The best golf brands to improve your handicap (and look good doing it)
Look the part and play the part with our pick of the best golf brands to improve your game, from Wilson to J. Lindeberg
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Golf may have once been the reserve of presidents and dorks, but the coolest and best golf brands helping the sport to beat the uncool allegations for quite some time. Headed to the fairway? These labels are there to help you bring out your inner Brooks Koepka, help you feel at the top of your game and put paid to any lingering doubts from haters. Whether it's to freshen up the wardrobe you've been teeing off in for years or you're in need of clubs, gloves, shoes — the lot — our guide to the best golf brands will have you teeing off with a glint in your eye, regardless of your handicap.
While cycling brands might be all about the lycra bibs, running brands the trainers and tennis labels the rackets, golfing requires excellence in everything from the clubs to the tees to the trousers (and yes, they need to be golf-specific). Want to look more like Samuel L. Jackson and less like Donald J Trump on the green? Head right this way for the brands helping you achieve an enviable style handicap whatever your skill level.
What you'll need: a guide for beginners.
Absolute beginner? If you've been invited for a round of 18 holes and have no idea where to start, we recommend you beg, borrow, steal (or just buy!) a set of clubs that include at least: a driver and a fairway driver (in what's known as the woods family), a set of classic irons including a 7, an 8, a 9, a pitching wedge and a sand wedge, as well as a putter. That's eight clubs in total, though players are allowed to take up to fourteen onto the green. You'll need some golf balls and a club bag with that too, of course.
When it comes to clothes, if it's only a single day out on the fairway, you should only need one outfit: a golf-specific trouser or short and tee is better than any old thing, even if you think you could get away with your typical gym clothes. If you don't think you'll be going for many more rounds though, a normal pair of gym trainers will do you fine.
Shop GQ’s edit of the best golf brands…
1/23Malbon
- Brand established: 2017, US
- Hero product: 'Ruddy' Golf Shoe
- Stockists: Malbon, Scottsdale
Starting life as a store in Los Angeles, Malbon Golf was set up by golf-loving couple Stephen and Erica Malbon. On a mission to inspire a younger generation of golfers, it’s already become a brand of choice of such men’s style icons as Justin Bieber and Travis Scott. Upping the style ante, much of the label’s lifestyle clothing is adorned with golf imagery and artwork, created with neutral block colours and punctuated with the twirly Malbon logo. It’s even collaborated with big brands including Nike, New Balance and Mr Porter, inclusive of a Malbon x Nike Tiger Woods collection made with insights from the champion himself. So down with the times is the brand, it even has its own NFT collection.
2/23Nike
- Brand established: 1964, USA
- Hero product: Featherlight Cap
- Stockists: Nike, Scottsdale, Sports Direct
Being the sponsor of Tiger Woods, Michelle Wie and Rory McIlroy among many others, Nike is perhaps the most visible big brand in modern golfing. As you’ll have seen on these Nike-sponsored goliaths of golfing, most of Nike’s collections revolve around failsafe pieces in understated colours. While there are brighter shades and even patterns to be had from one of sport’s most famous brands, even they have been imbued with a restrained air courtesy of neat, tailored cuts and understated branding. There is a lot of product to choose from here, and you have only to look at footage from some of the world’s best to know how beautifully your new pieces will work for your game.
3/23Lululemon
- Brand established: 1998, Canada
- Hero product: Commission Classic Fit Shorts
- Stockists: Lululemon, Mr Porter
Forget everything you thought you knew about Lululemon because a yoga-specific brand this is not. These hyper-quality clothes have not only been optimised for the vinyasa flow: but the Canadian purveyors of yoga pants and running tights also turn its powers of good to the fairway. In the vein of the brand’s other neutral basics, you’ll find a lot of comfortable tapered trousers and shorts here, each item specifically designed for driving and putting. There are classic polo shirts and gilets to be had too, as well as a vintage-style bucket hat that’s perfect for warmer 18-hole excursions.
4/23Rhone
- Brand established: 2014, USA
- Hero product: Golf Sport Polo
- Stockists: Rhone
One of our preferred designers of minimalist gym clothes, Rhone also has a dedicated golf apparel collection that revolves around the muted blues, greens and beiges popular across its other collections. Polo shirts, trousers and shorts are order of the day here, most of which come in sensible shades and shapes favoured by the American game. The main draw — other than long-lasting, high-performance materials — is the option of buying in bulk. While it’s a function currently only available to U.S. customers, we’re keeping our fingers crossed for a UK hook-up: If it’s a new golfing wardrobe you’re after, it’ll be a smart idea to choose a pack of two or three polo shirts or else a few pairs of the brand’s Commuter pants in one go. Even better? You can choose a shirt and short or trouser as a money-saving “kit”. When do we want it? Now.
