Golfers lose their hair relatively faster. That is a common notion. Reason? Classic male pattern baldness or maybe hats? Take Tiger Woods for example. He also has lost his hair, but it doesn’t bother him much. But what if someone decides to shave it all off, just because of losing their hair? Sounds bizarre, but that’s what Sepp Straka did.

Questions about Straka’s new look arose alongside his stunning performance at the 2025 American Express. During a post-round interview, he addressed the transformation saying, “I was kind of losing my hair, so I figured I would get in front of it.” Fellow PGA Tour professional Brian Harman was pivotal in Straka’s decision.

“He was actually one of the guys that kind of convinced me,” Straka revealed. “He kept telling me for years, he said, ‘It’s going to go at some point,’ and once I realized that he was right, I figured I might as well just go ahead and bite the bullet and shave it off.”

In addition to his hair, his performance made headlines too. On Saturday, Straka’s 8-under 64, a bogey-free round, gave him a four-shot lead after three rounds. His new look has been given significant attention; The Associated Press even called him “the newly bald Austrian.”

Several other notable professionals on the PGA Tour, including Straka’s playing partner Brian Harman, have also opted for the clean-shaven look. So yeah, he isn’t the only one.

Bald and bold: Golf’s trend of embracing the shaved look

The 2023 Open Champion stands as a testament to his own bold choices. In the pantheon of golf’s clean-shaven stars, Stewart Cink’s presence commands particular attention. His distinctive appearance, complete with the characteristic tan lines that map countless hours under the tournament sun, has become as much a part of his identity. Indeed, recent months have showcased Cink’s enduring excellence – from a solid T-17 showing at The RSM Classic to his impressive top-5 finish at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai, where the Champions Tour veteran demonstrated that competitive fire knows no age.

Furthermore, Thomas Bjørn embodies the European wing of golf’s bald fraternity. The former Ryder Cup captain, with 15 European Tour victories decorating his resume, brings a continental flair to the clean-shaven contingent. His 2024 Champions Tour campaign featured eight top-10 finishes, resulting in an 18th-place finish. Notably, the season’s opening flourish, featuring a runner-up at Trophy Hassan II followed by a third-place tie at the Invited Celebrity Classic, proved that Bjørn’s competitive edge remains as sharp as his appearance.

Straka joins a notable group of accomplished professionals who have chosen the clean-shaven look. What do you think of his new look?