The BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth has long been one of the showpiece events of the European golfing calendar, and September’s edition did not disappoint. JJ Spaun emerged as the champion on the famous West Course in Surrey, while Rory McIlroy produced a late surge that thrilled the galleries but ultimately fell short.
Alongside the golf, Wentworth has always been an event where style is noticed. The setting, with its Surrey heathland, grand clubhouse and well-dressed crowds, encourages a certain polish. This year was no exception, and the overall impression around the course was of a modern, tailored look that has gradually reshaped how golf clothing is designed and worn.
Without focusing on any individual’s choices, it is possible to draw some clear themes from the week. Those themes translate neatly to the club golfer looking to refresh a wardrobe for the months ahead, and they say a good deal about where golf clothing has been heading.
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Wentworth also has a particular relationship with the British golfing public. For many, it is the one tournament of the year they attend in person, and the atmosphere around the West Course, with its tree-lined fairways and famous closing holes, carries a sense of occasion that few other venues can match.
The shift towards a tailored silhouette
Golf clothing has changed considerably over the past twenty years. The baggy polos and pleated trousers that once dominated have largely given way to slimmer, cleaner lines. Polo shirts now tend to sit closer to the body, trousers are tapered towards the ankle and outerwear is cut to follow the shape of the shoulders rather than hang from them.
This tailored look works because it combines a smart appearance with practical benefits. Close-fitting garments do not catch the wind or interfere with the swing, and modern stretch fabrics allow a full range of movement despite the slimmer cut. For club golfers, the result is clothing that looks as appropriate in the clubhouse as on the first tee. Function18 stocks a wide range of golf polo shirts in modern fits from several brands that have embraced this direction.
Fabric technology has played a big part in this change. Lightweight synthetic blends now offer stretch, moisture management and resistance to creasing, while still looking like conventional smart clothing from a distance. The line between golf wear and everyday menswear has blurred considerably as a result, and many golfers now wear their polos and trousers well beyond the course.
The labels shaping the modern look
Several labels have played a significant part in shaping the tailored golf aesthetic. Hugo Boss brings its tailoring heritage to the course, with clean lines and a restrained palette that reflects its menswear roots. The BOSS golf collection at Function18 includes polos, mid-layers and trousers that suit golfers who prefer understated style.
Ralph Lauren takes a more classic approach, drawing on preppy American heritage with crisp polos and knitwear that have a timeless quality. Its Ralph Lauren golf range appeals to those who value a traditional look with a contemporary fit. At the more fashion-forward end, J.Lindeberg combines Scandinavian design with sharp, athletic cuts, and J.Lindeberg’s golf clothing is popular with golfers who want something a little bolder. Each of these brands interprets the tailored idea differently, which is a large part of the appeal.
It is worth noting that the tailored look is not tied to any single label. Golfers often mix pieces from different brands, pairing a polo from one with trousers or a mid-layer from another, and the result can be just as coherent. What matters is that the fits and colours sit well together, and that each piece is chosen with the rest of the outfit in mind.
Colour, restraint and the neutral palette
One of the most noticeable features of modern golf style is a move away from loud patterns towards a more restrained palette. Navy, white, grey, black and stone dominate, often with a single accent colour introduced through a polo or a cap. This makes outfits easier to put together and gives a more considered appearance.
For club golfers, a neutral foundation is also practical. A few pairs of well-fitting trousers in grey, navy and stone can be combined with almost any polo or mid-layer, creating a versatile wardrobe from relatively few pieces. Function18’s ranges are well suited to building this kind of capsule, with many brands offering their core styles in a consistent set of neutral tones. Autumn is a particularly good time to adopt the approach, as the muted colours of the season sit naturally alongside deeper tones such as forest green and burgundy.
A restrained palette also ages well. Pieces in classic colours rarely look dated after a season or two, which makes them better value over time than bold prints that can feel tired quickly. For golfers building a wardrobe gradually, starting with neutrals and adding accents later is a sensible order of priorities.
The details that complete the look
Tailored style is often defined by details. A good belt, for instance, draws the eye and completes the line between polo and trousers. Leather and woven designs both work well, and a belt in black or brown that matches the shoes gives a sharper finish. Function18 carries a range of golf belts that complement the tailored aesthetic without overpowering it.
Tucking in a polo shirt, choosing trousers with the right length and break at the ankle, and selecting shoes that suit the outfit all contribute to the overall effect. None of these requires spending heavily. They simply reflect attention to the small things, which is what separates a considered look from a merely functional one. Collars that hold their shape, cuffs that sit neatly at the wrist and a mid-layer that lies flat beneath an outer layer all play their part too.
Headwear deserves a mention as well. A plain cap or a simple knitted beanie in a coordinating colour finishes an outfit neatly, while an overly busy design can undo the careful work elsewhere. In the colder months, a smart beanie paired with a tailored mid-layer offers warmth without sacrificing polish.
Bringing tour style to the club
Watching an event like Wentworth can be inspiring, but it is worth remembering that club golf has its own conventions and comforts. The best approach is to take the principles rather than copy any particular outfit. A tailored fit, a restrained palette, quality fabrics and attention to detail will serve any club golfer well, whether playing a monthly medal or a casual round with friends.
Autumn and winter add an extra consideration, because tailored style has to accommodate layers. Slim mid-layers, fitted gilets and streamlined outerwear make it possible to stay warm without losing the clean lines. Function18 stocks pieces across all these categories, making it easier to carry the look through the colder months rather than abandoning it at the first sign of frost.
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Practicality should never be sacrificed for appearance. A tailored outfit that leaves its wearer cold, wet or restricted is not really well dressed for golf at all. The best modern golf clothing shows that the two goals can be achieved together, and that is perhaps the clearest lesson from watching the professionals at work in Surrey this autumn.
JJ Spaun’s victory and McIlroy’s late charge will be the stories remembered from Wentworth this year. Yet the event also offered a snapshot of how golf style has evolved, and how far the game has moved from the days when practicality and polish seemed at odds with one another.
For club golfers, the lesson is encouraging. Looking smart on the course no longer means sacrificing comfort or movement. With a few well-chosen pieces and a little attention to fit, it is possible to dress in a way that feels modern, practical and entirely at home at any club in the country.