5/23Fyfe
- Brand established: Scotland
- Hero product: Jura Sunset Harris Tweed Head Cover
- Stockists: Fyfe
To discover more about golf club cover specialist Fyfe we must once again head to the golfing homeland of Scotland: that’s where the Harris tweed used in these designs is sourced. The Hebridean patented material is the basis for many of Fyfe’s beautiful head covers, which vary in size and design to suit every golf bag's contents. For the rainiest of fairways, you can pick up a selection of waxed canvas covers, a material that is also used in tartan-patterned duffel bags made to transport all of your new golfing threads to your next weekend away. For fairway finishing touches, you’ll find no suaver a specialist.
6/23Castore
- Brand established: 2015, UK
- Hero product: Long Sleeve Golf Polo
- Stockists: Castore, John Lewis
Set up by two brothers, it’s taken just seven short years for British sportswear brand Castore to explode across multiple sporting arenas. If there’s one thing Castore does well, it’s building up a portfolio of athletes and partners. Investment from tennis-pro Andy Murray helped to cement Castore on the tennis brand map, and now the signing of seven-time DP World Tour winner Matt Fitzpatrick has given Castore much kudos on the golfing scene too. Castore specialises in navy and neutral golf tops, from short sleeves to long. Its Peacoat long-sleeve golf polo is particularly popular, made with moisture-wicking performance fabric and cut to allow for full movement, all whilst still offering a slim and flattering fit.
7/23Manors
- Brand established: 2019, UK
- Hero product: Bomber Carry Bag
- Stockists: Manors, Ssense
A newbie to the golf wear scene, Manors was set up by golfer Jojo Regan, his friend Luke Davis and now fashion director, Nick Watts. The fact that Manors has a fashion director, says it all. The trio were fascinated by how well old-school golfers, spectators and caddies dressed and so, being less bothered by ‘performance’ wear per se, now represents today’s golfer in the hope of removing the sport’s sometimes ‘snobby’ connotations. Manor’s knitwear is designed, sourced and manufactured in England, with a particular highlight coming from its knitted vests in classic, preppy shades of cream, green and navy. In 2021, Manors shot to fame after teaming up with Adidas, creating a collection that fused the worlds of football and golf.
8/23Under Armour
- Brand established: 1996, USA
- Hero product: Spikeless Golf Shoes
- Stockists: Under Armour, American Golf, Sports Direct
What do the gym bro and the golf guy have in common? Trust in the ergonomic designs of Under Armour, for one. While its gym clothes, weightlifting shoes and collaborations with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson are its best-known attributes, UA has also started doing golf justice with polos, jackets and trousers galore. There are plenty of accessories to be had here too, from golfing gloves and belts to visors and towels. A smart pick for basics and a pair of solid golf shoes.
9/23Mizuno
- Brand established: 1906, Japan
- Hero product: Taylormade QI Golf Iron
- Stockists: Amazon, Scottsdale, American Golf, Jam Golf
First entering the sporting arena as a baseball brand producing gloves and balls, Mizuno later expanded into the golf realm, launching a range of golf clubs in 1933, and now supplies products for a wide range of sporting pursuits. In 1988, Mizuno released its TN-87 set which English golf pro Sir Nick Faldo famously used to win The Masters and The Open Championship in 1990. Tiger Woods was also a loyal Mizuno fan in his heyday, using the brand’s clubs up until around 1996.
10/23Bogner
- Brand established: 1932, Germany
- Hero product: Functional Polo Shirt
- Stockists: Bogner, Mr Porter, Harrods
Starting life as a luxurious ski brand in the 1930s, Bogner Sport has since moved into the golf realm and now, the ‘B’ logo is worn by champ golfers including German Bernhard Langer. There’s no denying it sits on the more expensive side of the golf clothes rails, but that comes down to its balance of especially fashionable form and high-performance function Bogner’s golf polos are quick-drying, made from premium cotton and boast a collar it claims hits the sweet spot between ‘not too narrow and now too wide’. A signature for the brand, it comes in a range of colourways, from pastel hues to bold, heavily branded styles. Also worth consideration is the brand’s chinos, which maintain that stylish, sporty look whilst also being made from a weatherproof and breathable two-way stretch nylon.
