The biggest bouts of the Players Championship
FootJoy and Buscemi sequel, Victor’s Golf Fashion Facts, Min Woo’s Vibes, and JT’s Nosy Polo. We detail the fashion scene at TPC Sawgrass.
FJ’s John Buscemi
sequel. Often, a sequel doesn’t live up to the original, but such was the case with the latest collaboration between FootJoy and West Coast street style icon Jon Buscemi. When they teamed up last year on buttery Premiere Series Packards and Tarlows, I didn’t think many could top them. This year, they decided to restart it with two models from The Players Shoe – Premiere Series Fields and Wilcoxs. Which is better? This is like choosing between Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back in the day.
The 2023 collection features a speckled midsole, Pulsar Low Profile cleats, and gold accents around the heel, a nod to The Players Championship trophy. No doubt FJ is on another level with her collaboration, word is there are even more drop-dead to come.
Victor Hofland (J.Lindeberg & Nike)
The good with the bad. Speaking of iconic entertainment from yesteryear, The Facts of Life was a hit TV show in the 80’s. Tottie and Blair and Natalie and Joe and Mrs. Garrett were must-sees before must-see television became a thing. The series even featured a young George Clooney and Molly Ringwald. It also had a theme song that started, “You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have the facts of life.”
Nothing better than explaining the facts of Victor Hovland’s fashion choices. On Thursdays and Fridays, I was ready to crown him with his green-and-green outfits and modern hues of classic J.Lindeberg designs. Unfortunately, he’s lost his way by the time Sunday rolls around and his choice to pair the color banned Lars Polo With khaki pants that had me shaking my head. Same thing Victor.
so what happened? Well, check out his script below. He seemed to be fine staying within the script, though he did switch up a few things earlier in the week. But, do you see khaki pants anywhere in this text? I do not think so.
Loud warning! Let’s stop blaming brands, designers, and stylists for their poor fashion choices and preferences. This is not limited to Hovland. Not to name names, but there are plenty of designers and stylists working to create cohesive and elegant looks for gamers, but let their eyes go when players flip the script or don’t venture out of their comfort zones.
I know mixing and matching greens may not be for everyone, but sign in with me. Green is a trendy color this spring, and nailing the right contrast of two different tones gets you in all the right tones.
Sam Ryder (Greyson Clothiers & FootJoy)
Go green. More green on green. This guy doesn’t need a script, but he got it right. If you weren’t going to be wearing green this spring, what would you be?
Justin Thomas (Greyson Clothiers & FootJoy)
Nosy GT. Grayson is known for its intricate prints, and Justin Thomas debuted the limited edition Polo Sawgrass Curiosities It was a tribute to Sawgrass when it was part forest and part swamp, and snakes, alligators, goats, and deer called the area home. This is as much a work of art as it is a polo shirt.
Min Woo Lee (Amazing CRE & Nike)
Deceiver – his pills are like a villain. Love him or hate him, Min Woo Lee’s look is one of a kind. From retro-wrapped Oakleys to punk dugouts to mullet to golf keeper, Lee brings such big energy to the fairways…and he’s got the swagger to pull it off. As much as ’90s vintage designs have dominated golf fashion in recent years, I couldn’t help but get a whiff of the midriff with its mock neck and back pocket flap. We’ve been tracking Min Woo’s style for a few years now, but there’s still an air of mystery with his clothing sponsor.
Amazing CRE is a Korean brand that stands for Amazing Creation. The threads look very technical and have an affordable price. Seems like another reason to head to Asia for a little shopping.
Is it just me, or is your crystal ball showing this guy covered in boots (beyond just his boots) in two years too?
Tommy Fleetwood (Nike)
What’s old is new again. While the ’90s are back in a big way, Nike has redirected the retro movement to… 2010? correct. With the big cat tying FJ shoes these days, Nike has relaunched one of its most iconic shoes, TW’13, a few weeks ago. Tommy Fleetwood is the first tour player I’ve seen put them into play. I have to say, they mesh well with his style. While golf enthusiasts flocked to these kicks 10 years ago for their “retro” quality, the question arises: “How old does a shoe have to be, to be considered retro?” I say at least 20 years old. 10 years doesn’t seem like enough for something to be great again.
See also: Tiger Woods Golf Shoes: Through the Years
Justin Rose (Bonobos and Puma Golf)
It’s a shoe inside. Justin Rose is one guy who probably has a lot of vintage sneaks in his wardrobe. Seems to have the same goal as me…try every golf shoe on the market. Michael first detailed J-Ro’s odd shoe ways in 2019, and he hasn’t stopped switching up shoes since then. Nobody benefits more from being a free shoe agent. Remember, he won at Pebble Beach just a few weeks ago at Air Jordan 1 Lows. Now he’s riding around in Puma’s new Ignite Articulate.
I just imagine Justin rolling into the local Galaxy golf game, tossing one of each shoe into the cart, tapping his Mastercard at the checkout, and loading up his truck with a bushel of fresh kicks. Maybe that’s not the way things are.
Ben Griffin (Holderness & Born & Footjoy)
Carolina Blue. You will hear a lot about it Holderness and Born me this year. I love what this brand does, and they’ve also put together a neat team of tour players. Everyone needs light blue pants in their golf wardrobe this spring. It’s no surprise to see Griffin, a UNC Tarhill, rocking a Carolina Blue. For me, the belt really makes this outfit as it creates a seamless transition from shirt to pants. Simple, sophisticated and elegant.
Keith Mitchell (Sid Mashburn & FootJoy)
Old school is cool. Just our weekly “This Week in Keith Mitchell Fashion” spotlight.