Jason Day’s Controversial Switch to Malbon From Nike Earns Lydia Ko’s Approval: ‘Looks Fashionable’

Lydia Ko thinks Jason Day looks cool in his new outfit. Day was the first high-profile golfer to exit Nike, even before Tiger Woods announced his decision to split with the apparel giant. But the Australian’s next choice perplexed many. Day became the ambassador of Malbon Golf, a streetwear brand inspired by golf rather than a niche golf apparel line.

Netizens were ruthless in slamming Day for picking an unorthodox brand. Their main concern was that, rather than looking modern, the Australian’s dress resembled 90s outfits. Ko, however, thinks his Grant Thornton Invitational partner looks dapper. 

Lydia Ko loves Jason Day’s avant-garde look

The Kiwi golfer sat down for a chat with Golf’s Subpar podcast. Asked what she thought of Jason Day’s new look, Ko said Day looked much younger. “I think he looks younger. He looks younger,” was her immediate response.

Day, during his time with Nike, used to sport more traditional clothes. Even before signing with the Oregon-HQ brand, the Australian star had an apparel partnership with TaylorMade-Adidas. Whereas, at Malbon Golf, outfits are anything but what’s typically seen at golf courses. Referring to that, the 20-time LPGA Tour winner said, “Obviously. He’s worn like kind of the, like athleisure wear the last few years with multiple different companies. So it’s definitely a different love.”

Reiterating how Malbon Golf has suited Day, the Kiwi star said, “But I think he looks fashionable and I think we’ve all seen how much golf fashion has changed over the years.” In this year alone, new-age brands like Lululemon, Malbon Golf, Greyson Clothiers, Descente, and Bad Birdie have forayed into the golf apparel business. On top of that, Tiger Woods launched Sun Day Red after splitting with Nike. 

Notably, Lydia Ko herself was associated with Lululemon previously and now has partnered with Renoma. The Kiwi Pro added, “So it’s really cool that he’s, you know, rocking that look and I mean, I’m pretty sure Jason can pull off like most things.” But her sentiment was not shared by a large section of fans as they have bashed Day’s image makeover before.

Fans are at odds with Jason Day

Golf fans were less than impressed with Day’s Malbon Golf outfits. Many pointed out Day was going retro, while others thought his outfit didn’t match his personality or the game. Some even went to the extent of calling them ugly and destructive. Fans hated it when Rose Zhang was spotted in Malbon Golf as well. 

Read More: Is Jason Day the Only Pro to Sign With Malbon Golf? His New Sponsor After Nike Split Explored

Nevertheless, Jason Day had stuck to his guns. In fact, while picking Malbon Golf, the former World No.1 took a subtle dig at Nike claiming that, “There have been times that I’d be standing on the first tee and look over to see another golfer in essentially the same outfit as me.” Lydia Ko stands by her Aussie counterpart.

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