Save Par Golf Podcast · Save Par Golf Podcast

Episode 158: Esquire Golf

·1 hr 27 min·5 clips

Clayton argues that amateur golfers shouldn't be held to professional dress standards, sparking debate on golf's elitist roots.

This episode of the Save Par Golf Podcast features host Dominic interviewing Clayton Gelfand, the attorney and content creator behind Esquire Golf. Clayton explains that he started Esquire Golf about a year and a half ago after picking up golf in Chicago to fulfill a competitive void left from his college baseball days. He initially created a high-effort series highlighting over 105 different golf brands, inspired by creators like Ray from Golf Projects who brought a business marketing lens to the industry. Clayton shifted his content strategy to be broader, incorporating fashion, fit checks, comedy skits, and commentary to avoid creative burnout and learn about social media marketing through experimentation. The name "Esquire" reflects his legal background and a connection to fashion, aiming to challenge traditional golf aesthetics. Clayton argues that golf's amateur participants should not be held to the same dress standards as professional tour players, as the sport's historical "uppity" image is changing. He expresses frustration with stereotypes that assume golfers in non-traditional attire lack skill or etiquette, noting he has seen poorly-behaved players in classic brands like Peter Millar. Dominic shares his own experiences receiving odd looks for his appearance on the course and highlights collaborations between major brands like Callaway and Red Bull as signs of shifting styles. They both agree that public courses are becoming more lenient with dress codes to attract a new wave of golfers who prioritize comfort and personal expression. A memorable insight is Clayton's view that golf is uniquely positioned for amateurs to play on the same grounds as professionals, unlike other major sports. Dominic recounts a transformative early morning round at Half Moon Bay's Ocean Course, where the stunning coastal scenery made the early wake-up worthwhile. They discuss how figures like Steph Curry and brands like Malbon are making golf "cool" and attracting diverse new participants. Clayton feels honored by his rapid integration into the golf community, cherishing friendships formed through social media and random pairings on the course. The conversation has a casual, enthusiastic, and conversational tone, flowing like a discussion between friends who share a deep passion for the game. Dominic's hosting style is informal and rambling at times, especially in co-host Derek's absence, creating a laid-back and personal atmosphere. Golf enthusiasts interested in fashion, social media content creation, and the evolving culture of the sport will find this episode highly engaging. Listeners seeking highly structured interviews or technical golf instruction might find the free-flowing, personal narrative style less appealing.

As heard by us

A steady golf-creator conversation that favors consistency over the quick hit.

Clayton's Esquire Golf story lands because it is built around consistency, authenticity, and the patience to keep going for the long haul. The focus on daily posting and organic growth gives the conversation a clear spine, and the personality behind the brand comes through…

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want the backstory behind a golf page built the slow way.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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