Golf: Redefining the Modern Clubhouse
In the last decade, golf—a sport once synonymous with exclusivity and formality—has undergone a quiet but profound transformation. No longer confined to private country clubs, golf is now drawing new generations to public courses and newly imagined spaces of connection, where tradition meets a fresh wave of energy and style. This movement has come not only from a broader cultural shift but from an unexpected repositioning of golf as a space for self-expression and community. Together, these changes reflect a new chapter for a game that’s adapting to the spirit of the times, where old rituals blend with modern influences.
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Aesthetic Revolution: Redefining Golf’s Style and Spirit
At the forefront of this change is an aesthetic revolution. Traditional golf attire—plaid trousers, starched polos, and dress shoes—was once as stifling as the rules of private clubs. This eventually gave way to moisture-wicking polos and tailored performance slacks, and although bolder patterns began to emerge, the style still lacked the cultural diversity and inclusivity that today’s golf fashion celebrates, remaining rooted in a narrow vision of the game.
Today, a wave of younger players is reshaping golf fashion with a fresh sense of individuality. Leading this movement is Malbon, a brand founded by husband-and-wife duo Stephen and Erica Malbon, whose sartorial direction combines the sport’s heritage with elements of streetwear, basketball and skate culture, and high fashion. A major sign of this shift came when Jason Day, former World No. 1 golfer, joined Malbon as their first PGA Tour ambassador, sporting baggy fits and bold designs that brought streetwear to the professional stage. Malbon’s collaborations with icons from music, art, and skateboarding, alongside Day’s on-course style, signal to young golfers that this game belongs to them too, blending tradition with today’s preference for bold authenticity.
Photo Source: usatoday
Beyond Malbon, a growing collection of brands is redefining golf fashion for a new generation. Metalwood Studio, founded by Cole Young, revives the vibrant and dynamic spirit of 1990s golf, blending vintage appeal and skate culture to create a style all their own. Quiet Golf, established by Christion Lennon along with brothers Raul and Diego Diaz, combines minimalist design with a focus on mindfulness, creating apparel that reflects the peaceful, introspective side of the game. Students Golf, led by Michael Huynh, encourages players to be ‘students of the game,’ bringing youthful energy and style to inspire curiosity, openness, and a commitment to learning on and off the course. Eastside Golf, founded by Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl A. Cooper, infuses hip-hop culture into the golf world, featuring an iconic logo of a Black golfer in jeans, a hoodie, and a bold gold chain. This imagery champions authenticity, inclusivity, and increased representation for underrepresented communities.
These brands present golf as an open canvas rather than a uniform, celebrating individuality and self-expression. This movement extends to women’s golf apparel as well, with Malbon Women blending classic golf style, streetwear, and high fashion, while Fore All offers lifestyle-driven pieces that challenge stereotypes and empower women, both catering to diverse tastes. Together, these brands bring something for everyone, offering a fresh approach to women’s golf attire with an emphasis on versatility and personal style both on and off the course. Adding to this cultural shift, companies like Jain, Merrill Golf, Llocals, and Radda are reshaping golf culture with diverse styles that invite new players into the fold. Through this “cool” rebranding, golf has found new life among millennials and Gen Z, resonating with values of inclusivity, comfort, and personal style. Significantly, this aesthetic revolution is being led by people of color, whose vision and influence are breaking down barriers in a sport long defined by exclusivity.
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Inclusive Greens: Public Golf Courses as Community Grounds
This newfound freedom in self-expression extends beyond clothing to the very spaces where golf is played. Just as fashion in golf has become a form of self-expression, the game’s public courses are mirroring this openness by redefining what it means to belong. Public golf courses in Los Angeles like Wilson, Harding, and Roosevelt Golf Course have created relaxed, open environments where individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels gather, valuing community as much as the game itself.
These public courses offer something rare—a space where formality fades and authenticity thrives. At Roosevelt, it’s common to see cultural trailblazers—skaters, musicians, actors, and others from various industries—playing alongside locals from all walks of life, connected not only by a shared appreciation for the game but by the rhythm of play and the experience of being outdoors. Such courses reflect a broader social trend toward inclusivity, where people connect in open spaces without barriers. The casual setting invites players to pause and be present with others, blurring the lines between seasoned golfers and newcomers. Projects like Gumtree Golf & Nature Club blend golf with environmental conservation, inviting environmentally conscious individuals to appreciate the natural landscape and engage with the sport in a new way. In these settings, golf becomes less a test of skill and more a ritual of connection—a shared pause from the noise of daily life.
