Callaway SS17 Apparel

Callaway SS17 Apparel Review - Golf Monthly Technical Writer Jake O'Reilly tests Callaway Apparel's SS17 range in Ireland

Callaway SS17 Apparel Review

Tested by: Jake O’Reilly, Hcp 11

Garments tested:

Green Grass 3.0 Jacket - £89.99 X Tech Trouser II - £49.99 Chest Striped pullover - £44.99 Contrast Shoulder Block polo - £39.99

Styling

There is a good range of colour options on the Green Grass 3.0 Jacket and the sleeve stripes do add a subtle element of style, but it is lacking shelf appeal overall. You can’t go wrong with a classic navy on the trousers, but they also come in three other colours to suit your wardrobe needs. I like the mix of classic styling with a touch of detail on the pullover, which means this can be paired with other outfits without any major clashes, but still offers something when worn on its own.

Fit and comfort

The Velcro cuffs and toggle hem made customising the fit on the jacket possible, which was very useful during windy and wet conditions. The stretchy property of the material hit the mark, making it easy to swing in lots of layers. As a taller golfer I sometimes struggle with sleeve length, but with this jacket that wasn’t a problem. It is also lightweight, which made carrying it in the bag just in case a no brainer.

Unlike lots of trousers that look like flares on my legs, the tapered cut fits really nicely, while a silicon grip inside the waistband stops you shirt from becoming untucked, which is a simple yet effective innovation. The performance style material of the pullover stretches with your swing nicely and the sleeves and hem were both a good length, even for a taller golfer. The athletic performance material on the polo is closer fitting than your old school cotton, but I prefer this look, as well as the breathable and stretch benefits it provides.

Performance

The jacket stood up to the extremely heavy rain at Old Head very well. Rain did get in around the collar, but for a non-Gore-Tex material I was impressed by how dry I remained on my torso. Unfortunately the trousers didn’t quite perform as well as the jacket, with the colour running off and staining my white shoes. We appreciate the conditions were truly awful, but you’d expect more durability from the very first wear.

You get an abundance of fabric technology in this polo shirt, like Opti-Dri, Opti-Shield, Opti-Genic & Opti-Stretch. Between them they wick sweat away, offer UV protection, fight odour and stretch with your swing for great all round performance.