I’m not going to lie, up until my trip to Scotland last fall, I’d only heard of Galvin Green in passing – and I thought it was some stodgy golf brand geared towards guys more than twice my age.
However, on my trip I was visiting some of the most historic golf courses in the world, and they all seemed to have one thing in common:
They all carried excessive amounts of Galvin Green in their pro shops.
So here I am in the most storied places in golf, which also happen to be some of the wettest and windiest places in golf, and they all are selling the same brand.
That should tell you something.
The Galvin Green Layering Story
I didn’t think a whole lot more about it, until I was at this year’s PGA Show and found myself talking to the CEO of Galvin Green, Christian Nilsson.
I was intrigued. There was something the Europeans clearly knew that I (and seemingly the rest of America) wasn’t privy to.
He went on to explain the Galvin Green “layering story” which I found to be one of the most compelling stories behind a collection of clothing I’d seen.
Everything Galvin Green makes is designed to work together. From the compression base layers (which are kind of like a high end dri-fit, to the thermal layer, to the outer waterproof layer – each piece is designed to work within a system.
The system isn’t necessarily inexpensive, but if you want the best of the best when it comes to all weather golf apparel, look no further than Galvin Green.
Needing a Better All Weather Jacket
Living in Portland, Oregon and playing golf year round – I’ve found myself playing in some pretty soggy weather. As such, I wanted something that would keep me dry in all conditions.
My mid-range Nike Storm Fit golf suit has been great for light to medium rain, but during the deluge of water that I got at Bandon Dunes and Trump International it didn’t quite hold up.
Enter the Galvin Green Goretex Jacket.
I snagged their 2014 Ace model, which is essentially the same as the 2015 Apex jacket – just available in different colors.
One of the first things you notice about the jacket is that it’s light and easy to pack. There are more thermal jackets in Galvin Green’s lineup, but I love the flexibility this jacket gave me. I could add a base layer and be warm and dry, but I’ve also been just as comfortable throwing it over a polo shirt during a warm spring rain storm.
It’s got a mesh interior, two pockets, and adjustable velcro cuffs.
In my Nike jacket (which is not their top of the line jacket, so not a direct comparison), I tend to sweat – and it’s not very breathable. The Galvin Green Ace jacket is extremely breathable and comfortable during all types of weather.
I’ve also found the exclusivity factor to be a pretty cool little bonus/ego boost.
Most people in the US aren’t familiar with the company – and only a few places sell it (generally high end private clubs).
However, on about half a dozen occasions I’ve been playing with people and they say something like “whoa, Galvin Green?! That’s a really nice jacket.”
Thanks, I think so too. 🙂
A Couple (Minor) Complaints
I only really have two complaints about the product – and honestly, they don’t really have much to do with the product itself.
The first is the price. Galvin Green’s jackets are about as expensive as it gets for golf apparel. If you’re a diehard golfer who plays 12 months out of the year, rain or shine, I firmly believe good rain gear is an investment worth making – even more so, if you travel a lot.
But for the casual golfer who plays once or twice a month, and never in foul weather – it probably won’t be worth it.
The only other issue I had is I got my jacket in the white with green color way. It looks beautiful, however during one wet and muddy round this winter, it only took one fat shot from the rough to spray mud all over me. It’s cleaned up pretty well, but if doing it again, I’d go for a darker color.
Bottom line, if you’re in the market for something that will keep you bone dry in any weather, while also garnering a bit of attention from those in the know – look no further than Galvin Green’s Ace or Apex Goretex jackets.
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