Golf Post

Skechers has carved out a distinct position in the golf footwear market since entering the category around 2013, emphasizing the fusion of comfort technology and accessible pricing. With endorsements from tour professionals and a growing product range, the brand continues to expand its presence across amateur and professional golf.

Senior Director of Product Development & Merchandising Ben Steward outlined the company’s strategic approach to product innovation, highlighting how Skechers balances performance requirements with modern design aesthetics. The brand’s philosophy centers on delivering high-quality equipment that remains accessible across all skill levels.

2026 Product Innovation and Technology

The upcoming Skechers GO GOLF 2026 collection introduces several models designed to address specific on-course needs. The Elite 6 features waterproof construction paired with Arch Fit insole technology, targeting golfers seeking stability and all-weather protection. The Prestige SL incorporates Hands Free Slip-Ins and ECO Flight recycled cushioning, blending convenience with sustainability—a growing consideration in equipment selection.

The Torque 2 model emphasizes stability through Goodyear rubber construction, catering to golfers prioritizing traction and support during the swing. According to Steward, these technological components work together to reduce fatigue during a full round, particularly benefiting higher-handicap players who walk the course.

Lightweight cushioning and enhanced arch support directly address the demands of extended walking and varied terrain. For amateur golfers, these features translate to improved comfort across 18 holes and more consistent swing mechanics when fatigue is minimized.

Professional Endorsements and Market Positioning

Skechers’ professional roster includes Bernhard Langer on the PGA Champions Tour, Matt Fitzpatrick on the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour player Brooke Henderson, and emerging talent Max Greyserman. These partnerships provide real-world validation of Skechers’ technology at the professional level while expanding the brand’s visibility across different tour circuits.

Henderson, with 14 LPGA victories, represents a significant endorsement for the brand’s women-specific product development. The women’s line includes the Jasmine 2 and GO GOLF Max 3, both featuring tailored fit options and women-specific design elements. This targeted approach acknowledges that female golfers have distinct footwear requirements beyond scaled-down versions of men’s models.

Skechers positions its golf offerings as a lifestyle choice that doesn’t compromise on performance. By combining fashionable design with functional technology, the brand appeals to golfers seeking modern aesthetics alongside on-course capability. This positioning challenges traditional golf footwear conventions, where performance has historically superseded style considerations.

Accessibility and Future Direction

The emphasis on affordability distinguishes Skechers within the golf equipment space. Higher-handicap players particularly benefit from the brand’s approach: arch support reduces fatigue during longer rounds, lightweight construction minimizes strain, and competitive pricing removes financial barriers to quality footwear. These practical advantages extend the appeal beyond professional or low-handicap demographics.

Steward’s role overseeing product development and merchandising reflects Skechers’ commitment to continuous innovation. The brand’s integration of sustainable materials, such as recycled content in cushioning systems, addresses environmental considerations increasingly important to modern consumers.

As Skechers continues expanding its golf portfolio, the brand maintains focus on delivering value across all ability levels. The 2026 collection demonstrates this strategy through diverse model options, each targeting specific player needs while maintaining the comfort-technology philosophy that defines Skechers’ market positioning.

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Skechers has established itself as a notable player in golf footwear over the past decade, blending comfort technology with accessible pricing and contemporary style. The brand’s latest collection for 2025-2026 reflects a commitment to innovation across professional and amateur segments, with new products designed to enhance on-course performance and reduce fatigue during play.

The company entered the golf market around 2013 with a focus on merging comfort engineering with performance requirements. That philosophy remains central to product development, according to Ben Steward, Senior Director of Product Development & Merchandising at Skechers. “Our approach is about fusing comfort and technology,” Steward explained, emphasizing the brand’s positioning across all skill levels.

Key Innovations in 2026 Collection

Three standout models define Skechers’ upcoming lineup. The Elite 6 delivers waterproof construction paired with Arch Fit insoles, addressing stability and moisture protection during variable weather. The Prestige SL features Hands Free Slip-Ins technology and ECO Flight cushioning—a sustainable solution incorporating recycled materials—making it both functional and environmentally conscious. The Torque 2 emphasizes stability through Goodyear rubber construction, targeting golfers who prioritize grip and traction.

These technical features address practical demands: arch support reduces fatigue during a full 18 holes, lightweight construction eases walking, and waterproof materials maintain performance in wet conditions. For higher-handicap players, these elements combine to create footwear that supports longer rounds without compromising comfort.

