Fall Ball Fashion

After four days of rain, with temperatures leveling out in the 60s, it's clear to see that fall is here, and that means it's time to say goodbye to golf shorts and Have A Day visors. This time of year calls for its own style, a warmer fit, but one that can be versatile in order to keep you comfortable no matter your tee time. From 1/4 zips, to joggers, winter hats, and even the occasional vest, fall golf is the perfect time of year to layer up with all your favorite on-course apparel. With golf's massive increase in participation over the last few years there has also been a bit of a fashion renaissance amongst players, giving on-course looks mainstream appeal that even Arnold Palmer could not have expected. So if you are looking to upgrade your look for the last leg of the golf season, or if you're just trying to stay warm while attempting to break 90, here are my Fall Ball Fashion tips to consider this season to keep you feeling as hot as you hope your putter will be.

1. Go-To Winter Knit

My #1 recommendation for fall is finding yourself the perfect winter hat that you will want to wear from start to finish of your round. Some hats run small, others runs big, some are too warm, and many aren't warm enough, so it can be hard to find the right hat for you. Now, since the fall does tend to bring some cold and rainy days, getting something waterproof is never a bad idea, though they do tend to be a bit less comfortable. I myself like to buy hats as souvenirs when I get to a pro-shop, especially if it's a destination course, and sure the price tags are typically higher, but buying from a pro-shop means you are getting something made for-the-course. Really, comfort is the key, so as long as it feels good on your head, you can keep your focus on hitting the ball.

If you'd like a to pick up a new hat before your next round, my personal on-course choice has been the beanies from Destination Happiness, a local NJ apparel brand spawned from the heart and mind of my guy Robbie. They aren't specifically built for golf, but the material is perfect for keeping you warm, and they're super comfortable on, or off the course. I currently have one in black, blue, and tan, and I am sure I will be adding another to my collection in the future, since they are currently 20% off!

2. Vest Up

A vest is a unique article of clothing, and one that comes in many shapes and sizes. Not thin enough to be a shirt, not sleeved enough to be jacket, and quite often covered in argyle. With just a change in the material a vest can can be a stylish piece of streetwear, or the third piece to your wedding day attire. I myself became a vest man at an early age, a decision made by my mother since she was the one buying me clothes, but none the less, my years in sleeveless sweaters have taught me the ways of the vest, and the versatility that they can offer, especially when it comes to golf! Fall ball typically means cold mornings and warm afternoons, so having a piece of outwear that can transition through the temperatures can be really helpful. Additionally, with mobility in mind, a vest will have you feeling much less stiff than you would in your bulky winter jacket, though that does cut down on your list of excuses for your golf swing. I would generally recommend something waterproof, or at the very least water resistant, and while I prefer those with zippers or snaps, there are many that come in a pullover style as well.

If you are looking to pick up a vest this season take a look at the Perry Vest from Holderness and Bourne, or for a more modern look, you can try the Core Hooded Vest from Solo. Only the Solo vest is water resistant out of these two, but both are insulated with premium fleece materials, and while the Perry is going to run you an extra fifty bucks or so, the quality out of H&B will not disappoint. Either way, both options are a great way to have you looking good, and hopefully playing even better.

3. Golfers Are Like Onions

If the reference above is not landing with you, please go watch Shrek again. If you've done that and you are still not getting it, then I am not nearly as clever as I think I am, nor as funny...that said, we are talking layers people! I mentioned it briefly in the intro but the true key to dressing for fall golf is making sure that you have enough layers to withstand anything that mother nature can throw at you. I've played Fall ball through rain, through snow, in winds that could make your ball fly backwards, and even the rare, yet always welcomed, 85 degree day in November. You never know what you're going to get out on the course, and it's important to be prepared for anything, especially if you are really trying to lower the handicap before the season ends. My typical on course fit includes a polo, maybe a long sleeved thermal under that, some sort of sweatshirt or quarter zip, and quite often a vest as well. You'll rarely find me playing Fall golf in shorts, though it has happened, and while I will typically start out with a regular golf hat on, the winter knit is always in my bag in case my ears start turning blue. Now, I am not suggesting you wear your entire wardrobe to the golf course, but having a few options, especially those that can be layered, will ensure that you have what you need to battle the elements, and your playing partner.

My go-to sweateshirt this year has been the UNRL x Barstool Golf Crossover Hoodie ll, a hooded, and water resistant, piece that has kept me warm through numerous rounds. Though I am still new to wearing something with a hood on the course, I really like it because it's big enough to fit over your hat, but doesn't sag to bother my eyesight while swinging. The come in a few different models, and colors, and are currently available via their website, as well as at PGA Superstore.

It occurred to me towards the end of writing this that there may be some readers that do not not know the true meaning of "Fall Golf". Those that rarely see temperatures in the 60's, wear shorts all year round, and don't know the pain of trying to find their ball under piles of leaves. Sure it can be frustrating, sometimes even uncomfortable, but there is still nothing quite like it. The feeling of the crisp fall air from the first tee, the fairway dew glistening as the sun risers, and even the ringing in your hands after a thinned 5-iron. Fall golf is certainly favorite, and perhaps with the right attire, it can become of favorite of yours too!