Golf has long been associated with tradition, etiquette, and a conservative style that rarely ventured beyond classic polos and understated khakis. However, 2025 marks a significant turning point, as a vibrant new generation of professional golfers has emerged, dramatically redefining golf fashion with fresh perspectives and bold choices. This wave of young talent is influencing the sport through their exceptional skills and distinctive personal styles, which effortlessly blend performance and contemporary fashion.
At the forefront of this stylish revolution is Norwegian golfer Viktor Hovland, who has become synonymous with bold sartorial choices, partnering with the avant-garde brand J.Lindeberg. At the 2025 Masters, Hovland’s attire featured striking patterns, sophisticated colour palettes, and contemporary silhouettes, effortlessly combining traditional golf wear’s elegance with high fashion’s audacity. His outfits, often discussed and admired widely on social media, showcase how the modern golfer can embrace individuality and innovation without compromising the sport’s standards.
Swedish talent Ludvig Åberg represents another pillar of this fashion evolution, embodying the retro revival trend through his collaboration with Adidas. At Augusta, Åberg captivated audiences by sporting pieces from Adidas’ “Originals” golf collection, a range inspired by the classic streetwear aesthetics of the 1970s and 1980s. The collection includes reinterpreted versions of iconic sneakers like the Stan Smith and Samba, explicitly modified for performance on the fairway. Åberg’s style resonates particularly with younger audiences, bridging the gap between golf’s storied past and its vibrant future.
Meanwhile, Australian Jason Day has also turned heads by embracing streetwear-inspired fashion on the golf course. Day’s collaboration with Malbon Golf at the 2025 Masters prominently featured pieces that merged golf attire with urban fashion influences. His choice of a unique sweater vest marked with a distinctive Malbon Golf championship insignia illustrates how streetwear elements are seamlessly integrated into professional golf attire. Day’s style underscores the broader cultural shift towards a more relaxed, expressive aesthetic within the sport, which would have been unthinkable only a few decades ago.
On the women’s golf scene, Danish star Emily Pedersen is redefining perceptions around female golf apparel. Pedersen’s partnership with Under Armour has produced a range of modern, high-performance outfits that defy traditional expectations. Her approach to style on the course combines sleek functionality with contemporary, stylish designs, inspiring aspiring golfers worldwide. Pedersen’s influence highlights the importance of inclusivity and diversity in sports fashion, encouraging greater representation and broader appeal across demographic boundaries.
Australian prodigy Karl Vilips made significant fashion headlines when he became the first professional golfer to sign with Tiger Woods’ clothing line, Sun Day Red. Vilips’ youthful energy and innovative style choices at his debut PGA Tour event in 2025 have generated considerable excitement. His association with such a legendary figure’s brand indicates a promising future for golf fashion, where classic elements are invigorated by youthful exuberance and modernity.
These young golfers aren’t just influencing fashion but reshaping golf’s cultural landscape. Their distinctive styles often reflect their personal journeys, backgrounds, and broader societal trends. This new generation actively challenges the conventions of the game, inviting broader audiences and encouraging younger spectators and players to engage with the sport.
Social media has significantly amplified the impact of these fashion-forward golfers. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter have become key spaces for fans to discuss and emulate their favourite golfers’ styles, creating vibrant communities around these new style icons. The immediacy and reach of social media mean that a striking outfit worn by a golfer like Viktor Hovland or Ludvig Åberg can quickly become a global trend.
Brands keenly know this potential and increasingly turn to these young golfers to lead innovative campaigns and collections. Fashion-forward labels such as J.Lindeberg, Adidas, and Under Armour see immense value in partnering with these style influencers, recognising their ability to set new fashion benchmarks that resonate beyond traditional golfing circles.
The practical aspects of this fashion evolution should not be overlooked. These contemporary golf apparel collections are not merely aesthetic; they incorporate advanced fabric technologies designed to optimise athletic performance. Features such as moisture-wicking materials, flexible fibres for enhanced movement, and temperature-regulating textiles ensure that players perform at their best, comfortably and stylishly.
For those inspired by these young professionals and their innovative fashion choices, specialist retailers like Function18 offer an accessible avenue to integrate similar styles into their wardrobes. Function18 curates collections from leading golf fashion brands, including Adidas, J.Lindeberg, Under Armour, and Nike, providing golfers with the latest and most stylish professional gear.
Looking forward, the continued influence of these young style icons suggests an exciting future for golf fashion. Blending traditional golfing attire with modern, expressive styles enriches the sport’s aesthetic appeal and broadens its cultural relevance and accessibility. Through its new style ambassadors, golf is becoming more inclusive, engaging, and exciting to watch and play, ensuring the sport’s vitality for future generations. The bold choices made by these young golfers today will undoubtedly set the stage for even more exciting fashion innovations in the years to come.
