Merch from another of golf’s majors is here.

Teeing off Thursday, June 15, at the Los Angeles Country Club, the U.S. Open is the third of professional golf’s four major annual tournaments. Unlike merch for the year’s first big tourney, the Masters, which thrives on exclusivity and on-site only sales, U.S. Open branded merchandise can be purchased by anyone online.

The collection features a wealth of attractive pieces and items that you may expect to find in a quality golf tournament line. ASI Media, however, scoured the merch offerings for items that could signal trends that may be new and/or a bit unexpected. Here are a few things we found, along with tips on how promo distributors may be able to capitalize.

1. Patterns & Contrasting Collars in Polos

This year’s polos pop. Brands like Peter Millar and Footjoy have infused the collection with instant eye-catchers that feature fun patterns, as well as plackets and collars in colors that contrast from the base hue of the shirts.

Promo Tip: Pitch similarly styled polos to buyers for golf-related events, company conferences/national sales meetings, and as part of a business’ branded-apparel collection or uniforms. With the looks alive in the retail world, clients will have their recipients looking sharp and on-trend.

The Men’s 2023 U.S. Open Peter Millar Red/Navy Bass Performance Jersey Polo demonstrates the contrasting-color collar/placket that appears to be on the uptrend. Available here.

This polo from Footjoy boasts a scattered floral pattern, evidencing the pattern trend seen on a number of polos in the 2023 U.S. Open merch line. Available here.

2. Campfire Mugs

Campfire mugs are having a moment. They’ve been popping up in all kinds of merch collections of late, from the offerings of snack brands like Cheez-It to here in the 2023 U.S. Open line. The popularity could, in part, be a result of a broader societal trend: that of getting outside and enjoying nature. The phenomenon accelerated during the social distancing days of COVID-19 and has continued into the present.

Promo Tip: Campfire mugs are a great addition to employee/client gift kits, new-worker welcome packages and company stores. They can be a potential mainstay for any client whose brand wants to tap into an outdoors theme – or that is actually tied into outdoor recreation – from outfitters and sporting goods providers to hospitality industry clients in tourist areas where getting out in open spaces is the big draw.

The 2023 U.S. Open Blue Campfire Mug holds 15 ounces and features decoration reminiscent of a clear, starry night – a nice nod to the camping aesthetic. Available here.

3. Corduroy Caps

Hats are huge in golf. So, as you’d expect, the U.S. Open collection boasts an impressive range of styles, from unstructured cotton “dad” hats to structured caps with performance fabric to beanies, visors and more.

Notably, though, this year’s line includes a snapback flat-bill cap made from corduroy – a material that’s been enjoying a bit of a renaissance in the headwear arena. The look initially gained traction among certain hip urbanites and in the fashion of “alternative” culture brands, such as skateboarding lines. The popularity has expanded into more mainstream circles, as emphasized by being included in the U.S. Open’s merch.

Promo Tip: Sure, the corduroy cap is a style commitment that may not (yet) be for everyone. But there are end-buyers who may dig it, including start-up/technology companies, agricultural businesses, some musical artists, music-festival goers, and craft breweries and distilleries.

The Ahead Navy Moby Corduroy Hat has a snapback structured fit and heat-sealed leather appliqué logo that features stitched details. Available here.

4. Watercolor Cloud Patterns

The collection includes women’s quarter-zips that feature a cloud-like pattern. A soft, dreamy style that almost has the appearance of a watercolor, the pattern isn’t necessarily what you’d expect to find in an athletic collection. It introduces a feel that’s at once fashion-forward and cozy and comfortable – a vibe that could appeal to many.

Promo Tip: Is this pattern a harbinger of trends to come? Will it fizzle without much interest? It’s tough to say from a promo perspective. Nonetheless, there’s a chance that such patterns – and similarly styled gentle pastels – will resonate with select audiences, which may range from sororities and resorts to businesses involved in everything from wellness (think yoga studios) to the cannabis market.

The Women’s 2023 U.S. Open Puma White/Pink Cloud YouV Quarter-Zip Jacket is available here.

Bonus: Zip-Up Vests

OK, this isn’t quirky at all. In fact, it’s firmly among the trends you’d expect to find. Even so, it seemed this article would be remiss without a mention. The 2023 U.S. Open merch collection provides an impressive selection of vest styles from which to choose, from quarter-zips to quilted full-zips to perfect-for-the-office options made from four-way stretch fabric.

Promo Tip: Left-chest logoed zip vests can easily serve as a staple in most corporate apparel collections. Casual and sporty yet still professional, they’re a versatile wearable for everyone from frontline salespeople to executive C-suiters. Be sure to show clients a range of options.

The 2023 U.S. Open Peter Millar Gray Match Full-Zip Vest exemplifies a style that’s ideal for corporate apparel. Available here.

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