The first few weeks of a new golf season are rarely about conclusions – but they are about signals. Who’s sharp early, who’s experimenting, and who’s quietly reminding everyone that they belong.
Here are five takeaways from the world of golf this past week, with a particular eye on what’s happening in apparel – because what players wear often says as much as how they play.
Scottie Doing Scottie Things (Already)
Scottie Scheffler didn’t waste much time reminding everyone who sets the standard. A controlled, almost workmanlike win – the kind that feels inevitable once he gets into rhythm.
What stood out (beyond the golf) was how unchanged everything looked. Same calm presence. Same tempo. Same confidence.
And yes – the same familiar Nike setup, right down to the tan trousers he’s clearly made his own. When you’re world number one, you don’t need to chase trends – you become the reference point. If Scottie’s already this comfortable in January, it may well set the tone for the rest of 2026.
Jason Day and Malbon Turn Heads Early
Jason Day brought a bit of electricity to the opening round, stepping out in a bold new look from Malbon. Including camo-inspired trousers that were impossible to ignore.
This wasn’t subtle, and it wasn’t meant to be.
Malbon’s latest drop feels like a statement: louder, more confident, and unapologetically fashion-led. It fits that Jason Day went with this look. We know he loves the brand he’s been partnered with since 2024. We also know that he’s not afraid to be fashion forward when others seem content to fade into the backdrop. It’s the kind of look that divides opinion, but that’s often a sign you’re doing something right.
No doubt both the player and the brand were more than happy with a T2 finish. They’ll be hoping this is an early season marker of what’s to come.
Bad Birdie Gets Top-of-Leaderboard Representation
Si Woo Kim flying the flag for Bad Birdie was one of the more encouraging sights of the week.
Bad Birdie has long been a disruptor – bold patterns, relaxed fits, and a very clear anti-country-club energy. Seeing that style represented near the top of a PGA Tour leaderboard helps legitimize the space they operate in.
It’s a reminder that modern golf style doesn’t have to mean gimmicky. There’s room now for personality and performance.
After finishing tied just outside the top 10 the week before in the Sony Open. Si Woo must be feeling he is tracking in the right direction at this early stage of the season.
Eight Days, Many More Lessons and a Sunday Stroll With the World No.1: Blades Brown’s Week to Remember
Blades Brown quietly put together one of the more impressive narratives of the week. Eight straight days of competitive golf, culminating in a Sunday grouping that included Scottie Scheffler.
He eventually faded, which is hardly surprising given the physical and mental toll – but the takeaway isn’t the finish. It’s the exposure. The learning curve. The fact he looked comfortable in that environment at all.
It feels very much like a “remember the name” moment. This won’t be the last time we see him in that company.
The Bigger Picture: Comfort, Confidence, and Control
Across all of these moments, a theme emerges: players leaning into what feels right for them.
- Scottie doubling down on familiarity
- Day embracing expressive, modern golf fashion
- Kim representing a disruptive brand with confidence
- Young talent learning on the fly, at the sharp end
Early season golf is about finding your footing. And that applies just as much to apparel as it does to form.
Final Thought
None of this decides how 2026 will play out – but it gives us clues. About who’s settled, who’s experimenting, and where golf style continues to head.
If this week is anything to go by, expect less conformity, more personal expression. A continued blurring of lines between performance wear and genuine style.
We’ll be watching.
What We’ll Be Keeping An Eye On This Week
Looking ahead, attention turns to the Farmers Insurance Open. Which always feels like one of those early-season tests that exposes where players really are after the off-season.
There’s also an added layer of intrigue with the somewhat controversial return of Brooks Koepka to the PGA Tour. Whatever your view on the wider landscape of professional golf right now, Koepka’s presence inevitably sharpens the narrative. It will be fascinating to see how that plays out both on the leaderboard and in the background.
As ever, we’ll be keeping an eye not just on results, but on the details. Who looks comfortable, who’s experimenting, and which stories start to quietly build momentum before the season really finds its stride.
