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Greg Norman may not have won as many Major Championships as some predicted, but he’s definitely come out on top in life. If you’re still feeling sorry for the Aussie, check out his interview with Feherty, and you’ll quickly see he’s doing just fine. The truth is, most golfers’ careers are short compared to their post-golf pursuits, and Norman has made the most of his time.
Some guys just have bigger toys.
In addition to his ranch, golf course designs, and other ventures, Norman has been in the fashion industry for years. My very first high-quality golf shirt was from the Greg Norman Collection. That was about 20 or 30 years ago, but I still remember it because it was easily the best-looking shirt in my wardrobe.
Fast forward to now, and I’ve become a boutique brand fan, often dismissing big-name labels. To be fair, the Greg Norman Collection isn’t on the scale of Nike or Under Armour, but it still holds its own. The line offers everything from polos to pullovers, sweatpants, and even gym shorts (gasp!).
Before diving into all the items I received (which was way more than I needed), let me give you a broad take. Like Norman, there are hits and misses. On the plus side, the polos are excellent. I’ve gotten several compliments on them – they’re sleek and “country club” sharp. They aren’t flashy, but definitely a step above the generic polos you’d find at Dick’s. The prints are classic, the materials soft, and the collars substantial. Side note: collars make or break a shirt. Don’t believe me? Look at your friend’s $19.99 shirt and bet the collar looks terrible.
As for outerwear, I also really liked some of the pullovers. While they have that “big brand” feel (wider cuts and conservative colors), they’re still a little cooler than most major labels.
Now, onto the specifics.
I don’t know who first added white flecks to what would otherwise be solid-colored shirts (maybe Under Armour?), but it’s a genius move. It softens the green in this case, making it more wearable. Speaking of soft, this shirt is incredibly plush. Another bonus? Minimal branding. Most of the pieces I got have little to no branding, which is great for country clubs who want to embroider logos. For the rest of us, it’s a nice break from having a big logo on the chest. The sizing is a bit on the larger side, but my usual medium fits fine – it’s just a little less tapered with longer sleeves.
Although it’s just another striped polo, it does look sharp and the quality is solid. I’ve washed it a few times and it’s holding up well. Like the heathered polo, there’s almost no branding, which gives it a clean, polished look. And the collar? Made from real fabric, not leftover scraps. The bold red color is easy to match with any pair of shorts.
As I’ve mentioned before, finding a good pair of shorts isn’t easy. While Greg Norman’s shorts aren’t top-tier, they’re solid and check some important boxes: two buttons to avoid mishaps, deep pockets, and a generous cut. Made from polyester, they’re easy to maintain. The back left pocket has a zipper, which is a nice touch.
On the topic of shorts, here’s a quick rant: Guys, invest in a decent pair of shorts. If you haven’t already, toss out your cargo shorts and anything with pleats. Owning two pairs of quality golf shorts isn’t hard or expensive. The Greg Norman shorts are a good starting point – great for hot weather and flattering on most body types. Plus, they’re affordable. Problem solved.
I was pleasantly surprised by the fall pieces and rain jacket. Unlike the polos, the outerwear fits a bit more snugly, which is important – you don’t want things flapping around during your swing. That’s not to say they’ve gone full muscle-fit, but the sizing is right for the job.
This is my second favorite piece. Everyone needs a light layer for cooler weather, and this 1/4 zip fits the bill. It’s just thick enough to block the wind, and thoughtful details like spandex cuffs make it ideal for the course.
My favorite piece by far. Even though it’s labeled as a “tee shirt,” it feels more like a technical sweater. It’s snug, which is exactly what you want in this type of shirt. The clean, modern design and minimal branding make it a staple for me this fall.
If you’re serious about golf, you’ll need rain gear. High-quality rain gear can get pricey, but the Weatherknit is reasonably priced. While it might not withstand a monsoon, it’ll hold up during most rounds. It’s lightweight, with a full zip, making it easy to put on and take off as the temperature changes. Its best feature? Wind resistance, which is crucial for staying warm.
Apparently, working out is part of golf now. I missed that memo. I haven’t worn gym shorts or sweatpants in 20 years and don’t plan to start now. That said, I know some guys are fine with that style. While it’s not for me, the Active Collection does seem better than most. If you like sharks on your chest, go for it.
The Greg Norman Summer/Fall 2024 Collection offers plenty of solid options. The pieces are affordable and compete with brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour. As an admitted apparel snob, I was pleasantly surprised by the collection. Most items are classic and look great both on and off the course. While I could do without the shark-themed workout gear, there are plenty of other items that have earned a place in my regular rotation.
One thing is clear: when your name is on the clothing, you tend to ensure quality. Norman doesn’t strike me as someone who cuts corners, and his clothing line reflects that.
Check out the entire collection on the Greg Norman website.
