Fall golf is here, and that means, for some of us golfers, it's hoodie season.
I love a great golf hoodie, even if I rarely use the actual hood on my head. The extra material in the back is a nice weather barrier on windy days, and it's a good insurance policy against a little rain.
However, the vast majority of my golf hoodies are made from the same material as my quarter-zips. There's nothing wrong at all with polyester, as it helps regulate temperature and can offer a wide variety of looks.
That said, I've been looking for a more distinguished hoodie with natural materials. A $600 cashmere hoodie seems like a lot, and that's before even thinking about the care instructions. So, what about a material like wool instead?
Wool is awesome. Wool makes the best material for golf socks because it regulates temperature very well, wicks away moisture, gets even more comfortable over time, doesn't absorb odors like other fabrics and can be dyed to look any part. That's basically what you need a hoodie to do, especially on those fall mornings and winter afternoons.
That's why I really like the Greyson Saratoga sweater hoodie. It's made completely from lightweight Merino wool, so you won't feel like you're wearing a coat out there on the course. As soon as you put it on, you'll feel the warmth. The wool feels great on your skin, and there's no real breaking-in to it. It moves well with you, but the wool doesn't stretch out and get loose over time. The wool isn't thick, so there's room for air flow, but this isn't a piece you'll wear by itself when you're playing golf in 40 degree weather.
It looks and feels like a one-piece garment. Of course, there's stitching, but it all feels like one composed piece. A contrasting-color on the cuff of the left sleeve is a nice touch.
The fit is a little tighter than what you might expect these days from Greyson, whose shirts and other hoodies have been taking an increasing share of my closet space. If you want something looser when you play golf, size up.
The Saratoga looks great on the golf course, and it might look even better off the course. It's great for a work function or paired up with jeans or slacks for a date night.
The Greyson Saratoga sweater hoodie is $270. Most golf apparel is sold at a premium these days, and Greyson is no different. There are other cheaper options out there, though not as well made, if you're looking to approximate the same look.
The Saratoga is available in seven colors, and the care instructions are dry-clean only.
