Min Woo Lee and Jason Day Spearhead Change in Golf Clothing Sponsorships
Australian golfers Min Woo Lee and Jason Day make a fashion statement, choosing Lululemon and Malbon Golf over traditional brands.
Australian golfers Min Woo Lee and Jason Day are making waves in the golf apparel landscape, signalling a shift towards smaller, disruptive brands. Lee recently signed with Lululemon, marking the Canadian-American brand’s entry into men’s golf. This move follows Jason Day’s departure from Nike to join Malbon Golf, a streetwear brand making strides in the golf fashion scene.
The trend of golfers opting for new-age brands over established giants is gaining momentum. Xander Schauffele also parted ways with Adidas, choosing Japanese brand Descente. Lululemon’s presence at the PGA Buying & Education Summit suggests ongoing discussions with Min Woo Lee, although the duration of these talks remains undisclosed.
Malbon Golf, having secured Jason Day, is positioning itself as a disruptor challenging traditional golf apparel norms. The brand’s unique and fresh concepts align with the evolving style preferences of modern golfers. Nike, on the other hand, faces the potential departure of more athletes, with several reportedly expressing interest in joining Malbon Golf, according to co-founder Stephen Malbon.
But golf fans haven’t taken quite so kindly to Day’s apparel switch with some people disliking the baggier look.
One PGA Tour LIVE commentator remarked, “There’s just so much fabric”.
👖🗣️“There’s just so much fabric” @MalbonGolf
pic.twitter.com/faslNA88Qi— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) January 5, 2024
The golf apparel landscape is undergoing a revolution, with smaller brands emphasizing fashion gaining prominence. This shift is reminiscent of the broader changes in professional golf, such as LIV Golf pulling big names away from the PGA Tour. As golfers like Lee and Day embrace disruptive entities, the dominance of established brands like Nike and Adidas faces a challenge in the evolving golf fashion landscape.
