

There’s always been something quietly rebellious about Australian golf sensation Jason Day—just not in the way people expect. He doesn’t slam clubs or bark at caddies. His rebellion is quieter, more calculated. A high fade that cuts through the Georgia air just so. A slick putt that silences a Sunday crowd. And, occasionally, a sweater vest that makes more noise than his swing.
At Augusta, where tradition hangs heavier than the azaleas bloom, even the smallest act of deviation can turn heads. And Day, walking that fine line between style and scrutiny, has learned that lesson in real time. At the Masters Tournament, before his tee shot ever left the ground, before the leaderboard lit up with his name, the real stir began with what he wore—and what he knew might come next.
The 2015 PGA Champion is no stranger to the spotlight. In addition to his spectacular swings and calculated movements, his bold dress choices have frequently taken center stage. A noteworthy incident occurred in 2024 when Day’s partnership with Malbon Golf, a company renowned for its streetwear-inspired designs, resulted in Augusta National officials asking him to remove a sweater vest they believed was too gaudy for the tournament’s customary decorum.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Speculation is rife as the 2025 Masters draws near: Is Day ready to defy Augusta’s fashion conventions again? Let’s see what Day has to say!
Jason Day foresaw Augusta’s response before the Masters Committee’s intervention
Jason Day spoke candidly about the previous year’s Masters in an interview on the Dan on Golf YouTube channel. With a mixture of humor and reverence for the tournament’s customs, Day narrated the events when host Dan asked about the commotion his attire had generated. According to Day, his collaboration with Malbon Golf was intended to provide golf wear a more contemporary, modern look. “Obviously, with the help of Malbon, they helped me through the week,” he said. This particular item was a white sweater vest bearing the words “No. 313. Malbon Golf Championship.” Day acknowledged that, looking back, the daring design could have been a bit too daring for Augusta’s traditional sensibilities.
“Not putting two and two together, where Malbon Golf Championship and the Masters Tournament is kind of close to each other,” Day explained. He admitted that the vest’s design was meant to stand out, considering golf’s frequently uniform gear. The focus was only increased when you played with famous people like Tiger Woods and Max Homa. “I think I had a sense that it was going to go crazy, just because it’s just a little bit different,” Day added.
Augusta National asked to see Jason Day’s scripting this year and he and @MalbonGolf ended up toning it down a bit. pic.twitter.com/eI4aRH5H08
— Dan on Golf (@DanOnGolfShow) April 7, 2025
The response was swift. According to Augusta National officials, the vest’s conspicuous branding was not proper for the tournament’s etiquette. Following a call from the higher-ups, Day’s agent was kindly asked to take off the vest. “I walked in, as I’m walking in… and he’s like, right before I walked into scoring, he goes, ‘Hey, Augusta National’s asked you to take that vest off.’ I’m like, ‘Oh yeah, no worries. Like, no problem at all,'” Day recounted. Day quickly complied, understanding the Master’s seriousness. He underlined, “Look, I’m not here to step on anyone’s toes.”
Day further conveyed his admiration for the competition and made it clear that he never intended to eclipse its illustrious past. “It’s all about the Masters. It’s about the tournament. It always has been about the tournament,” Day affirmed. Day politely obliged with Augusta’s request, but his brief encounter with tradition only made him more determined to express himself—and Malbon.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Day develops his personal style and makes memories with Malbon
Jason Day is steadfast in his resolve to showcase his distinct flair on the course as the 2025 Masters Tournament approaches. In an effort to modernize the sport’s appearance, his continued partnership with Malbon Golf keeps pushing the limits of conventional golf attire. Looking back at last year’s incident, Day said the publicity really raised Malbon’s profile among golfers. Despite being contentious, the vest incident received around 3 billion views online, highlighting the significance of daring fashion choices in sports. “That definitely helped put them in the right step, in the right direction,” Day said.

USA Today via Reuters
May 10, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Jason Day on the 15th green during the second round of the Wells Fargo Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Stephen Malbon co-founded Malbon Golf, which is well-known for its daring designs meant to appeal to a younger golfer market. Day, who owns stock in the company, actively participates in design concepts and sees this collaboration as a chance to reinvent golf attire. “I just want to make sure that I’m not trying to do anything that’s too crazy or outlandish to disrespect the tournament,” Day said, highlighting his ability to strike a balance between tradition and individual expression.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Day’s style may be controversial to some purists, but it’s part of a larger trend in golf to embrace uniqueness and contemporary styles. As the Masters progresses, all eyes will be on Day, not only for his performance but also for his ability to balance tradition with individuality in one of the biggest venues in golf.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT