In a world of mostly scripted outfits, who’s boss?
What players are wearing is a topic that’s getting discussed more in the media. Many months in advance, apparel brands plan what their paid ambassadors will don each day of the major tournaments. Some pros are highly involved in this decision-making, and others less so. Depending on their clothing deals, many have carte blanche to wake up and put on whatever they feel like. The game has a history of famously sharp dressers – Hall of Famers like Walter Hagen, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Chi Chi Rodriguez and Seve Ballesteros quickly come to mind, but so do golfers like Calvin Peete, Steve Elkington and Jesper Parnevik. Who is carrying on the tradition best today? To select seven player finalists and crown Golf Digest’s “Best Dressed on Tour” for 2025, we assembled a panel of five judges with extensive experience in the world of fashion inside and outside golf. The debates were caustic at times, including one memorable outburst in the early rounds: “Too many of these guys are boring, unkempt and without any panache. Most need a sitdown and talking-to!” To be sure, any such conversations will be private. But the seven players here, including our overall winner, Victor Perez, openly offer dapper direction for us all.
Main image: Cameron Young, Billy Horschel, Keith Mitchell Above: Erik van Rooyen, Jason Day and Victor Perez. Getty images
The judges
Alexandra O’Laughlin
A journalist and influencer known for her work in golf, fashion and luxury travel, the former collegiate golfer brings an insider’s perspective to covering golf’s destinations and personalities.
Billy Jones
A music industry vet who has produced songs on Grammy-winning albums, he is the cofounder of Gold Links, a media collective at the intersection of golf and urban culture.
Stephanie Szostak
A former collegiate golfer, the French-born actress is best known for her roles in “The Devil Wears Prada”, “Iron Man 3”, and “A Million Little Things”. She is also the author of the book Selfish.
Todd Snyder
The creative director for Woolrich has also grown his namesake label into a luxury brand with sales of $US125 million annually. Won WWD Honours Menswear Designer of the Year in 2024.
Marty Hackel
Golf Digest Contributing Editor and former fashion director for 16 years. Beloved for his no-nonsense approach to clothing, he has styled US presidents, actors and major champions.
Victor Perez (best dressed winner)
Snyder: “Classic with a twist. I love how Victor layers, always selecting a sweater that enables the polo to show, a detail to which many other players are oblivious.”
Szostak: “This is the epitome of understated elegance. Less is always more in my book. Not to favour a fellow Frenchman, but Victor clearly knows what works for him and sticks to it.”
O’Laughlin: “Quiet luxury. This is a guy you invite to your club, or to meet the parents, and you do not have to stress about what he will be wearing.”
Jones: “He makes very simple outfits feel expensive.”
Hackel: “Owns everything he wears with the confidence of his demeanour. Probably the only tour pro who could get dressed in the dark and still look incredible every time.”
Primary Clothier: B. Draddy
Erik van Rooyen
O’Laughlin: “Erik has the natural athletic frame to make his bold modern look work. His golf shoes must be incredibly comfortable because he keeps them in constant rotation.”
Hackel: “Not a guy who just opens the box and puts on the clothes. I bet he lays them on the bed and uses his imagination. One of the few pros that gives the impression there are no happy accidents.”
Szostak: “No fear with loud shirts, hoodies, joggers and ankle socks. Be you, Erik! But when you wear those joggers, are they actually comfy?”
Primary Clothier: Grayson
Cameron Young
O’Laughlin: “Cameron has man-of-the-people style with just the right amount of accessories to stand out. The Masters belt is the golf-fashion equivalent of a knowing wink.”
Jones: “Uses his hair to amplify his looks and his shoe collection is fire.”
Hackel: “Not afraid to march to his own drummer and make bold choices. He wears super tight pants with looser shirts. You might say his outfits need more balance with fit, but you always see his great FootJoy shoe collection because his trouser bottoms always just touch the tops of his shoes.”
Primary Clothier: Peter Millar
Jason Day
Jones: “The blend between real streetwear and performance is top notch, and he has just enough swag to pull it off. Day is pushing golf-fashion forward and trying things that are more inclusive to the amateur golfer.”
O’Laughlin: “These sweats are cosy, clean and confident – like an off-duty model. His looks say, ‘I don’t need to try, but I still outdress you.’”
Szostak: “Love the boldness. Don’t want him to turn into a billboard or fashion victim.”
Primary Clothier: Malbon Golf
Keith Mitchell
Szostak: “Love the all-cotton button-down shirts, cardigans, cuffed and pleated slacks. Pure nostalgia but Keith wears it all with an air of nonchalance.”
Hackel: “Golf Digest’s inaugural Best Dressed on Tour winner has that touch of Arnold Palmer. It’s evident in not just what he wears but how he wears it. Plus, his watch selection is polished and knowing.”
Jones: “He has a relatable, everyday-golfer chillness. His look is always comfortable, never forced.”
Primary Clothier: Sid Mashburn
Billy Horschel
Szostak: “This is when the man wears the clothes, and not the other way around. Not afraid to take a chance on colour, but he’s often classic All-American vibes of solid reds, whites and blues.”
O’Laughlin: “While I’m not sure how much input he has in his attire, I love how he always makes the look his own with his great shoes.”
Jones: “Has the look that a the 40-plus demo can aspire to dress like. There’s a level of calmness to his style that matches his personality.”
Primary Clothier: RLX/Ralph Lauren
