The Group Chat: It’s called fashion, look it up

Warmer weather has folks flocking to the links. And golf’s no longer just for the boys: The sport’s COVID-19 pandemic–induced popularity boom among women is still going strong. As the game grows, so does its fashion culture — and golfers of Asian descent are having a massive impact on both.

• So today, in honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI) in the U.S. and Asian Heritage Month in Canada, we’re chatting about AANHPI golfers who are building that culture with their play and their fashion slays.

You simply can’t talk about AANHPI impact on golf without talking about Tiger Woods. The multiracial superstar isn’t just one of the best golfers of all time — he’s also credited with making golf cool.

• Tiger’s passion, athleticism, and style made him a cultural icon in a sport mostly associated with old, white men. And despite his history of misogyny and sex scandals, there’s no denying he single-handedly rewrote golf culture, making it more inclusive for people of color.

• Even as his playing career likely comes to an end, his fingerprints are all over the game. Exhibit A? He teamed up with Rory McIlroy to start Tomorrow’s Golf League.

When it comes to his broader impact, Tiger’s success and his style go hand-in-hand. He’s just as well-known for his 15 major championships as he is for wearing red on Sundays — a tradition inspired by his mom, Kultida. His partnership with Nike, which he ended in February 2024 after 27 years, is one of the most iconic and lucrative brand deals in sports history.

• Why did he end that Nike partnership? In part, to launch his own golf apparel brand, Sun Day Red.

Tiger walked so the next generation of AANHPI golfers could run. Now, AANHPI players are crushing it on the leaderboards and shaping the culture with their creative, fashionable self-expression on the links. Here are some of our faves:

🇦🇺 Jason Day: The half-Filipino Aussie is modern golf fashion. His game-changing partnership with Malbon Golf brings streetwear style to the course…when the organizers allow his ’fits on the fairways. If you’re looking to shake up the traditional country club style and turn the cool factor up to an 11, Day is your muse, and Malbon is your brand.

🇺🇸 Michelle Wie West: One of the most famous women golfers of the 21st century, this Korean-American legend retired from the LPGA Tour in 2023 and started a new role as an Athlete Collaborator with the Nike Think Tank “to get more involved in the design process.” Her style leans modern, trendy, and athletic, from her tournament hosting ’fit checks to her impeccable, one-of-a-kind Jordans.

🇦🇺 Min Woo and Minjee Lee: This Korean-Australian brother-sister duo, of Full Swing fame, take very different approaches to their careers. Minjee lets her play do the talking — the two-time major winner is more reserved and takes a traditional, feminine approach to her tee time fashion. On the other hand, her brother, aka “The Chef,” is known for his hilarious, viral Insta edits…and his lululemon partnership.

🇳🇿 Lydia Ko: Born in South Korea and raised in New Zealand, the reigning Olympic gold medalist has been killing the women’s golf game since she was 15. But her most transformative accolade yet? February’s exquisite cover shoot for Vogue Korea, which she said made her appreciate high fashion in a new way. Her typical ’fit is chic minimalist, with clean lines and classic elements.

Golf’s evolution reflects something bigger: how tradition and identity can intersect to create space for new voices and fresh expression. Whether you’re picking up a club for the first time or just borrowing golf’s aesthetic for your everyday life, the growing influence of AANHPI golfers shows how sports can shift to reflect a wider, more inclusive world.