Nike Golf may well be trying to kill the collared golf shirt -- at least as we know it -- while trying to convince golfers that leggings are a worthy part of their golf uniform.
Tiger Woods hates buttons, so the Blade Polo has snaps. Weigh-in guys. Let @nikegolf know what you think. pic.twitter.com/DGBMlQpryp
— MyGolfSpy (@MyGolfSpy) February 16, 2016
In their Spring 2016 line, unveiled at a media event on Monday night in Los Angeles, Nike has a new vision for the collar. On their Blade polo, the collar and button placket -- which actually doesn't have buttons, but rather snaps -- come together in a way reminiscent of the mock turtlenecks beloved by Tiger Woods in the mid-2000s. The shirts have a more tailored fit that appeals to younger and more fit players. It might even have a henley-style look when unbuttoned.
In another polo, the collar exists but flows out of the snap placket and is formed by rolling down the connected piece into a collar. However, there are no flying ends, with the idea that the collar should stay out of the player's way. For the player who wants to pop the collar, so to speak, to protect their neck from the sun, this design should perform well.
Now to the leggings. That's right. Nike Golf has developed golf-specific leggings -- tights, if you must -- that are a layering piece for golfers who might want that extra bit of warmth in the morning. They can be worn underneath pants or shorts, kind of like what a runner might wear. Nike Golf has consistently pushed the idea, through fashion, that golfers are athletes, so this piece isn't that out of the blue.
The @nikegolf layered short. Golf shorts paired with leggings. Zero distraction. Might be getting weird. pic.twitter.com/dM0S0ugazz
— MyGolfSpy (@MyGolfSpy) February 16, 2016
The Flyknit Chukka shoes which drew eyes toward new staffer Brooks Koepka's feet at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions were also on display, and they're available for $190.
