In my view, the best thing about nearly all of the new golf apparel lines in recent years is that they include many items that transition seamlessly between the golf course and "real life."
Let's be honest: Once golf season starts, many golfers (like me) don't wear anything BUT golf clothes. Polos, wind jackets, slacks, shorts. Heck, with the new molded rubber and plastic traction systems on the soles of many golf shoes, I often wear golf shoes all day.
Here are some of our favorite togs, for men and women, for the 2017 season.
Carnoustie Sportswear
Relative newcomer Carnoustie Sportswear is rapidly becoming a major player in the high-fashion golf wear world. The company's breathable, flexible, shape-maintaining mélange fabric is adorned with block color patterns for 2017 in seasonal colors like amethyst, melon, and sky.
My personal favorite so far this year is Carnoustie's new shoulder-stripe quarter-zip pullover ($106). It's soft, thin but warm, and appropriate for the first tee, last call, and most occasions in between.
Antigua Golf
Golf polos are the ultimate "flex wear" – as long as the colors aren't gaudy and there's no giant logo on the chest, they're appropriate for all but the most formal situations.
Antigua consistently offers great fitting, long-lasting golf polos that wick moisture, hold their color, and resist shrinkage for years – years and years. I have Antigua shirts from seven years ago that still fit and feel like new. For 2017, Antigua has introduced a number of blocky color patterns. The two-toned gray-and-black Streak shirt ($65) is not only a great golf shirt, but it goes great with a pair of black slacks for dinner at a nice steakhouse. Throw a sport coat over it, and you'd even fit in at the swanky restaurant in the Old Course Hotel.
Tail Activewear
For the ladies, Tail Golf offers a wide array of activewear that looks amazing on the golf course, in the clubhouse, or pretty much anywhere else. The Instant Spark and Melrose Avenue lines are all-new for 2017, and include golf-appropriate tops, shorts, slacks, skirts, and dresses. Stretchy, form-fitting fabrics are so pretty, your husband, boyfriend, or, well probably even strangers, will be begging you to come golfing with them…even if you don't really play.
Tattoo Golf
Maybe your idea of off-course fun isn't cocktails in the clubhouse or strolling the boardwalk with the family. Maybe you're thinking some loud, live music, copious beer, and … well, let your imagination go. Tattoo Golf is the perfect fit for this more, shall we say "free-spirited" lifestyle.
For 2017, Tattoo Golf introduces the Hazard Polo ($60), with bold full-length plaids in several color combos. Tattoo's shorts are some of the most comfortable on the market, always spacious but never baggy ($55-$60). And they come in some wild patterns OR subdued solids, which will go with more conservative shirts, too.
