culture while repeatedly insisting he is still a terrible golfer.

There was something oddly refreshing about that humility. Rather than sounding like a celebrity parachuting into golf simply because the category suddenly became fashionable, Sean sounded genuinely curious about what Korea might do with the category next.

And perhaps that is what makes Khalhon feel interesting right now. The brand feels less like a trend-chaser and more like the natural result of a market now confident enough to export its own point of view.

For years, global brands came to Korea to sharpen their image against one of the most discerning audiences anywhere. Now, a Korean label appears ready to send those Seoul Sensibilities outward instead.

Which brings us back to kkot-saem-chu-i.

That final cold snap before spring always arrives with a reminder that seasons are changing, whether we notice it immediately or not. Golf fashion feels a little like that right now as well, as the old boundaries between sport, streetwear, luxury, and everyday style continue to soften.

And somewhere in Seoul, a Korean golf label already seems prepared for whatever season comes next. I just hope they have everything in my size.

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