Professional Endorsements and Women’s Market

Skechers’ professional roster includes Bernhard Langer on the Champions Tour, PGA Tour player Matt Fitzpatrick, LPGA Tour player Brooke Henderson—who has recorded 14 tour wins—and Max Greyserman. These partnerships validate Skechers’ technologies at competitive levels while expanding the brand’s credibility with serious golfers.

The women’s market receives dedicated attention through the Jasmine 2 and MAX 3 models, featuring tailored fits and design elements specifically engineered for female golfers. This segmentation reflects recognition that golf footwear performance varies across body types and swing mechanics.

Skechers positions its golf offerings as affordable alternatives to traditional golf brands, without sacrificing performance or aesthetics. The balance between fashion-forward design and functional features targets golfers seeking modern styling alongside reliable on-course capability—a differentiation strategy in a category historically dominated by established players.

Looking ahead, Skechers continues emphasizing accessibility across skill levels. The brand’s trajectory suggests sustained investment in technology development while maintaining competitive pricing that extends quality footwear to amateur and professional golfers alike.

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The PGA Tour enters one of its most compelling weeks of the season with the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am set to tee off February 12-15, 2026. With celebrity pro-am participants and a stellar field converging on California’s iconic coastline, the tournament promises to deliver both competitive golf and entertainment value.

Scottie Scheffler arrives as the world’s top-ranked player and clear favorite, but defending champion Rory McIlroy returns to defend his title. The intrigue, however, centers on Chris Gotterup, who has emerged as the tour’s most dangerous player following back-to-back victories at the Sony Open and Phoenix Open within three weeks.

Justin Rose, fresh off his Farmers Insurance Open victory, rounds out the contenders in what shapes up as an open field competing for the $3.6 million first-place check from the $20 million purse. The DACH region will be represented by Austria’s Sepp Straka, a four-time PGA Tour winner who finished seventh last year, alongside Germans Stephan Jäger and Matti Schmid.

Adelaide Debuts World Rankings Points

Across the globe, the LIV Golf League continues its momentum in Adelaide, where the season’s first international stop brings significant developments to the controversial circuit. For the first time, LIV Golf events will award Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, a watershed moment for the league’s legitimacy in the sport’s traditional hierarchy.

Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau headline the event, while local hero Cameron Smith and the Ripper GC team—augmented by Australian sensation Elvis Smylie, who captured his maiden LIV victory in Riyadh last week—will compete at the Grange Golf Club with both individual and team competition on the line. The tournament offers $4 million to the individual winner and $3 million to the winning team from a $30 million total purse.

Germany’s Martin Kaymer serves as captain of the Cleeks GC squad competing in Adelaide.

Champions Tour and International Competition

The PGA Tour Champions hosts the Chubb Classic in Naples, Florida, where Bernhard Langer headlines the field in pursuit of a historic sixth title at the event. The 68-year-old German legend, who holds the record with 47 Champions Tour victories, remains one of golf’s most enduring competitors. Fellow German Alex Cejka also competes in the $1.8 million event.

In Saudi Arabia, the PIF Saudi Ladies International launches the Ladies European Tour season with a $5 million purse—the largest LET tournament outside of majors. The field features multiple DACH representatives, including Germany’s Esther Henseleit, who serves as an official Golf Saudi ambassador, and Laura Funfstuck, last year’s PIF London Championship winner. Germany’s Helen Briem, now competing on the LPGA Tour in 2026, also participates alongside fellow countrymen Olivia Cowan, Alexandra Försterling, and Leonie Harm. Austria’s Emma Spitz and Swiss players Chiara Tamburlini, Kim Metraux, and Albane Valenzuela round out regional representation.

This week represents a global showcase of professional golf, from California’s storied fairways to Adelaide’s emerging LIV stage and the Saudi-backed women’s championship—each offering compelling narratives as the season reaches full stride.