11/23Ralph Lauren
- Brand established: 1967, New York
- Hero product: Bear Embroidered Polo Shirt
- Stockists: Ralph Lauren, John Lewis, American Golf
A classic brand that began life making sartorial ties, Ralph soon turned to menswear with the release of the Polo menswear line inspired by its namesake sport. In 1987, Polo Golf was launched for players and spectators alike, and Ralph Lauren now has a specialist, coveted golf line, RLX Golf, of which clothing is made from Ralph Lauren’s own performance fabric. Arbiters of classic style, this moisture-wicking and lightweight innovation stays true to RL style as you’ll know it off the putting green, with those oh so recognisable polos tweaked to an RLX Ralph Lauren spec, with premium airflow to maintain breathability and added stretch to allow for total range of motion as you tee off.
12/23Garmin
- Brand established: 1989, Switzerland
- Hero product: Garmin Approach S62
- Stockists: Amazon, American Golf, John Lewis
Garmin is renowned for its top-of-the-range GPS watches, breaking onto the scene back in 2003 with the Forerunner. Prior to this (and still today, for that matter), the brand produced GPS units for onboard aircraft. The brand launched onto the golf watch scene in 2010 with their Approach S1, preloaded with 5,000 European golf courses. Some 12 years later and its latest golf watch on the market, the Garmin Approach S62, is preloaded with 41,000 full-colour course maps, with a 17 per cent bigger screen and the ability to assess wind speed and direction, so no more guessing. It’s for good reason you’ll see one on many a pro golfer's wrist come competition time. If you're taking your shots seriously, we'd also point you towards the Marq 2 Golfer, the latest and greatest sport-assistant tool watch designed to cut down your shots, guide you around the globe's courses and also sit comfortably on your wrist come dinner time.
13/23J. Lindeberg
- Brand established: 1996, Sweden
- Hero product: Ron Leather Golf Glove
- Stockists: J. Lindeberg, American Golf, Golf Poser
J. Lindeberg has the unique status of being a popular luxury lifestyle brand that began as a golfing enterprise. As golf continues its ascent to true cool sport status, J. Lindeberg is looking likely to be the cult brand to turbo-boost it there. Bold prints are the name of the game here: an unusual quirk for the golfing world, which so often favours muted tones and traditional tartans. Instead, zesty brights and logo-loving vintage-inspired pieces abound. From shoes and golf bags to functional polos, everything here has been crafted to assist your game while standing you apart from the pack on the green. The perfect brand for those among you who love fashion as much as golf. Wallflowers need not apply.
14/23Adidas
- Brand established: 1949, Germany
- Hero product: Adicross Spikeless golf shoes
- Stockists: Adidas, Amazon, American Golf, Capital Golf
You’ll have had to have had your head buried pretty deep in a sandy bunker to have gone this far in life without hearing of Adidas. Beginning life as a brotherly business that broke out to Adidas and Puma, the brand covers pretty much every sporting discipline there is, and as with many of these, the brand’s golf offering shines brightest in the footwear department.
15/23Callaway
- Brand established: 1982, US
- Hero product: Paradym Ai Smoke MAX Driver
- Stockists: American Golf, The Golf Shop Online, Scottsdale
Ely Callaway’s namesake brand is one of the biggest golf manufacturers in the world, and is part of a wider landscape of golf brands including Odyssey and Jack Wolfskin. In 1988, Callaway launched its S2H2 technology, which though no longer in use, helped to shift weight distribution to the front of the golf club’s face to allow for increased distance and accuracy, even on shorter than average shots. Another of Callaway’s innovations is the famous Big Bertha driver; one of the first to be made from stainless steel rather than wood. Today, Callaway Golf’s Rogue ST range is one of its hero product lines, consisting of 15 state-of-the-art clubs.
16/23Skins
- Brand established: 2022
- Hero product: Cabretta golf glove
- Stockists: Skins Golf
Golf gloves: a dull essential that has never felt quite as fun as picking out a new driver or selecting a colourful new putting outfit. It’s an unfortunate tenement of buying for the sport that brand new label Skins is angling to fix. Here, you’ll find the white leather accessory — with a twist. Enjoy such trims as Day of the Dead, Tropicana and Casino Royale on designs that are trusted by the PGA, as well as similarly bright golfing towels and ball markers.
