Before we get to the much-anticipated year-end Threadies, here are a few of my favorite fits of 2023. Consider this the opening act for Greg’s best-dressed list that will be coming at you soon.
10. Jordan Spieth (Under Armour)
Sure, a hoodie and joggers aren’t exactly trendsetting at this point, but they are pushing the fashion envelope for Spieth. We’ve been crying out for him to shake up his style for a while and he finally started to do it in 2023…it was memorable and a good look for him.
9. Rory McIlroy (Nike Golf)
In the early part of 2023, Rory took to replacing his Nike woven belts with this House of Fleming belt on the final day of tournaments. Then he didn’t. Rumor has it that Nike asked him nicely to halt that process after the Wells Fargo Championship, and this belt hasn’t been seen since, to my knowledge. It is a shame because it really added a layer of sophistication to his kits.
8. Sam Bennett (johnnie-O & adidas Golf)
Sam Bennett was one of the biggest stars from the 2023 Masters Tournament. His story, talent, and composure grabbed our attention. This printed pink polo popped against the sea of green jackets as he accepted his Low Amateur Silver Cup.
7. Kurt Kitayama (Chervo & Boxto Golf)
Sometimes a simple kit is the best kit. I just love the center stripe on this Chervo polo, especially on the backswing. It makes for a really cool visual that screams “power” and “grace.”
6. Min Woo Lee (AmazingCRE & Nike Golf)
Greg summed it up best….”I’ve seen a lot of things in the world of golf fashion, but I had to do a triple-take on this one. Min Woo Lee showed us why the short-sleeve, quarter-zip sweater with banded cuffs is the layering piece we didn’t know we needed. I didn’t even know such a thing existed! Throw in a camo pattern with skulls and this is next-level. Thanks to Min Woo for providing the fashion fireworks during a fairly pedestrian weekend. He is the vibey-est player in professional golf right now.”
5. Eric Cole (Primo Golf & FootJoy)
If Min Woo Lee was the vibey-est player of 2023, Eric Cole was a close second. Cole’s Primo Ankle Band Joggers and FootJoy Golf Sneakers were an interesting fashion juxtaposition. Wear what you want but own what you wear. Eric owned it.
4. Justin Thomas (Greyson Clothiers & FootJoy)
These Glasseye Pink Montauk Trousers are sophisticatedly bold! And the patent leather on the heel of the FJ x Todd Snyder Premiere Series feeds the black “wolf” polo nicely, wouldn’t you say?
3. Sam Ryder (Greyson Clothiers & FootJoy)
Sam Ryder killed it in the cardigan. It is old-school cool. The Cheyenne Cardigan Sweater from Greyson took us back to the Golden Era of the game. Cardigans can be a bit tricky. Do it wrong, and you’ll end up channeling Mister Rogers rather than Arnold Palmer. Not the case for this five-time Threadies winner. Ryder nailed all the details, and the emerald green trousers added a splash of color.
2. Keith Mitchell (Sid Mashburn & FootJoy)
No one does “old school” better than Keith Mitchell. I could have selected any number of his outfits for this post, but the luxurious cashmere crewneck, cuffed windowpane trousers, and the rattlesnake print on his FootJoy x Metalwood Studio wingtips made this one a no-brainer. Keith Mitchell is a throwback to the era of golf fashion that preceded today’s athleisure fits.
1. Billy Horschel (Ralph Lauren & FootJoy)
Choosing between Keith Mitchell and Billy Horschel for the best fit of 2023 was tough! It’ll be interesting to see who comes out on top for this year’s Threadies. I easily could have populated my entire top ten list with Billy-Ho and Cashmere Keith, but that wouldn’t have been any fun, would it? Here is my very scientific explanation for determining my ranking; the RLX Golf Washable Cashmere Hooded Sweater is my go-to gift suggestion when people ask what to buy for the man in their life. It also happens to be my go-to sweater for any occasion. I just love it! But the biggest reason Billy edged out Keith is that Billy-Ho in patterned pants makes me irrationally happy. These Bandana Patchwork print trousers brought me back to the Octopus pants he wore at the 2013 U.S. Open. That’s it. That’s my list and my reasoning. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below. Happy holidays!