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Interviewee: Ben Steward, Senior Director of Product Development & Merchandising, Skechers
Purpose: Content for DE/EN Publications (e.g., Golf Magazines or X Posts)Short BriefingSkechers GO GOLF: Entered golf market ~2013, focuses on comfort/tech fusion. Key 2025-2026 products: Elite 6 (waterproof, Arch Fit), Prestige SL (Slip-Ins, ECO Flight recycled cushioning), Torque 2 (stability via Goodyear rubber). Endorsements: Bernhard Langer (PGA Champions), Matt Fitzpatrick (PGA), Brooke Henderson (LPGA, 14 wins), Max Greyserman. Women's line: Jasmine 2, Max 3 (tailored fit, style). For high handicappers: Reduces fatigue with arch support, lightweight for walking. Positioning: Affordable, stylish, sustainable—blends fashion with performance for all levels. Ben's role: Oversees dev/merch, emphasizes innovation for pros/amateurs.

Interview Questions for Ben Steward
Senior Director of Product Development & Merchandising, Skechers GO GOLF
(For pre-approval / as a guide for the planned interview)How would you describe Skechers’ evolution in the golf category—from its initial market entry to current partnerships such as the World Champions Cup?
What are the key new developments in the Skechers GO GOLF 2026 collection, particularly in models like the Elite 6 or Prestige SL, and how do technologies such as Hands Free Slip-Ins and ECO Flight cushioning (incorporating recycled materials) contribute to on-course performance?
How do features like Arch Fit insoles and lightweight, waterproof construction (e.g., in the Prestige SL) deliver stability and all-day comfort during a round of golf?
Skechers positions its golf footwear and apparel as a combination of modern style and functional performance. How do you achieve this balance between fashionable design and performance requirements in a category long dominated by traditional brands?
To what extent do insights and feedback from tour professionals such as Bernhard Langer, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Brooke Henderson influence product development, and how do these endorsements help validate Skechers’ technologies at the professional level?
How does Skechers specifically address the needs of female golfers, for example through models like the Jasmine 2 or GO GOLF Max 3, with tailored fit options and women-specific design elements?
Why are Skechers golf shoes particularly well-suited for higher-handicap players—considering aspects such as arch support to reduce fatigue, lightweight cushioning for walking, and enhanced stability during the swing?
Looking forward, what innovations or expansions does Skechers have planned for its golf product line, and how will the brand continue to ensure that high-performance equipment remains accessible across all skill levels?

The PGA Tour turns its attention to the California coast this week with the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, the circuit’s first Signature Event of 2026. The event runs February 12-15 at the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links, offering $20 million in prize money with the winner taking home $3.6 million.

Scottie Scheffler arrives as the betting favorite and clear frontrunner. The world’s top-ranked player has established himself as the dominant force on the PGA Tour, and Pebble Beach’s demanding setup should suit his all-around game. Defending champion Rory McIlroy returns to protect his title from last year, when he claimed victory at the prestigious venue.

Gotterup’s Hot Streak Captures Attention

Perhaps the most compelling storyline this week involves Chris Gotterup, who has emerged as the tour’s most in-form player. The American claimed victories at both the Sony Open and Phoenix Open in consecutive weeks, demonstrating exceptional form heading into Pebble Beach. Gotterup ranks among the favorites and will look to make it three wins in three starts—an achievement that would place him firmly in contention for Player of the Year discussions.

Justin Rose, fresh from winning the Farmers Insurance Open, presents another dangerous threat. The experienced competitor proved he remains capable of competing at the highest level on the PGA Tour.

The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am maintains its unique character as a pro-am event, attracting celebrities and notable figures from outside professional golf. This year’s field includes NFL star Travis Kelce alongside the touring professionals, adding the traditional entertainment element to the competition.

DACH Region Well-Represented

German representation comes courtesy of Stephan Jäger and Matti Schmid. Jäger finished T7 last year and will seek to improve on that result. Austria sends Sepp Straka, a four-time PGA Tour winner who also finished T7 in 2025, making him a player capable of challenging the favorites.

The week also features LIV Golf Adelaide in Australia, where Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele headline the 54-hole event. The LIV Golf event notably marks the first time the Saudi-backed league offers Official World Golf Ranking points to its participants. Defending champion Joaquin Niemann will attempt to repeat his success.

On the senior circuit, the PGA Tour Champions holds the Chubb Classic at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. Bernhard Langer, the 68-year-old German legend, competes for his sixth title—a record-equaling achievement on the Champions Tour. Langer’s accomplishments remain the standard by which all others are measured in professional golf.

The PIF Saudi Ladies International begins this week on the Ladies European Tour, with the Saudi-backed tournament offering $5 million in prize money, making it the richest LET event outside the majors. German players including Esther Henseleit and Laura Funfstuck lead the DACH contingent.