Adding to this inclusive landscape, places like Topgolf have emerged as a significant disruptor in the golf industry. By combining technology-driven gameplay with a vibrant social atmosphere, Topgolf appeals to a diverse audience, many of whom might not have engaged with traditional golf. Its venues offer a casual, communal experience that emphasizes fun and connection over competition, aligning with the broader movement to make golf more open and enjoyable for all.
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A Mindful Shift: A New Kind of Social Ritual
While the evolving style and relaxed environment of modern golf draw people in, it may be other aspects of the game that keep them engaged. For younger generations, whose days are marked by constant connectivity and digital noise, golf provides a rare opportunity for quiet concentration—a time to disconnect and enjoy the slow rhythm of walking the course, taking each swing, and savoring the silence in between.
This meditative quality has transformed golf into a modern form of social mindfulness. It's akin to a "social meditation," where time spent on the green serves as a shared act of presence. Golf here isn't about competition; it's a reminder to be fully present, to listen to the sound of the club meeting the ball, to feel the grass underfoot, and to share a laugh or a moment of reflection with friends. This approach to the game resonates with a generation seeking genuine connection, not through wins and losses, but through collective engagement in something calm and grounding.
The podcast, Group Golf Therapy, delves into this intersection of golf and mental health, exploring how the game serves as a conduit for mindfulness and emotional well-being. Co-hosts Bradford Wilson, Drew Westphal, and Connor Laubenstein engage in thought-provoking discussions that highlight golf's role as a therapeutic outlet, emphasizing its capacity to foster genuine connections and mental clarity.
By embracing golf as a mindful social ritual, individuals find a sanctuary from the incessant pace of modern life, allowing for introspection and authentic interaction. This evolution of the sport underscores its enduring appeal and adaptability, aligning with contemporary desires for meaningful, shared experiences.
The Modern Social Club: Redefining Connection Through Community
In a similar way, the Roosevelt Wine Club offers people a space to connect. Like these inclusive golf spaces, the Roosevelt Wine Club (RWC) was created to make both wine and golf feel more approachable, transforming two spaces that can sometimes feel exclusive into welcoming, accessible communities. Founded by A Refined Curatorial, RWC brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, providing a place to foster genuine connection with others, nature, and oneself. The club cultivates a sense of belonging, where everyone is encouraged to savor both wine and golf in good company.
Each week, RWC curates a selection of exceptional natural wines, paired with thoughtfully chosen music—from classic soul and vintage reggae to old-school hip-hop and jazz—crafting a fun, vibrant atmosphere that invites connection and conversation. The club’s events range from twilight rounds of golf at Los Angeles’s Roosevelt Golf Course to range meetups and wine tastings, all designed to encourage meaningful connection. Here, the emphasis is not on prestige but on shared enjoyment, empathy, and kindness, building a community that’s as socially conscious as it is inclusive.
Much like today’s community-focused golf spaces, RWC encourages people to slow down and savor the experience itself. Just as golf has evolved into a way to engage with others in a relaxed, mindful environment, RWC mirrors this ethos. It invites members to enjoy flavors, engage in conversation, and simply be present, creating an atmosphere where connection is the primary focus—proving that, in both wine and golf, the best moments are those shared.
Other groups, such as Bunker Club—a Los Angeles-based golf community emphasizing inclusivity and diversity for female, queer, and multicultural players—Penmar Social Club, which brings together creatives and locals at Venice’s Penmar Golf Course, and Others Golf Club, which embraces the “underground golf scene” to foster camaraderie through casual events, offer similar experiences. These are spaces where community and curiosity coexist, where connection is the primary currency, not status.
Conclusion
As golf and social clubs transform, they reflect a broader cultural shift toward spaces that prioritize authenticity, inclusivity, and mindful connection over exclusivity. No longer reserved for the elite or defined by rigid tradition, both golf and social gatherings have found new life as open, welcoming grounds where individuals can be themselves. These spaces—whether on the greens, in the lively atmosphere of golf simulator bars, or at wine tastings—serve as sanctuaries from the pressures of modern life, inviting people to pause, connect, and find meaning in shared experiences.
Through style, community, and a fresh approach to tradition, golf has become more than a game; it’s now a social ritual that mirrors contemporary values. More than just a game or a sport (that debate we can discuss at a later time), golf today invites connection, introspection, and representation. Clubs like the Roosevelt Wine Club and others welcome people to join not for status, but for the pleasure of gathering in good company, offering spaces where community and curiosity flourish, and where connections are made—not by privilege, but by presence. The redefinition of golf’s style and spirit signals a new era, where authenticity and inclusivity bring the game to a broader, more connected audience.
