A new year means a new “fit”: Before the 2024 PGA Tour season, Jason Day is the latest player to switch clothing sponsors. His new look is very different from the Nike uniforms he has worn for the past seven seasons. Malbon Golf is a lifestyle brand known for its streetwear-inspired designs and throwback look. The Australian is sure to turn heads this year because he’ll be dressed by them.
Since the start of the brand in 2017, Day will be the first PGA Tour player to be supported by Malbon Golf. That was the same year that Day signed a multi-year deal with Nike Golf that ended at the end of last year.
Stephen Malbon, co-founder of the company with his wife Erica, says they met through a common friend on the Tour who is still sponsored by Tony Finau, Day’s old clothing brand. The businessman heard that Day was about to become a “free agent” in the fashion world while asking Finau about his plans for 2024.
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After that, everything went smoothly when Day and Malbon decided to work together, especially after realising that they shared many of the same views. First, Malbon liked how Day behaved on and off the course and thought his personality would fit well with the Malbon name.
“The thing I like most about Jason is how open and honest he is about normal, everyday things.” Malbon says of the former world No. 1: “He wants to put himself out there and be who he is in a respectful way, but he’s not very rigid.” “I really like it. It’s so cool and real.”
The clothing company has grown over the last few years, but there is one thing that has stayed the same: the brand wants to break the mould of what people normally think of as “golf attire.” The main things that the company sells are hoodies, loose trousers, linen shirts and kilties on golf shoes. Malbon says that Day is also trying to change the concept of what is “supposed” to be worn on the golf field. The founder wants golfers to show who they are through their clothes and look for ease and creativity instead of following the crowd.
Malbon said, “[Jason] is texting me from Hawaii right now and all he’s saying is, ‘Dude, everyone looks the same.'”
“I don’t know why you have to wear golf trousers when you play golf,” Malbon says. “How about trousers?” Jason likes to stay in and try new things. He likes to wear vacation linens instead of just synthetic, polyester, dry-fit workout clothes.
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When asked what Day will wear on the PGA Tour this season, Malbon says that traditional styles will still be a part of his closet and that performance fabrics are easy to find for very hot summer days.
Malbon also works closely with Day to make sure that all of the pieces do well in events. For instance, Malbon says that Day asked for an elastic band to be sewn into each arm of his long-sleeved pullovers this week in Hawaii. There is a big winner who likes to roll up his sleeves when he plays. Malbon is all for making changes when they’re needed and putting reality first. Malbon is happy about how Day will be able to try new things with his style as a brand ambassador after those changes are made.
“There are polos, quarter-zips, vests and pants.” But I think he’ll wear it in a slightly different way and add some fun partnerships and loud pieces every once in a while. “He’s going to really blow it up with what he wears to and from the golf course, as well as for five hours on the course,” Malbon says.
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“It makes me wonder who let those guys come into tournaments wearing gym clothes with cameras on them.” Malbon says, “It’s such a great chance to show who you are.” “Jason Day doesn’t even seem like a person if you’ve only seen him in dry-fit Nike for seven years.” He’s so much more than that.”
Don’t think that Malbon will stop sponsoring professionals after Day. In 2019, Charley Hull and Jeongeun Lee6 will both wear Malbon’s women’s line on the LPGA Tour. Jesper Parnevik, 58, will also wear the clothes. The fashion trend has made its way into the professional game.
