After trying every sport imaginable growing up as a child, Justin Hines' parents realized he had better concentrate on school in order to be successful at something. Hine's grudgingly listened. However, he still hasn't given up hope of making the PGA Tour someday. But, baby steps. First, he has to break 90. These aren't the runways of Paris, Milan or New York, but the Bermuda grass fairways of the PGA Tour are playing the part of any fashion show in those cities.
With young golfers such as Ian Poulter and Rickie Fowler being defined by their style just as much as their performance, fashion itself has become a focal point in the game of golf.
The modern day fashion trend seems to have been rooted in the same soil as a majority of the success the PGA Tour has been… Tiger Woods. Wearing a red shirt on Sunday, unintentionally symbolizing the target on his back, Tiger revolutionized not only the game of golf, but the fashion as well. He gave meaning to the clothing that golfers wear beyond the collared shirts and slacks that have defined the professionalism of the game for years.
Others have followed in his footsteps, expressing themselves and their game with, of all things, fashion.
Rickie Fowler, the So Cal kid with the "hang loose" positive attitude, radiates that through his all-orange Sunday apparel.
John Daly and his Loudmouth pants reminds us all of the reason we love this guy… he's simply one of us.
Ian Poulter, the outspoken Brit, demands our attention with his pants and outfits, just like he demands attention with his bristling but honest comments.
Finally, Bubba Watson and his school boy buttoned up polo, exudes the modesty and southern hospitality we've come to love from the lefty gunslinger.
All subtle, yet, bold statements through fashion to their friends, fans and foes on how the players approach the game of golf, and their personalities that match. One thing is for sure. It's catching on.
You can't turn on the television and watch a PGA tournament, like the Greenbrier Classic this week, without seeing a couple kids dressed in all Puma gear like their hero, Rickie Fowler.
You can't go to any public golf courses without watching someone step out of their Toyota Prius in an outfit with the looks of a jester from 15th century Europe.
You can't even go to the local golf store without seeing someone in the checkout line with green golf pants and purple golf shoes … to match?
The game of golf is finally becoming fan friendly. Fans can connect through social media, increased visibility, and yes, even fashion.
From here, only time will tell how fashion will play a part in golf in the future. But, for now, move over sponsors, the players are starting to endorse themselves.