17/23Peter Millar
- Brand established: 2001
- Hero product: Jersey and Shell Half-Zip
- Stockists: Mr Porter, Golf Poser, Peter Millar
Peter Millar is a quality-lover’s dream, offering solid staples made from premium fabrics: unsurprising for a brand that started out in cashmere sweaters. You’ll still find the material in its knitwear department — on quarter-zip jumpers, hoodies and cardis — but you can also go to Peter Millar for quilted gilets, jersey polo shirts, puffer shell jackets and even charming shirts you’ll want to wear for drinks at the club bar for that 19th hole.
18/23Lyle & Scott
- Brand established: 1874, Scotland
- Hero product: Fleece Gilet
- Stockists: Lyle & Scott, American Golf, Trendy Golf
Not all heritage brands are created equal. Some, like the almost 150-year-old Lyle & Scott, make its athleisure as functional as it is stylish. Having been all about knitted garments from its Victorian beginnings, it makes sense that many of these essentials are still knitwear-specific. You’ll find a good spread of options to fill out your golf wardrobe with here, from technical polo shirts to mock neck sweatshirts and slim-fitting trousers built to move with you. Since there’s a solid focus on wool and thick jacquard, this is the perfect option for those teeing off in cooler climes.
19/23G/Fore
- Brand established: 2011
- Hero product: Gallivanter Leather Golf Shoes
- Stockists: Mr Porter, G/Fore, Flannels
One of several labels forging the way for a more relaxed and contemporary take on the often archaic traditions of golf, G/Fore looks to streetwear to inform its collection of apparel, accessories and footwear. Head here for neutral basics with bright accents, from neon golf bags to dazzlingly bright golf shoes.
20/23Wilson
- Brand established: 1914, USA
- Hero product: Deep Red Tour Set
- Stockists: American Golf, Clubhouse Golf
A trusted golf brand with over 100 years in the industry, Wilson is famed for its golf equipment and it can proudly boast that more players have won tournaments and golfing competitions using Wilson golf clubs than any other golf brand, ever, including American golfer Gene Sarazen who was with Wilson for 75 years until his death in 1999. As one of the best golf club brands in the business, Wilson was the first to release specific types of golf club, such as the Wilson Ogg Mented iron in 1933 which was made to move the weight of the club away from the heel to the head.
21/23Kjus
- Brand established: 2000, Switzerland
- Hero product: Shell and Jersey Jacket
- Stockists: Mr Porter, Kjus
Kjus may have origins back in Y2K, but its fascination with golf is decidedly more modern. Turning its perfection of skiwear to the fairway back in 2012, this is a brand that favours two and four-way stretch, moisture-wicking capabilities and warm, waterproofed designs. With fleece-lined sweaters at the heart of its collections, Kjus is the gear you pack for St. Andrew’s as opposed to Cypress Point.
22/23Big Draw
- Brand established: 2020, UK
- Hero product: Fife Shirt
- Stockists: Big Draw
Another brand spanking new proposition, Big Draw was conceived during the pandemic as a fun golf shirt outfitter that would help golfers look forward to the day they could once more step foot on the fairway. The Fife, its first shirt, is a heavyweight cotton build that has the appearance of towelling from afar and the rustic look of denim up close. A corduroy collar (with tartan undercollar), large patch pocket and hidden button half placket all make this shirt as stylish for a weekend ‘fit as a golfing break.
23/23Wolsey
- Brand established: 1755, UK
- Hero product: Reversible Gilet
- Stockists: Golfbase, Wolsey
As one of the oldest British menswear brands, you can trust that quality comes first with Wolsey. In the 1900s, Wolsey provided millions of clothing items to British troops and outfitted many a royal, too. In the 1970s, Wolsey came onto the golf scene, adding the fox logo that still adorns much of its golf clothing in 1974. The name rocketed to the top of the golfwear agenda when English golfer Tony Jacklin took both the Open Championship and US Open title in the brand’s kit. Best known these days for its polo shirts, sweaters and outerwear in a neutral and classic aesthetic, the Wolsey Total Eclipse Stretch Insulator Jacket is ideal for year-round golfing thanks to its lightweight, water-resistant and windproof tech spec.
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