Meet the Couple Making Golf Clothing Cool (Exclusive)

In 2017, Stephen and Erica Malbon embarked on a mission to revolutionise the perception of golf with their innovative clothing brand, Malbon Golf. Designed to appeal to a younger, trend-conscious audience, the brand has quickly garnered a dedicated following that includes high-profile celebrities such as Justin Bieber and Travis Scott.

The couple’s vision was to create a line of apparel that blended their love for golf with elements from music, art, and street culture. Reflecting on their initial motivation, Erica Malbon shares, “When we started the brand, we just wanted our own kids to enjoy golf.” Their teenage son, Remington, has since become a prominent junior golf champion, symbolising the brand’s objective of engaging younger generations in the sport.

Stephen Malbon’s passion for golf ignited during his childhood in Virginia, where he first played with his father. However, as a teenager, he abandoned the sport for the allure of skateboarding, only to rediscover his enthusiasm for golf later in life. This rekindled love came during his wife’s pregnancy, as he sought a healthy outlet amidst family responsibilities. “I became obsessed with playing golf every day,” he recalls. This obsession led him to gather friends from the entertainment industry, including professional skaters and musicians, to join him on the golf course, cultivating a community that blended social interaction with golfing.

Recognising the expanding demographic of golfers who embraced unique fashion, the Malbons opened a Malbon Golf store in Hollywood, a location not typically associated with traditional golfers. Erica explains, “We set up shop on Melrose and Fairfax, which is not where usual golfers frequent.” The store offered a compelling mix of historical golf equipment along with inventive, modern apparel. A golf simulator added to the appeal, allowing visitors to practice their swings, and the store quickly became a hotspot, drawing in unexpected celebrity guests.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of social media contributed significantly to the brand’s rapid ascent. “We saw an influx of around 10 million new golfers during the pandemic,” Stephen notes. He attributes this surge to golf’s accessibility as an outdoor activity amidst global uncertainties. “People realised they could enjoy the sport with friends and family, and we embraced the idea of being true to oneself while playing golf, which often felt like an intimidating sport to newcomers.”

Stephen recognised that seasoned players were becoming increasingly welcoming to change. “Even those who have traditionally dominated the courses saw the need for inclusivity, encouraging all to enjoy the sport, regardless of style,” he adds. This open-mindedness among experienced golfers allowed a new generation to feel comfortable and valued on the course.

Despite their approach to modernising golf, the Malbons maintain deep respect for the sport’s long-standing traditions and etiquette. Their brand has attracted a diverse group of ambassadors, including both contemporary stars and legendary figures such as Jason Day and Fred Couples. “We appreciate golf’s heritage,” Stephen affirms, “Our intention is not to alter its core, but rather to usher it into the future and introduce the game to those who may not have considered it before.”

Aiming to bridge divides, Stephen believes that golf offers a unique communal experience, regardless of socioeconomic or demographic differences. “The golf course does not distinguish between people; it promotes connection,” he elaborates, highlighting that participants can forge bonds through shared experiences, overcoming personal differences.

As the couple reflects on their journey, they emphasise their ongoing commitment to inclusivity. Erica states, “Our mission has always been – and remains – to inspire everyone to take part in the greatest game on earth.” This ethos continues to guide Malbon Golf as it carves out a niche in the sporting landscape, encouraging a vibrant community of young golfers who are as passionate about fashion and culture as they are about the sport itself.