The Top 5 US Ryder Cup Outfits

Good Morning,

After JJ Spaun's exciting US Open victory, he's nearly guaranteed a spot on the Ryder Cup team. I had some fun with it on Twitter, but my true expertise is in analyzing golf fashion. Let's dive into the details.e in.

Why It Ranks: I’m a huge fan of the deep V sweater vest. Add in a classic turtle neck? It’s a great look. About to go replicate this look via eBay to add to the closet.
Who Won: Europe clinched a 15½–12½ victory, delaying the U.S.’s return to dominance.
Fun Tidbit: The understated uniforms were overshadowed by Tiger Woods’ intense focus, as he requested less flashy designs to keep the spotlight on the game.

Why It Ranks: This is a classic 1990s golf look, featuring visors and clean lines, and it holds up today. Freddy and Fax look timeless in this photo, and I love the sweater-over-polo aesthetic. Modern golf fashion has strayed from this, sadly. (This style is still worn by about 90% of country club sticks during the shoulder seasons.)
Who Won: Europe pulled off a 14½–13½ upset, stealing the Cup on U.S. soil.
Fun Tidbit: Corey Pavin’s mustache and visor combo became a meme-worthy symbol of 90s golf fashion.

Why It Ranks: This is the only "modern" look included here, and it's solely for the sweaters. I'm not a fan of Ralph Lauren's Ryder Cup team outfits over the past decade. The brand has largely abandoned golf, so why are they still dressing the team? Fuck it, let the interns from Johnnie-O or Peter Millar create something decent.
Who Won: Europe cruised to a 16½–11½ victory, overpowering the U.S. team.
Fun Tidbit: The match between Europe's Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson against America's Bubba Watson and Matt Kuchar set a record for the most birdies (21) in a single Ryder Cup match.

Why It Ranks: This preppy, polished look nailed sophistication and patriotism, cemented by the “War by the Shore” victory. If you haven’t read up on the famous 1991 Cup, I’d highly suggest it.
Who Won: The U.S. won 14½–13½ in a dramatic finish, reclaiming the Cup.
Fun Tidbit: The sweater vests were so popular that fans started wearing knockoffs, sparking a golf fashion trend.

Why It Ranks: Yep, you knew it was coming. This outfit has reached the point where they are no longer bad and ugly — they are historic in every sense of the word. One shirt sold for $3,906 at auction.
Who Won: The U.S. staged a stunning 14½–13½ comeback, one of the greatest in Ryder Cup history, only adding to the significance and aura of the shirts.
Fun Tidbit: The shirt’s unique design caused a stir, with some European fans calling it “tacky,” (not wrong at the time) but U.S. fans embraced it as a symbol of triumph.

Continuing on the Ryder Cup theme, only a single hole-in-one has ever been recorded in Ryder Cup history. Peter Butler aced the 16th hole at Muirfield in 1973 for Great Britain. No aces have occurred since Europe joined the fray in 1979.

Following up on last weeks ask to dig up a few buried tees on par 3’s, let’s fix an extra ball mark or two on each green we play this week.

It will not go unnoticed by your host or superintendent, and will certainly help you earn an invite back if you are a guest. I’ve seen it countless times. A person's true character is best revealed by their actions when they think no one is watching.

Maybe the best green on a 3 in the country?

Nestled in the charming town of Aiken, South Carolina, the Palmetto Golf Club stands as a testament to golf’s enduring legacy. Founded in 1892 by Thomas Hitchcock, a prominent New York sportsman, it holds the distinction of being the oldest continually operated 18-hole golf course in its original location in the Southeast, and possibly the second oldest in the United States, surpassed only by Chicago Golf Club. Initially a modest four-hole layout, the course was expanded and refined by legendary architects, including Herbert Leeds, who designed Myopia Hunt Club, and Alister MacKenzie, the mastermind behind Augusta National. MacKenzie’s 1932 alterations were so successful that, as he noted in a 1933 American Golfer article, members of the Aiken colony preferred Palmetto over Augusta National, much to the chagrin of Bobby Jones’ executive committee at Augusta.

Spanning 6,695 yards as a par 71, Palmetto challenges golfers with its small, elevated, and undulating greens, complemented by cleverly designed bunkers that demand strategic play. The clubhouse, crafted by renowned architect Stanford White, who also designed Shinnecock Hills’ clubhouse, adds a layer of historic elegance. Over the decades, Palmetto has welcomed golfing icons like Ben Hogan and Bobby Jones, as well as notable figures such as Presidents Eisenhower and Taft, Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, and Barry Goldwater. The Palmetto Amateur, held since 1976, further cements its prestige, with a course record of 59 set by Dane Burkhart in 2005.

Despite its rich history and proximity to Augusta National, just 30 miles away, Palmetto remains a hidden gem, cherished by those who seek a golfing experience steeped in tradition. Its limited public access, notably during Masters week for a $400 fee, enhances its allure as a rare treat for golf enthusiasts. With only eight golf professionals in its history, including one who served for 42 years, Palmetto embodies stability and timeless charm, making it a must-visit for those who appreciate golf’s golden age.

Great clubs don’t advertise. Neither do great newsletters.

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Talk soon,

BTG