Jason Day Sparks Debate with Sweatsuit at Pebble Beach Pro-Am

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — Jason Day, the former world No. 1 golfer, turned heads Sunday during the final round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, not for his play but for his unconventional attire: a full gray sweatsuit. The outfit, provided by his apparel partner Malbon Golf, reignited debates about golf’s traditional dress code and what constitutes appropriate attire on the course.

Day, 36, has been pushing the boundaries of golf fashion since signing with Malbon Golf at the start of 2024. The brand, known for its relaxed, lifestyle-inspired designs, has become synonymous with Day’s on-course style. However, his latest choice—a crewneck sweatshirt paired with drawstring sweatpants—drew mixed reactions from fans and critics alike.

“I don’t care how much I get downvoted, but he is finding new ways to look like a slob,” one fan commented on social media. Another added, “An insult to the game. Dressing like John Fetterman should not be an option for professional golfers on the tour.”

This isn’t the first time Day’s attire has sparked controversy. During the 2024 Masters, he wore a vest emblazoned with “Malbon Golf Championship” in large letters, prompting officials at Augusta National to ask him to remove it. Day complied without protest, but the incident highlighted the tension between golf’s traditional aesthetic and modern trends.

Despite the criticism, Day’s partnership with Malbon has been a success in redefining his image. The Australian, who last won a PGA Tour event at the 2023 Byron Nelson, has embraced the brand’s ethos of blending comfort with style. “Golf is evolving, and so is the way we dress,” Day said in a recent interview. “Malbon represents a new era for the sport.”

Day’s sweatsuit moment came during a challenging final round at Pebble Beach, where he entered the day seven strokes behind leader Sepp Straka. The crowded leaderboard also featured Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, Tom Kim, Lucas Glover, and Cam Davis. While Day’s performance didn’t make headlines, his outfit certainly did.

The debate over golf attire isn’t new, but Day’s bold choices have brought it to the forefront. While some private and public golf clubs enforce strict dress codes, professional tournaments have become more lenient in recent years. Day’s sweatsuit, however, may have crossed a line for traditionalists.

“It’s about respecting the game and its history,” said one golf analyst. “But at the same time, golf needs to appeal to younger audiences, and that means embracing change.”

As Day continues to challenge norms, his partnership with Malbon Golf shows no signs of slowing down. Whether fans love it or hate it, his influence on golf fashion is undeniable.