The story behind Public Drip, a golf-apparel brand for the people | Gear

Like many off-again-on-again golfers, Neil Tan returned to the game during the COVID pandemic.

As a New York City resident who works from home in a 400-square-foot apartment, he has found that golf provides a much-needed outdoor respite. The game had also changed since Tan’s youth. It was 2020, and Tan, then 34, felt that golf had a new vibe.

“When I started picking up my clubs, I was just like, Oh, my god. The game is, like, kind of refreshing,” Tan said in a recent phone interview. “It’s changed quite a bit. There are all these other big brands and big communities that have been formed.

“This is not the golf I remembered it to be.”

The progress was an encouraging sign for Tan, who as a teenage skateboarder designed T-shirts and sold them out of the trunk of his car. His reintroduction to golf reawakened his entrepreneurial spirit, and he decided to harness his natural creativity into a new brand of golf, which, inspired by his appreciation for the public spaces around the city, he named. Public drip.

“I’ve always gained inspiration around New York City and, being around New York City,” Tan said. “On the subway, playing tennis or basketball or pick-up pickleball or any of those types of sports. I think there are these public spaces here in New York City where you invite people into these games that everyone loves.”

Tan rediscovered the game at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, the oldest public golf course in the United States.

“I just fell in love with the game like that, and then connecting with all the different types of people that come and play,” he said. “I really wanted to celebrate these public spaces. It made me think of Serena and Venus Williams to Tiger Woods. If they didn’t have these types of public spaces to take a racket and practice with their father, or Tiger to go to a municipal course to take a golf club, would we have ever seen the greatest of all time in their sports?

The “Public” in Public Drip is meant to reflect the strong sense of golf community at the local level, as well as the sense of belonging a player can feel on the course. The “Drip” is all about authenticity – feeling good in what you’re wearing, but also looking cool.

“Fashion is a way of self-expression,” said Tan. “How you want to carry yourself and how you walk in a space.”

Tan wanted Public Drip to appeal to golfers of all ages. Several pieces feature vintage-inspired silhouettes that are constructed with modern fabrics and details.

“I’m paying homage to the classics, but bringing them in a new light, and bringing some of those textures and details that fashion and really good menswear has,” said Tan. “Harris tweed, knit ties, great collars that you see on a suit that makes you feel good every time you put it on. I wanted to bring that into your everyday life, on the course and off.”

Tan’s brand ethos comes to life with Public Drip’s first polo design in 2022: the Public Athlete Polo, which includes distinctive details such as a cutaway knit collar and non-rectangular lapel. Polos are designed to be worn either tucked or untucked.

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When a broader brand launch gained traction on Instagram in 2023, Public Drip was off and running. The brand has been on the rise ever since, with a collection that includes double pleated trousers and faux collars to hats and ball markers. Last year, Public Drip created a limited edition clothing collection for LIV Golf’s Cleeks – a team with Martin Kaymer, Richard Bland, Adrian Meronk and Victor Perez. After making its debut at the PGA Show earlier this year, Public Drip has expanded its Rolodex of green grass accounts in the US and Canada, and now has distribution in Japan, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia, with plans to enter the Korean market.

Tan has visions of pushing Public Drip into other sports and offering greater support to Public athletes. But making an impact at the community level will remain essential to their business. “It builds that culture and hopefully they help influence that culture,” he said.

You can shop selections from Public Drip’s latest collection at Fairway Jockey by clicking on the links below. To see the entire collection, click here.

Buy Public Drip at Fairway Jockey

Athlete Public Retro Polo

Step into timeless style with our Public Athlete Retro Polo, featuring a distinctive jacquard knit pattern that pays homage to classic designs with a modern twist. Crafted from a high-quality, breathable fabric, this polo shirt combines vintage charm with contemporary comfort. This retro-inspired design brings a touch of nostalgia while ensuring a refined and comfortable shape. Perfect for those who appreciate the fusion of classic style and premium craftsmanship. Product Details 90% Recycled Poly 10% Elastane Fits True to Size Jacquard Knit Modern Knit 4-Button Closure Mother-of-Pearl Buttons Care Instructions Machine Wash Cold, Gentle Do Not Use Fabric Softener No Bleach Tumble Dry Low Use Warm Iron Wash Dark Colors Separately Do Not Dry Clean Size Chart S 2″ 9″ M 21¼” 28¾” 9¾” L 22½” 29½” 10¼” XL 23½” 30¼” 10¾” 2XL 25¼” 31″ 11½” 3XL 26¾” 32″ 12″

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Athlete Public Mock Neck (Pine Grove)

Pinky up when put on our mock neck golf shirt, a sign of sophistication. There’s plenty of give to make smooth swings thanks to a poly-elastane blend, and it features a silicone “P” writing application on the chest. Product details 90% recycled polyethylene 10% elastane “P” silicone appliqués and “P” woven label on sleeve Fits true to size. Size up if you want an oversized look Fit Details Model is 6’0″, 165 lbs, size M Care Instructions Machine wash Machine wash cold, gentle Do not use fabric softener Do not bleach Tumble dry low Use hot iron Wash darks separately Do not dry clean Size Chart Size Chest Sleeve Body S 20″ 298″ 298″ 28¾” 9¾” L 22½” 29½” 10¼” XL 23½” 30¼” 10¾” 2XL 25¼” 31″ 11½” 3XL 26¾” 32″ 12″

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