You’ve probably seen the whimsical Buckets logo - a golf ball with a cap and a wry smile - popping up on hats, polos, and headcovers at your local course or on tour. That emblem is the signature of Malbon Golf, a brand that's doing more than just selling clothes, it's reshaping the culture and style of the modern game. This article will break down what Malbon Golf is, where it came from, and what it means for how golfers aress and express themselves on and off the course.
Malbon Golf was co-founded by Stephen and Erica Malbon in 2017. What makes their story compelling is that they didn’t come from the traditional golf industry. Their roots are deep in fashion, art, and streetwear culture, which provided a completely fresh lens through which to view the game. Stephen, a creative director and owner of a creative agency, and Erica, a fashion professional, saw an opportunity to bring a different kind of energy to golf - one that was more inclusive, youthful, and stylish.
Their mission wasn't to disrespect the traditions of golf, but to broaden its appeal. They asked a simple but powerful question: "Why Golf?" This became their tagline and guiding philosophy. They wanted to create a brand that communicated a genuine passion for the game, inviting people in rather than putting up barriers. Their goal was to make golf feel cool and approachable to everyone, from skaters and artists to seasoned pros and weekend warriors. This approach ditches the old, stuffy stereotypes and focuses on the underlying creativity, skill, and sheer fun of playing golf.
To really understand Malbon, you have to look at its aistinct visual language. It's a mix of a few key ingredients that set it apart from legacy golf brands.
The "Buckets" logo is an icon. At first glance, it's just a playful cartoon golf ball. But from a coaching perspective, it represents something deeper that many average golfers connect with. The name "Buckets" is slang for making a lot of birdies or holing out - it signifies success and getting the job done. Yet, the character itself is relaxed, Almost nonchalant. This captures the essence of the Malbon ethos: it’s about being passionate and dedicated to the game (striving to make "buckets") while maintaining a sense of lightheartedness and fun.
The logo gives golfers permission to care about their game without taking themselves too seriously. You can be dedicated to improving, you can want to shoot low scores, but you can do it with a smile on your face. This "cool to care" attitude is a refreshing counter-narrative to golf’s often overly serious or uptight reputation, making the game more inviting for a new generation.
Walk the range at any PGA Tour event and you'll see the Malbon effect. High-profile players like Jason Day, who signed with Malbon at the beginning of 2024, are bringing the brand to the world’s biggest stages. His tournament outfits, from relaxed-fit pants to stylish vests and even a script-logo cardigan at The Masters, have sparked major conversations about what “professional golf attire” can look like. It’s a definite shift away from the skin-tight, hyper-athletic uniforms that have dominated the sport for the past two decades.
The brand's influence is clear: they are challenging the traditional, often unwritten, rules of golf aress codes. By offering stylish, comfortable alternatives, Malbon is showing golfers that expressing personal style and respecting the game are not mutually exclusive. This newfound freedom of expression helps dismantle one of golf's biggest barriers to entry - the feeling that you have to conform to a rigid, outdated look to even set foot on a golf course.
This is extremely positive for the growth of the game. When people see pro athletes and regular players looking cool and authentic in Malbon gear, it sends a message that golf is evolving. It's becoming a space where individuality is celebrated, attracting younger and more diverse audiences who may have previously felt that golf "wasn't for them."
"This looks cool, but can I actually wear this for my Saturday morning round?" It's a question I hear a lot. Golfers are often concerned about performance and fitting in at their home club. Here’s a practical breakdown.
First and foremost, Malbon is serious golf apparel. While the aesthetic is unique, the pieces are built for play. Stephen and Erica Malbon are avid golfers themselves, and they understand that clothes need to perform. You'll find that their polos use breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics with enough stretch to accommodate a full swing. Trousers and shorts are designed for comfort and mobility over 18 holes. Shoes from their collaborations (like with New Balance or FootJoy) are built on proven performance platforms. You aren't sacrificing function for fashion, you're getting both.
Concerns about aress codes are valid. While a Malbon hoodie might not be appropriate for every country club, the majority of the brand’s collection will fit even the strictest guidelines. Their polos, quarter-zips, trousers, and shorts are all easily integrated into a classic golf wardrobe. If you're hesitant, start small. A Malbon hat, belt, or a pair of signature socks is a great way to add a touch of personality without drawing too much attention. The key is to choose pieces that make you feel like yourself.
From a coaching standpoint, the most interesting aspect of wearing something you love is the mental benefit. Confidence is a massive part of playing good golf. When you feel good in what you're wearing - when you feel authentic and comfortable - it can free you up mentally. Instead of feeling self-conscious or stuffy in clothes that don't feel like "you," you are more relaxed and able to focus on your swing. Embracing a brand like Malbon is less about making a loud statement and more about aligning your outward appearance with your inner approach to the game: fun, focused, and uniquely yours.
You don't need a head-to-toe Malbon outfit to embrace the vibe. Here are a few ways to work it into your current rotation:
Malbon Golf is a brand on a mission to redefine the look and feel of the game by blending its rich heritage with modern streetwear culture. It champions the idea that you can be serious about your golf game while still having fun, expressing yourself, and looking stylish.
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