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With the 45th Ryder Cup set to debut in New York, Ralph Lauren, too, is ready to dress the US Team for the seventh consecutive time. On Monday, the quintessential American design giant revealed its fits, where their goal was to capture the energy of New York’s sports fans with a mix of classic and statement pieces. This year, performance fabrics merge with classic style to optimize function, created after months-long discussions with team captain Keegan Bradley.

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To prepare for unpredictable late September weather, the uniform kits also come with layering pieces and weather-ready designs like cashmere hoodies and wind-resistant jackets. Ralph Lauren also released the ‘13th Man’ shirt for the followers, a play on how the fans are considered the unofficial 13th player on the team. Although a lot of thought went into the performance and preparation, the design failed to lure the fans, with “awful” being a common sentiment. Even now, many are not thrilled about the design factor.

The Fried Egg Golf’s Community Manager, Will Knights, reacted strongly to the design released by Ralph Lauren and Team U.S. of the Ryder Cup on X. They said, “My general takeaway is that there are only so many different ways you can combine red, white, and blue, but I am certain that there are better ways than what they chose. Do we really need pixelated patches on chests that make you question your eyesight? Or blocky white and blue lines that look more like one of those mind-benders you’d find in a Highlights magazine?

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“Also, I thought we left zipper collars back in 2007? If we’re bringing the mid-2000s back, I would love to see someone put a Nike Sasquatch driver in play on the first tee and with “We Fly High” by Jim Jones playing in the grandstand. I’m all in on that.”

Speaking specifically of the design on one of the shirts that seems to be inspired by paintbrush strokes, Knights believed that Ralph Lauren lacked imagination. It’s an overused pattern from many years ago and doesn’t reflect uniqueness. The pixelation of the design only adds to vision challenges. Moreover, the zipper collars are certainly a controversial element of the T-shirt in the kit. If you don’t believe it, just ask yourself, have you ever seen Tiger Woods wear it?

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Other designs included a clean navy and white combo and two striped polos paired with a wind cutter and a sweater with the flag across the chest. One of the tees also features a fun design with prints of an apple, golf clubs, etc, to showcase New York’s part in the 45th edition.

Ralph Lauren has been close to the sport for decades now. They first released Polo under their brand name in 1967. Then, they found their way onto the fairway with the launch of Polo Golf in 1989. Since 2012, the brand has been the official partner of the Ryder Cup as well.

David Lauren, Ralph Lauren Chief Branding and Innovation Officer, mentioned, “Our longstanding relationship with the PGA of America and being part of the U.S. Ryder Cup Team’s journey is particularly special because it really embodies everything we believe in: heritage, excellence and sportsmanship. Outfitting America’s best players as they represent our country on the global stage—there’s nothing more meaningful than that.”

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However, for the fans, it’s a big miss.

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While fans, including Will Knights, may not be in favor of the design by Ralph Lauren, the Captain of Team America seems to be enjoying sporting it already.

Keegan Bradley proudly dons the red, white, and blue

The design release from Ralph Lauren and Ryder Cup Team U.S. made the headlines. Reporters from the Today Show gathered in New York to cover it, wearing different versions of the outfits for the golf fans gathered behind the railings. The crew welcomed the captain in all his glory, wearing the American colors proudly for the first time since 2014.

When asked about the outfit, Bradley said, “What’s more red, white, and blue than Ralph Lauren? It looks great. We’re excited to wear it, and our boys are going to be ready to go at Bethpage.”

Bradley also suggested that they might make the Captain’s Picks after the conclusion of the 2025 TOUR Championship. After the interview, the Team U.S. captain made his way to a course nearby, still donning the Ryder Cup fits. He handed out some tickets to a few golf fans practicing there.

Clearly, Bradley is feeling comfortable in his new gear. But for the fans, the design, especially coming from a brand like Ralph Lauren, also mattered.

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