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Fred Couples of the United States hits off the 5th tee during the first round of The Galleri Classic 2025 at Mission Hills Country Club on March 28.
Golf culture is entering an intriguing new chapter this holiday season as Malbon Golf teases a partnership with one of the sport’s most iconic figures. A recent social media post revealed that Malbon will be unveiling a new apparel/endorsement deal with 66-year-old Fred Couples on December 18th, marking a surprising and potentially influential crossover between contemporary golf fashion and classic PGA Tour cool.
The tease itself, a black-and-white silhouette of a smooth, unmistakable swing, set the golf world abuzz, and fans are now eagerly awaiting the official drop. For a brand known for its blend of modern streetwear sensibilities and golf culture, partnering with a veteran like Couples signals a deliberate move to honor the sport’s heritage while pushing its fashion presence into new territory.
Malbon’s Growing Influence in Golf Style
Malbon Golf has steadily risen as one of the most talked-about apparel brands in golf over the past several years. While traditional golf fashion has long been dominated by performance-centric labels, Malbon’s aesthetic leans toward lifestyle, blending casual attitude with course-ready pieces. This has helped ignite golf fashion discussions far beyond the range and clubhouse, attracting both young players and style enthusiasts.
“There are many people who may have preconceived notions that golf isn’t for them or that they need to fit into a specific box,” Stephen Malbon, co-founder, said. “We want everyone to feel comfortable and happy, both on and off the course. We provide quality products, share stories, and invite customers to be part of our community of like-minded individuals.”
The brand’s appeal increasingly cuts across demographics. High-profile athletes and entertainers have been spotted in Malbon gear, with the brand’s hats, shirts, and knitwear gaining traction both on and off the course. By the time this new collaboration is officially announced, Malbon will have further solidified its reputation as a fashion player with genuine cultural reach.
Adding Couples, a player who transcended eras and whose personal style and relaxed demeanor helped redefine what golf fashion could be, only amplifies that reach.
A Presence That Helped Shape Modern Golf
Couples isn’t just a Hall of Fame-level golfer; he’s also one of the sport’s most recognizable personalities. Known for his effortless swing, longtime success on the PGA Tour, and charismatic presence, Couples has long been considered a bridge between generations of golf fans.
In the early 1990s, Couples helped usher in a less rigid golf style, popularizing softer cotton polos and a more relaxed athletic look that stood in contrast to the stiff, polyester-heavy golf fashion of the time. That influence extends well beyond his on-course achievements; it’s part of why his name has appeal in the fashion and branding world decades after his prime.
Fans remember iconic moments from his career that went beyond the stat sheet: whether it was his smooth tempo on the first tee or his spikeless shoes at the 2010 Masters, Couples always brought a bit of personal flair to the game. Now, Malbon is betting that same flair will translate into a successful apparel line and a mutually beneficial partnership.
Athlete Endorsements and On-Course Presence
From an athlete endorsement perspective, Malbon has been building momentum for years. PGA Tour star Jason Day left a long-standing deal with Nike to partner with Malbon, a move that generated significant buzz as he sported relaxed, street-inflected apparel on tour and used his platform to elevate the brand’s profile.
The company has also expanded its ambassador roster to include a mix of professional golfers: LPGA standout Charley Hull, major champion Jeongeun Lee6, and PGA Tour Champions veteran Jesper Parnevik, among others.
These collaborations and endorsements reflect Malbon’s broader strategy: embed itself not just in golf style, but in cultural currents that appeal to both core fans and new, fashion-minded audiences. Whether it’s a capsule collection with a legendary rock band, a mainstream retail partner, or progressive athletes willing to challenge traditional golf apparel norms, Malbon continues to expand golf fashion’s boundaries in ways few other brands have attempted.
Alyssa Polczynski Alyssa Polczynski is a multimedia journalist covering Major League Baseball for Heavy.com. She has experience as an editorial producer for MLB.com and contributed to the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR). More about Alyssa Polczynski
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