For years, the golf industry was a lot like other sports - doggedly run and controlled by the world of sportswear and sweatshop brand clothing. They ruled the scene and for a long time that was all that people had to work with but times change. Nowadays, it’s a different bag entirely - there are brands focusing on inclusivity, and trying desperately to shrug off the elitist vibe that the sport has held in the public eye for so long.
It’s safe to say that the elite fashion labels that were typically associated with golf are beginning to fall away, replaced with things which are much more casual, and indeed universal. Bucket hats, polo shirts inspired by rugby, golf pants that look like workmen’s gear - these are all normal in golf now.
Clothing nowadays is much more fun and dynamic - it is built for a more energetic golf player. One can argue that the COVID-19 pandemic had something to do with this to an extent. Before the pandemic, there was a trend of older people playing at golf clubs across the UK. The age demographic was typically 65+.
However, this shifted after the lockdown. The demographic now is in the 25-40 range - men who are in the prime of their lives and find golf to be an agreeable social pastime with good friends.
The ultimate trend that we’re seeing when it comes to people who play golf is a shift in clothing to match the changing attitude of its fans.
Golfing clothing is no longer the uniform of the elderly - the gaudy polo shirts, loose-fitting trousers, and big shoes are a thing of the past. The new trend that is emerging is much more unpretentious and unassuming - it’s a reflection of how the negative image associated with golf is slowly winding down.
That’s not to say that elderly people aren’t playing golf at all - many still are - just that the elite image that the game used to hold is now fading away. We all want to be part of this shift because it represents a new age for the sport; an era where people come from all backgrounds and play in clothing reminiscent of what we wear everyday.
The lines are being redrawn to make golf everybody’s game.
So, when it comes to golf, it is important to acknowledge that there is a fundamental shift in the way fashion - and attitudes - are ruling the game right now. The layers of snobbery and elitism which have dogged golf for years now (an image not entirely without truth) is beginning to fade away. Golf clothing is becoming much more casual, simple and enjoyable, and it speaks to the attitudes of its new, younger audience. It’s truly a renaissance if one has ever been seen.
]]>REASONS TO BUY
Stand-out design
All-weather protection from wind, cold and rain
Cuffed sleeves make for an excellent fit
In this Shaw Golf Viking 1/4 zip waterproof jacket review, I took this striking garment out onto the golf course on a damp, cold winter day to test everything from the looks and feel, to the warmth and range of motion on offer - is it one of the best golf tops outside of the big manufacturers? '
How tall am I/what is my build?
I'm 5ft 11in and am of a slim build.
What do I normally wear - does it come up big/small?
I'm normally a medium in every golf garment I wear but, after checking the Shaw Golf sizing chart, I actually went down to a small in this waterproof 1/4 zip. The small was spot on for me in the end. While it was a bit tight to get on and off, it had great length in the arms and body once it was on.
How did it fit/feel/perform?
I'll come on to the bold design shortly, but I was really impressed with the overall performance of this waterproof especially considered the RRP of £49.99. The material is really stretchy, allowing for a comfortable fit and plenty of mobility in the swing. The highlight was the fleece lining on the inside which made this a very warm waterproof too. This worked great on the cold winters day I wore it, but I fear this wouldn't be as breathable as you'd like if you wore it on a warmer day.
The waterproofing works well too. I wore this on one of those mizzly, damp days where the rain is always hanging around in the air - the kind of rain that can soak you right through without the right gear on. The garment kept me dry throughout the round and I'd trust it to handle a more significant downpour too thanks to the seam sealed zips. Simply, it does everything the best golf waterproofs should do when it comes to keeping water out.
As for the design, it took me a while to adjust to the hieroglyphic style print but I really warmed to it after I wore it for a few rounds. In comparison to the block colours of every other waterproof 1/4 zip I could see out on course, I think the design is a refreshing, bolder look that will certainly turn heads on course.
Shaw Golf is making a niche for itself by using some really bold designs on its other clothing - with the polo designs in particular. For me, the design on this waterproof sits perfectly short of being garish while still being a bit different.
Any extra details we noticed?
Alongside the warmth and stretchiness of the fabric, the cuffed sleeves made from an altogether enjoyable experience wearing the 1/4 zip. One of my pet peeves with mid-layers or waterproofs is sleeves that are too baggy or overhang, so the cuffed sleeves made for an unencumbered round of golf.
Can you wear it off the course?
Due to it's bold style, it certainly doesn't look like your classic golf garment when you take it off course - so I don't see why not. Indeed, only the Shaw Golf logo on the left breast reveals that its primary use is for golf.
www.golfmonthly.com/reviews/apparel/shaw-golf-viking-14-zip-waterproof-jacket-review