“The ‘traditional’ golf scene is a thing of the past as a new generation of golfers fall in love with the game. Throughout the history of golf, there has been an exclusive country club vibe that has discouraged the people who do not fit the mold to shy away from playing the sport,” the brand’s website states.
“Blackballed Golf strives to break down those barriers and celebrate our differences. We believe that golf is for everyone.”
Blackballed is backed by global e-commerce company Shopify.
“Direct-to-consumer brands are popping up and changing what commerce looks like for independent golf brands,” said Jessica Williams, Shopify’s global brand marketing and partnerships director. “Traditionally, big, legacy brands were the only ones available for golfers to choose from. Now, Shopify has made it possible for a new generation of golfers to have access to incredible lifestyle businesses that represent younger and more diverse golfers.”
So much of the feeling included in golf, though, has to do with attire, Daniels said, and the clothes he makes are a way to include more people who look like him.
“At the end of the day, what we bring from a clothing standpoint is what sets us apart, in terms of being able to provide people with luxurious, top-notch premium fabrics, but also something to wear when you don’t feel like you’re not yourself, because you have to put on this collared shirt and these khaki shorts…” Daniels added. “All things where you feel good about going out there, and you feel like this represents who I am rather than feeling like I got to dress a certain way where I don’t feel comfortable and what I’m wearing.”
Daniels said golf is simply much cooler to play now than even a decade ago because of the popular faces playing the game, no matter what race. He mentioned “The Match” that has featured Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
He has even gotten support from MLB legend C.C. Sabathia and made mention of Victor Cruz and Saquon Barkley constantly posting about playing.
“These guys getting involved in golf, but having an addiction to it. They truly love the game, publicize it, and showing that they to participate in the sport, and they are trying to push that this is something that can be for you too,” Daniels said.
Minnesota Vikings special teams coordinator Matt Daniels looks on during the second half of a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Aug. 14, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Chris Unger/Getty Images / Getty Images)
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“Golf has a funny way of pushing people away if you don’t quite fit the mold of what it should look like,” Daniels added. “Frat boy sport, elitist sport, however you want to put what the narrative truly is, everyone is well aware of what the past of the sport truly looks like, and there’s still a lot of work to do.”
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