For nearly five decades, there has been one universally agreed upon poster boy for effortless golf: Fred Couples.
Beginning in the late ’80s, Couples’ on-course cool was buoyed by his apparel partnership with Ashworth, the laidback, SoCal brand founded by its namesake designer, John Ashworth. Player and polo were a perfect match.
Ashworth left the brand in 1997, only to return in 2024. Needless to say, when it comes to guidance for de-stressed on-course dressing, there’s only one guy for the job. Here are Ashworth’s keys for feeling effortless, because even the king of apparel cool would say that’s way more crucial than looking the part.
Comfort is everything
“It’s kind of cliché, but, you know, form follows function. You want to be comfortable. If you feel comfortable and you feel like you look good, you’re probably gonna play better. Everyone’s got their personal style. Don’t be afraid to lean into it.”
Cotton is king
“I’m into natural fabrics. Not a big fan of all the polyester stuff. Originally, Ashworth’s brand was founded on just kind of going against the grain and offering a natural solution to a way to dress.”
Enter the neutrals zone
“I like all different shades of neutral — blacks and khakis, then popping a little color here and there. Again, natural, not flashy.”
Keep it simple
“Simplicity is a style, too. Sparse and timeless. I love the ’50s and that it was based on, again, neutrals. The ’50s and early ’60s is a great era to look at.”
Yes, even in the 2020s.
Shop these effortlessly stylish pieces
Legend Polo
We took a classic style and reinvented it for the modern man. Our 4-way stretch pique fabric breathes well and wicks away moisture to keep you cool under pressure. We eliminated all stitching and bonded the seams for a clean finished look that moves with you. This polo was built to instill confidence on the golf course or in the office. UPF 50+ Sun protection 100% taped seams // No stitching Breathable performance pique fabric 4-way stretch Firm bonded collar // Maintains its shape wash after wash Laser cut ventilation inside neckline Moisture wicking with odor control Wrinkle resistant // Great for travel
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ASHER Core Short
Crafted with the same premium, versatile material as Core Pant, the New Core Short is the perfect summer short for on and off the course. Featuring our anti-piling, moisture wicking material, the Core Short is versatile for every activity this Summer.
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Highlands Quarter Zip
A refined layering piece in a novel performance fabric. Contoured at the shoulders and throughout the body, this quarter zip allows full range of motion at the tee box.
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TRUE All Day Chino
A timeless style updated for the modern golfer – The All Day Chino pays homage to a classic chino silhouette while offering a functional material that caters to an active lifestyle without looking overly technical. This versatile slim-straight fit chino has a natural matte finish and soft-touch feel, but features a durable nylon material, loaded with stretch and water & stain-resistant coating while remaining highly breathable for warmer days. This technically designed pant is the perfect match for all-day, all season wear – no matter where life’s journey takes you.
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Royale (White/Sky/Ash)
Bringing a modern edge to classic silhouettes. The ROYALE offers a full-grain leather upper and stitched TPU welt insole combining timeless style with elevated performance. Built on the latest FLEXSPIKE outsoles for unbeatable, ghostlike traction. Not to mention, an external heel clip keeping your foot stable and ready for action.
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The post John Ashworth shares the keys to effortless on-course style appeared first on Golf.
