Nike funk up the style

Rory and friends get new Nike Polo's

Nike are constantly challenging the status quo in golf. Where three piece suits and brogues were once the on-course norm Nike are keen for golfing attire to evolve with what they call “progressive” apparel. So to make sure you’re as individual on the course as off it they’ve come up with a whole new range of polo shirts, Flyknit ankle boots and Hyperwarm tights.

Nike say their new polo designs, with modern cuts and collars show this evolution by athletes to select the look that best suits their personality. Collars come in blade, roll and classic designs while you get fit options from standard — for a relaxed, comfortable fit — to modern slim, which offers maximum mobility and modern style.

As Rory McIlroy explains, “I wanted a great fitting polo. I wanted something I could pull on at the beginning of my round and not think about again until after the last putt.” The Nike MM Fly Blade Polo met this ask with lightweight, Dri-FIT fabric and ergonomic seams for a full range of motion. The new blade collar design provides comfort with a minimal rib design and a refined look. “When they finally let me try their prototype polo,” he said, “I thought: this is it! I really didn’t want to give it back.”

The new designs aren’t just for Rory either. The new MM Fly Framing Commander Polo has a perforated collar and breathable Dri-FIT fabric thats been attuned to Thorbjorn Olesen’s desire for individual expression.  “Anytime I can have my off-course style blend in with my on course style, it’s a big thing for me,” Olesen elaborates. “The clothes we wear on the course almost become an expression of our personality.”

Nike’s thinking has been concentrated on just polo’s either. There’s a new Flyknit Chukka street style boot which they say brings a fresh new aesthetic to the fairway and a sustainable twist to the sport. Flyknit’s actually a new manufacturing method that enables designers to micro-engineer every stitch to create a featherweight, formfitting one-piece upper whilst also reducing manufacturing waste and materials. 

The style upgrade also stretches to new Hyperwarm performance tights. Whilst figure hugging tights are a regular fixture with runners and in the gym Nike reckon theirs are perfect for tackling the course, providing a locked-in feel and the disruptive new aesthetic that Nike are big fans of.