The Titleist Flagship Shirt
The black and white versions of the Japanese Titleist flagship tour shirts.
I have owned more than my fair share of golf shirts over the years. Some were given and others I bought, usually impulsively as a memento of the course I had just played. The strange thing is I have never owned a golf shirt that I was reluctant to throw out. There was usually something about the shirt that wasn't quite right. The fabric, the color, the collar, or maybe the fit was never ideal. Whatever the case I have never asked for or bought the same shirt twice because I just HAD to have it again.
The professionals sponsored by Titleist who ply their trade on the Japanese tour wear clothing that is available at retail. Well sort of. The shirts worn by the professionals have a large stitched logo on the front and a patch or tour logo on the back. The larger logos increase visibility and differentiate what is available for the professionals compared to what the mere mortals are able to purchase. I always thought the shirts worn by the tour pros looked better, especially the large patch logo on the back of the shirt. To me, it always looked a little more premium.
I am happy to say that the team at Titleist in Japan have decided to produce flagship apparel to be sold at retail. In short, we are able to get our hands on what the tour professionals wear. Currently It is only available in 4 models but I think it's a smart decision bringing this line to market. Each season there will be tour models included in the retail offerings but in limited quantities. It’s something to keep an eye on as they are worthwhile having as part of your closet.
The three pillars of the Titleist performance clothing line are mobility, comfort, and weather protection. The advertising material states the flagship shirts provide the following benefits……Light, stretchy, non-sticky, breathable, water-repelling, quick-dry, UV protection, humidity control (cooling), and of course is comfortable. From my perspective, it's the best shirt I have ever worn. I have now worn the shirts numerous times (during the Japanese summer) and they are just brilliant. The best part is that they actually fit me properly and because they are cut a little longer so they don't become untucked while I swing. Most manufacturers never get the sleeves right but these are the right length and slightly fitted. The shirt has 4 buttons on the front as well as button-down collars which makes the finishing a little more stylish. The shirts live up to all the adjectives it boasts and being polyester means it doesn't need to be ironed, which is always a bonus. The best part of the shirt? The look. The logos are cool, its limited, premium, and only available in Japan. Whats not to like?
Four buttons plus the button down collar. The large Titleist stitching adds a little something also.
The shirt I have comes in white, black, red and grey and although not cheap, i believe, is worth every cent. The sizing is Japanese so small, medium, large, extra-large, and triple XL are available. I am a very average build and the Large fits me properly, although i could slip into a medium. I am usually a US sizing of Medium (occasionally Small) so I suggest you consider going one size up if you like it fitted or two sizes up if you prefer a little more room. If the shirt is a little snug then just put down your fork for a week.
The link below displays the shirt on the Japanese Titleist site, although I don't think the photos do the shirt justice. The other flagship shirts are indicated by the TSMC2001/2002 code and the cashmere sweater has the TWMK2075 code. Hopefully, the photo at the top of the page provides a better indication of how cool the shirt really is. If you are interested in purchasing some please let me know. I have already ordered a few extra of the TSMC2000 model to keep in the closet for the future. Now that is a first.
The large tour logo on the back of the shirts makes it feel more “Tour” inspired.