Country Club Aesthetic, Workingman’s Budget
In a world of overpriced, mass-produced, and low-quality products, justifying $100+ for a single polo or pair of trousers is a tall order. We’ve all seen them: the floppy collars and the loud prints that only a five-year-old should consider wearing.
We are Workingman’s Bogey, not Richman’s Bogey. I’m writing this to offer a roadmap out of the "overpriced and under-styled" trap. Personally, I care about how I look on the course. Like many of you, I’ve transitioned away from the baggy, "trash bag" style polos that flooded the market during the post-COVID golf boom. Today, my style leans toward the classic tailoring represented by Billy Horschel and Keith Mitchell, who currently represent the aesthetic of Ralph Lauren and Sid Mashburn. I asked Sid in person last year about Keith’s style, and he joked that people say that Keith looks more ready for the 19th hole than the 18 prior. We shared a good chuckle at that.
However, I’m 25 and on a 100% commission career path, so dropping $500 on four items just isn't in the cards. Another Sid gem from my time with him is the mindset he had growing up: he was "too poor to be cheap." This means choosing quality over quantity and making sure that it is Built To Last (https://youtu.be/3XiaYTL2A4Q?si=fHF5CapYEY595aur). To bridge the gap between an inconsistent paycheck and a premium wardrobe, I rely on two main avenues: Goodwill and eBay.
The Local Goldmine: Goodwill
If you live near a country club or a densely populated, high-income suburban area, get to your local Goodwill once or twice a month. It delivers, I promise. Just don’t ask my wife for her opinion on my taste or my previous selections, as there have certainly been some misses along with the hits. From office-ready button-downs and sport coats to the hundreds of golf polos I’ve sifted through, the "carefully selected few" that make it home would surprise you. You aren’t just looking for clothes; you’re looking for the quality someone else gave up on too soon. As they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
The Digital Fairway: eBay
eBay is as simple as it gets. Search for your favorite premium brands (think Holderness & Bourne, Peter Millar, or B. Draddy), plug in your size, and use the filters. I stick to "New with Tags" or "Pre-owned."
A word of caution on pre-owned: Never make assumptions about the current state of an item. A pair of vintage FootJoys might look sharp in a photo, but the rubber soles could disintegrate during your summer nine-hole league, leaving you $50 in the hole and stranded on the 6th green with shoes that feel like flip flops. Trust the brands, but verify the condition.
The Finishing Touches: Balls and Shoes
Playing public courses can be a test of patience, especially when the conditions or layout lead to a high "lost ball" count. To keep my wallet intact while losing balls at an alarming rate, I grab a box or two of Maxfli golf balls from Dick’s Sporting Goods. They provide a premium feel across every aspect of the game without the premium price tag.
As for footwear, I’m a FootJoy Premiere guy by preference. Brand new, they’re pushing $225. But if you have patience and clean your current pair after every round, they’ll easily last 4–5 years. When the 2026 lines drop, the previous year’s models hit the "Sale" tab with discounts often exceeding $100.
Final Thoughts
These are the tricks I’ve picked up while trying to curate a better wardrobe in 2026. I’m actively moving away from the "techy," nylon-heavy world that has dominated the workplace and golf course the last few years. To me, cotton is comfort. You don't need to spend as much as you think to look like you belong on the first tee; you just need a little bit of strategy.
Sincerely,
Lightle
