As many golfers will tell you, spending time outdoors is one of the great joys of the sport. Golf courses are often considered antagonistic to nature, when in reality, especially when done thoughtfully, they can actually offer the kind of sanctuary and biodiversity that wildlife need, now more than ever. Inspired by one writer’s family of birders and golfers, we’ve created three outfits each for men and women inspired by three birds commonly seen on golf courses across the country. They remind us to take time to appreciate the complex living world around us between swings.
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I didn’t learn to golf in the States, but I did learn to bird here. Perhaps this makes me appreciate the bald eagle, whenever I see the national bird’s silhouette soaring above me, even more. One of the first hoodwinks I mastered as a young birder was that nine times out of 10, that majestic feathered figure gliding overhead, catching the sunlight, is actually just a turkey vulture—an important lesson in patience and vigilance as true in birding as it is in golf. But man, when that starry white head and bright yellow beak really do belong to a bald eagle, I am filled with a childlike sense of wonder and excitement. Raptors always remind me to keep perspective, to step back, to think about the larger picture, no matter the score, and to remember to take time to appreciate and care for the natural wonders that predicate the sport.
Men’s golf looks inspired by the Bald Eagle
Bright yellows and golden accents animate this eagle-inspired outfit with fluid fabrics that won’t restrict movement so your game can soar. Wing-tipped shoes and a punny golf hat cap it all off.
G/Fore Men’s PRAY FOR BIRDIES PERFORATED FEATHERWEIGHT TECH SNAPBACK HAT $45 | G/Fore Buy Now 
Rhoback The IND Men’s Short Sleeve Performance Polo $98 | Rhoback Buy Now 
Kuhl Men’s Revolvr Pant $109 | Kuhl Buy Now 
NeverMindAll Unisex ALL CLASSIC Golf Noble Wingtip Classic Golf Shoes – Yellow $420 | NeverMindAll Buy Now Women’s golf looks inspired by the Bald Eagle
The star here is the zigzag, monochromatic layering piece that packs the punch and mimics the signature two-tones of the bald eagle. Yellow accents add a touch of livelines.
Flipping Birdies Up and Down Birdies Two Tone Golf Hats $40 $33 | Flipping Birdies Buy Now 
ACEGOLFS Women’s Bold Baroque Golf Shirt Quarterzip UPF50+ $50 | AceGolfs Buy Now 
Peter Millar Women’s Karlie Stretch Sateen High Rise Pant $150 | Peter Millar Buy Now 
ECCO Women’s Golf S-Three Spikeless Golf Shoes $220 | Zappos Buy Now Vermilion Flycatcher
Though usually based in the East Coast, my family often makes a springtime journey out West. My parents—golfers and naturalists themselves—love the towering, lifelike Saguaro cacti and the clay-toned sunsets that decorate the landscape of golf courses in Tucson, Ariz., and beyond. If we’re lucky, we might stop the cart to give way to a roadrunner or admire a hummingbird zipping ahead. (Apologies to all the poor souls who have patiently trailed behind my family’s foursome!) But it’s the vermilion flycatchers that always make my heart stop. The adaptable birds have been known to nest in courses across the Southwest, a testament to the species’ resiliency; in fact, they belong to the genus Pyrocephalus, which aptly translates to “fire-headed.” The looks that follow are just as spicy, bold, and eye-catching; the species reminds us it’s okay to stand out.
Men’s golf looks inspired by the Vermilion Flycatcher
This fiery men’s look centers around a grounding desert print polo with matching crimson shoes and a season-proof hat to close the sartorial statement. Though designed for golf, these packable pants could work double duty for a night out. You can tone them down—if that’s more your style—with a sandy polo and brown shoes.
Raised By Coyotes Desert Cactus Nights Polo $69 | Raised By Coyotes Buy Now 
Red Rooster Golf Men’s The Comb Glove $24 | Red Rooster Golf Buy Now 
Galvin Green Noah Breathable golf pants $149 | Galvin Green Buy Now 
Duca Del Cosma Men’s Flyer Red $239 | Duca Del Cosma Buy Now Women’s golf looks inspired by the Vermilion Flycatcher
Fashion sport sunglasses add a “mask” of color, to use a birding term, to frame the face and protect the eyes. This pullover features a ruffled collar for added flair, and the two-toned raspberry and poppy skirt gives an air of movement and agility.
Ralph Lauren Women’s Polo Shield Sunglasses $145 | Ralph Lauren Buy Now 
Tail Activewear Women’s Condoleezza Dahlia Red Pullover $84 | Tail Activewear Buy Now 
Lacoste Women’s Women’s Lined Ultra Dry Tennis Skirt $115 | Lacoste Buy Now 
Marc Joseph Women’s Hampton Golf Shoe $195 | Marc Joseph Buy Now Belted Kingfisher
I learned to golf by taking lessons with my mom and sister, but most of my memories of that time are with my dad, when he would take us out on the course before work. Sometimes his friends would join, and, to the chagrin of my rule-abiding father, we’d have golf cart races. You could catch us (if you were fast enough!) speeding, dipping, and diving along our hilly, boulder-laced home course, mimicking the sweeping dance of a kingfisher darting below the water’s surface to catch its prey. Kingfishers are one of my dad’s favorite birds, the belted variety being the most common in the States, known for their iridescent bursts of blue that smile encouragingly (or knowingly!) at you from the water hazards. Whenever we’re near a pond or lake, I always keep an eye out, hoping to catch a glimpse of that transcendent cerulean—what some might see as a terrible distraction, I see as a loving reminder to look beyond the pin.
Men’s golf looks inspired by the Belted Kingfisher
This serene lakefront print is from Greyson Clothiers’ collection of eye-catching wilderness designs, but if they don’t have your size, check out this watershed fauna alternative. A punny “golfish” belt can be cut to size for your desired fit, and the neutral, svelte shoes add a grounding punch of white mirroring the belted kingfisher’s colorway.
Greyson Clothiers Men’s Cloak Island Polo $128 | Greyson Clothiers Buy Now 
Golfish Men’s Shorehaven Silicone Golf Belt $58 | Golfish Buy Now 
Bad Birdie Men’s Quintero Golf Pant $110 | Bad Birdie Buy Now 
Johnston & Murphy Men’s XC4 H1-Luxe Hybrid $169 | Johnston & Murphy Buy Now Women’s golf looks inspired by the Belted Kingfisher
Another belted look, of course, this time with an asymmetrical two-toned pullover and a lacy golf blouse that can take you from the course to the evening. These versatile retro-inspired sky blue plaid trousers also work well with a simple white polo.
ACEGOLFS Not So Classic Golf Sweatshirt $66 $56 | AceGolfs Buy Now 
Greyson Clothiers Women’s Wolf Links Lace Long Sleeve Mock Neck Top $98 | Greyson Clothiers Buy Now 
Tory Burch Women’s YARN-DYED TWILL GOLF PANT $228 $99 | Tory Burch Buy Now 
Royal Albartross Women’s Foxtrot 26 Blue Faux Leopard Fur Luxury Designer Golf Belt $119 | Royal Albartross Buy Now
Learn more about how your golf course can protect and promote wildlife here.
This article was originally published on golfdigest.com
