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Real Golfer Glow Ups

8 Golf Digest staffers get a wardrobe upgrade from our resident expert
March 31, 2025
Photographs by Conor Ralph

It would be fitting if our writers were the worst-dressed department at Golf Digest. Although the entire company works digitally, of course, some still like to refer to themselves as “ink-stained wretches” in the tradition of great journalists whose mental bandwidth was solely and nobly devoted to the craft at the expense of personal presentation, among other things. In the past, we’ve worried about what the photographers and art guys would wear to shoots at higher-end private golf courses. An argument could be made our technology and business folks keep it freshest, but the reality is, we’re all golfers and it’s hard to tell us apart after we clock out. Overall, we dress decently, but we could do better. So, we asked Contributing Editor Marty Hackel, aka Mr. Style, to perform some makeovers, er, “glow ups” in modern parlance, at the office on a random Tuesday. His lessons for us can also help you liven your wardrobe in ways that are clean, simple and modern.

MEREDITH BAUSBACK

Vice President Marketing & Audience Development
21.4 Handicap Index

MEREDITH SAYS: "The past few years, life has thrown plenty my way—kids, injuries and a whole lot of chaos. But golf has opened doors I never imagined, and that keeps me coming back for more. This season, my goal is to break 80. It’s ambitious, slightly terrifying, and now that it’s in writing, I guess I’m officially committed. No pressure, right?”

WILLIAMS ATHLETIC CLUB Amelie Hoodie, $195, Tinsley Body Suit, $115, Serena Skirt, $155, G/Fore Gallivan2r Debossed Heart G’s Kiltie Golf Shoe, $175

MATTHEW MUGWERU

Commercial Strategy Intern

MATTHEW SAYS: “I’m still fairly new to golf. My favorite memory is the first time I played a full round at Mosholu in the Bronx, N.Y., with a couple of my college buddies. Talk about stepping into an environment that felt completely different. I remember standing at the tee of the fourth hole, surrounded by all of the trees that frame the beautiful fairway, noticing how the usual roar of the city was dimmed. It felt like I had discovered a hidden world! That’s when I got hooked on golf’s ‘escapist’ personality.”

REDVANLY Stayner Merino Quarter Zip, $215, Tucker Polo shirt, $110, Hanover Pull-On Short, $110, Ashby Bucket Hat, $50, Contender Shoe, $200, Everett Sock, $15

SAMANTHA WU

Associate Marketing Manager
19.0 Handicap Index

SAMANTHA SAYS: “Originally, golf was something I did because my dad wanted me to be involved in a lifelong sport. I played on my high-school varsity team and over time, the game became something that wasn’t just to appease him, but an activity I enjoyed and found to be a big stress reliever.”

J. LINDEBERG Nico Knitted Top, Watercolor Jacquard Pink, $215, Maggie Shorts, $135, Besty Belt, $75, Lei Sock, $25, Women’s Ace Low-Top Golf Sneaker, $175

BEN WALTON

Senior Video Producer
13.4 Handicap Index

BEN SAYS: “Living in New York City makes playing a lot of consistent golf logistically quite difficult. Like most mid-handicappers, my typical round of golf is 88 terrible golf shots and one or two that make me think I could probably go pro if I just practiced a little more.”

PETER MILLAR The Mercer Zip Blazer, $275, Coda Performance Mesh Polo, $115, eb66 Performance Five-Pocket Pant, $160, Excursionist Suede Belt, $200, Drift V2 Sneaker, $175

SAM WEINMAN

Digital Editorial Director
11.2 Handicap Index

SAM SAYS “I don’t actually need to become a great golfer—I just need to believe it’s possible. My ideal day is 36 holes with friends and family who are as excited to play as I am, grinding over every shot but laughing in between, two beers at dinner, asleep by 9.”

B. DRADDY Cool Colt Pullover, $160, Cool Flipper Polo, $120, Brian Pant, $195, ECCO Golf Biom H5, $200

DREW POWELL

Associate Editor
+2.4 Handicap Index

DREW SAYS “To correct what one college coach told me was a lack of on-course confidence, he advised I blast hip-hop and rap through my headphones while standing over a tight tee shot. But my presets include Yacht Rock Radio, and I go to Avett Brothers concerts, so I passed on that advice. Maybe the answer is this new clothing?”

J. LINDEBERG Rue Knitted Polo, $165, Eloy Shorts, $125, Bridget Belt, $85,Men’s Ace Low- Top Golf Sneaker, $175, Percy Sock, $25, Caddie Cap, $55

MAX ADLER

Editorial Director
+.2 Handicap Index

MAX SAYS: “I dream of family golf trips to the great destinations of the world. With four kids in elementary school, my wife and I realize we’re at least a decade or more out. So far, only our son has shown real enthusiasm for the game. Our girls regard golf as ‘boys time’ that they don’t have to spend with their annoying little brother. Telling them they must change their clothes to come along doesn’t help the cause.”

HOLDERNESS & BOURNE The Stowe Pullover, $135, The Perkins Shirt, $115, The Garvey Pant, $165, G/Fore Gallivanter Pebble Leather Golf Shoe, $225, Socks: Feetures Elite, $18

PAT ANDREWS

Analyst, Audience Development
3.2 Handicap Index

PAT SAYS: “I really want to continue working on compressing the ball with my irons and wedges. I have a more sweepy golf swing, which is consistent and works well, but swinging more down on the golf ball and creating good divots has been a general focus now for a few years.”

JOHNNIE-O Featherweight Performance Polo, Tini print, $110, Jupiters Stretch Pant, $128, Cotton Stretch Belt, $128, Dri Release Athletic Socks, $18, Topspin Oxford Leather Sneaker, $178