A Completely Subjective Shortlist of What's In (and Out) in Golf Culture, Volume II

Oh January, everyone's favorite 31-day free trial—the prelude to the unchartered territory that is a new year.

It's the month that often feels like the residuals of December. Maybe it's just me, but January is really the time I use to get acclimated, when absolutely no resolutions are really being sought after. Instead, I ground myself by developing my annual guidebook—the ever illustrious, Ins and Outs List.

My favorite internet trend has carried over for yet another 365 days, and I must confess, this year's list proved to be challenging to curate. The list we curated for '25 was a damn good one and honestly still holds up. (A true measure of a success, if you ask me.)

Claiming sim golf leagues to be hot shit before the steady popularity of TGL? Declaring my adoration for sawed-off finishes complimented by a picture of Tommy Fleetwood months before his legendary run at TOUR Champ? Give me a crystal ball already!

I'm not here to gloat, after all this isn't a list of predictions, but rather a culmination of things I'd like to see more (and less) of in golf culture this year. So let's just dive on in.

What's IN:

Multi-view screens to catch both LPGA and PGA TOUR coverage

In case you missed it, the LPGA is beefing up its coverage in '26 which means we're locked TF in. Act accordingly, and utilize those Red Zone Sunday setups for golf this year.

Cashmere sweaters

Cashmere Keith has really been onto something all these years.

The Skins Game

So that was cool let’s run it BACK!!!

Golf course sustainability

And I'm not just talking about walking over riding—this year's Solheim Cup will be contested in Amsterdam and tournament officials are taking about some big time eco-friendly upgrades...more on this at a later time, but I'm so here for this.

Breakfast balls just for fun

Because why the hell not?!

Bump and runs

A truly underrated around the green shot to have in the bag. Bonus points for B&Rs with some sort of wood or hybrid.

Ball marker hat clips

Idk man, I just keep losing markers in my pockets. When I was a kid, my hat clip never failed me.

TGL Mascots

Boston Common really did their big one, but I do think we can do better than the name "Mr. Frog". Nevertheless, TGL season 2 has brought the goods, and this is fun.

Tiger Woods' return to competition

A decade ago (how the hell was 2016 that long ago???), Tiger Woods teed it up in the Hero World Challenge, the first event he played in after his second back surgery in 2015, where he made 24 birdies, the most for the tournament that week.

He didn't win, but he was still nothing short of spectacular, like he always is when he's on a golf course. If he could do it then, then he can do it now. And I think we all want that.

More Addie's Baddies!!!

Selfishly I just want to see more people being kind, cool, hot, and good at golf—in that order.

What's OUT:

Crashing out on the course...less

I get it, I do—but no more snapping clubs or damaging the course. Let's do some box breaths like mature adults.

Doom scrolling swing tip videos

One or two is fine, but it's not doing what you think it is.

Those hats with the ponytail holders (I’m sorry)

Sorry girls, but like...normal hats and visors just look better.

Cigs on the course...stoogies only babe

Our dart queen Charley Hull gave them up and you should, too. Smoking cigars makes you look cooler, more refined, and channels the MJ vibe.

Joggers (switch to ankle pants, please.)

I will not elaborate further.

Viral videos of people fighting on golf courses

This kind of goes with the crash outs. To quote Marty Supreme, "You want to get physical? Like an ape?" No thank you brother, I'm good.

Q School NOT being televised

Like come onnnnnn. It's drama better than the Real Housewives, give the people what they want.