For those who are lucky enough to land a badge to The Masters, I congratulate you. That’s an accomplishment that I’m not sure actually exists…as I’ve entered every year, and have memorized the rejection letter.
I’ve gotten a LOT of questions on what to wear to The Masters. I get it – it’s not a quick and easy decision. I’ve been to ANGC a few times – both practice rounds and tournament play, and I think I can help. Here are a few rules:
1. There will be a TON of walking. I think I saw somewhere that an average Patron walks ~25K steps during a full day. Wear comfortable shoes. NOT golf shoes.
2. Stay away from weird costume gear. You aren’t at the Kentucky Derby, nor are you Rickie Fowler. Your outfit should not stand out…those that try wish they didn’t roughly 25 yards inside the gate.
3. Be very careful with logos. Absolutely do NOT wear anything ANGC. Also, stay away from logos from clubs where you aren’t a member, or that you don’t have a very serious personal connection. You are entering the ground zero of club members, and they take their logos seriously.
4. Watch the elements. Bring a windbreaker if it’s calling for rain. Bring good sunscreen.
From Top Left:
1. Simple White Hat: Subtle logo from your club, a respected golf brand (Bluegrass Fairway shown here – they are awesome), or from somewhere you’ve visited (Sea Island, PVIC, etc.).
2. B.Draddy Tommy Polo: Very little to no humidity in Augusta this time of year, so cotton is preferred. B.Draddy is a great, preferred option. Don’t sleep on Gresham Reed or Arnie McNair. Prefer a fun, spring stripe or a solid. I’d recommend staying away from prints, because you’ll regret it when you see photos of yourself at ANGC in a couple of years. Stay classic.
3. Izipizi Sunglasses: You’ll need sunglasses. I prefer something inexpensive but stylish, like these from Izipizi ($60) or Goodr ($35). I also just got my hands on the Knockarounds from True Linkswear – they are great ($55)
4. Smathers & Branson Dancing Bears Belt: A good place to show off a little character. If you are wearing a club logo hat, stay away from a club logo belt. You don’t need it…you’ll look like a try-hard. Of course, I’m going to recommend a Dead-themed belt. La Matera is a fantastic choice here as well.
5. Rolex Explorer II: Yes, wear your watch.
6. Good Sunscreen: With my history, I’m going to beat this like a drum. Spring for the good stuff. Apply liberally.
7. Duck Head 5″ Gold School Chino Shorts: Let those thighs breathe, brother. These 5″ from Duck Head are so comfortable, and cut just right.
8. Saucony Shadow 5000 Shoes: This is how I lean when I’m thinking about comfortable shoes. 993s are great. Nike Pegasus are great. I’m not big on highly technical running shoes/sneakers. Get something classic.
What did I miss?
Love the Sauconys. A pair of those or the NB equivalent is always a good shoe to have. With that being said, don’t love wearing them in dewey grass in the morning.
Warning against logos and try-hard behavior, then recommending a $200 Dancing Bears belt and a Rolex… is this a parody post?
110% chance a fella wearing a Kiawah polo + TPC Sawgrass hat + Piedmont Driving Club belt is more insufferable.
Since this is a men’s fashion blog, maybe we could compare against someone well dressed, not logo guy? Neither the dancing bears nor elite golf clubs is interesting or shows a unique character. Both are tired and over-worn.
In related news, I saw these recently, which I consider a $400 cry for help.
https://www.smathersandbranson.com/products/dancing-bears-needlepoint-belgian-loafers?srsltid=AfmBOooC11763bs-yjRgDeyd8WjVQSkuGyENJsxYD0km0G6O17EXucyX
Kinda want those (not for $400) but seriously when are brands going to realize that there are too many brands sucking on the dead’s teat (to borrow a phrase from Mr. William Strings). Also, how much money does Jill Le$h really need?
Can’t recommend tennis shoes enough. I wore camp mocs a few years ago and had to ice my ankles that evening in the hotel room.
A real nice weather week in Augusta- should see some fast greens.
Solid list. I will be wearing something similar to the Trust next month. Just swapping the the NB 996.
In other words a regular weekend fit. People think too hard on this. As you mentioned – tennis shoes are a must! If it’s rained (looks unlikely this year) don’t wear your best as there will be mud in a number of areas
Love all the lists, but I am ALL for performance polos. I am from Louisiana and I SWEAT…..things I always bring to golf event or any events that are never brought up but I have handed out or used to lots of other patrons are : Shout wipes and Lens wipes. I become friends with people this way and have gotten thank you beers in return.
I have found a good balance for technical shoes that don’t look so techy like say On Cloud or Hoka. Check out Tracksmith. They make technical trainers and running shoes, but with a simple classic look. I am trying to decide between a pair of the Eliot Runners or the Eliot Range which is their trail runner. Now that I am past the half century mark I need the technical support and cushioning for my feet, but try to only wear my Hokas when I am actually exercising/in workout attire.
Sunscreen was smart to throw in
Having gone on Friday and Saturday this weekend, I would have soaked a cotton polo in sweat, particularly on Saturday. It was WARM in the sun. I may have been ok on Friday, but it got a little warm late afternoon that day as well. I love a good cotton polo, but tasteful tech (e.g. H&B) feels just fine at Augusta. Based on what some of the other patrons were wearing, I felt like I was dressed more than appropriately in H&B polos both days.