Jason Day drew attention during the first round of the 2026 American Express, but not for his play. Instead, the spotlight was on his outfit.

The Australian golfer put on a pair of white shoes, camouflaged pants, and a black polo. However, the fans didn’t like what Stephen Malbon curated for Day’s AmEx wardrobe.

And right after social media boomed with criticism, Malbon’s interview with Michael Collins started going viral. 

During that interview, the golf analyst welcomed Malbon as the man who changed the game of golf when it comes to the “way people dress” on the course. Responding to that, Malbon claimed that there’s “a time and a place for everything.” And the golfers need to dress according to the event. 

He said, “We like to get dressed. But I don’t need to get dressed like I’m playing Cypress Point if I’m not playing Cypress Point. And I don’t need to dress like a European Tour player if I’m a European Tour player.”

But despite all the criticism, Malbon maintained a strong stance.

“It’s okay if you love music, art, fashion… And you also love the traditions of golf.”

Coming back to Jason Day, it wasn’t the first time he came under fire for wearing Malbon’s designs.

How Many Times Has the PGA Tour Star Been Criticized for His Wardrobe Choices?

At the 2024 Masters Tournament, the public lashed out at Day for wearing a pair of baggy navy-blue pants and an oversized sweater vest with text that read “No. 313 Malbon Golf Championship.” The result? Augusta National GC staff made Day remove the vest during his play. 

Later at the 2025 U.S. Open, Day came under fire for wearing a pair of stars and stripes shorts paired with a blue polo while warming up on the range.

Earlier that year, during the 2025 Pebble Beach Pro-Am, he landed in a sweatsuit with an ‘M’ on his upper left chest. Another one of Malbon’s designs, the netizens bashed for taking it “too far.”

Jason Day’s wardrobe continues to divide opinion, but the reaction no longer comes as a surprise. But what do you think of Malbon’s claim regarding fashion and golf?

Written by

Krushna Pattnaik

Edited by

Joyita Das