Jessica Cavolina - Golf Shop Manager at Maidstone Club

Alex Elias

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Courtesy of Jon Cavalier (@Linksgems)

While a Holderness & Bourne or B. Draddy piece is great on its own, there’s something even more special about wearing apparel with the logo of a prestigious club, especially one like Maidstone Club (East Hampton, NY). 

Jessica Cavolina, Golf Shop Manager at Maidstone Club, spoke about the membership, saying, "They take great pride in where they belong and are eager to represent it. They want to showcase that pride."

But it doesn’t stop with the members. If anything, the enthusiasm grows even stronger with guests, and Cavolina is in the perfect position to witness it firsthand.

"I remember one guest last year in particular. He came into the shop with a list of items and asked, 'Do you mind?' I said, 'Do I mind? That’s awesome!'" Cavolina recalled. "And that’s not unusual. Many guests come in with lists and end up leaving with purchases for eight people—friends, family, you name it."

In Cavolina's view, the reason members and guests are so devoted is simple: "It [the logo] tells a story. When you see someone wearing a certain logo, it instantly sparks a conversation."

Courtesy of Jon Cavalier (@Linksgems)

Over her twenty-one years in the golf industry, Cavolina has witnessed the constant evolution of golf fashion.

"It’s always changing and very cyclical," said Cavolina. "When I started, cotton polos were the go-to, and we barely sold any polyester ones. Then, when Tiger started wearing the mock short-sleeve shirt, members began asking for those. Next, it was all polyester and hardly any cotton, and now we’re seeing a return to cotton."

Another example, according to Cavolina, is rope hats. "Those were huge in the '80s and '90s, and now they’re back. I can’t keep them in stock."

Cavolina also pointed out the growing trend in the golf industry: "The whole industry is shifting towards a lifestyle approach. Golf apparel isn’t just for the course anymore; they’re making clothes that can easily transition from the course to dinner."

"You have to constantly pay attention to what people are asking for and what they’re buying. My goal is to provide an outfit that takes you from the car, onto the course, and straight to dinner," said Cavolina.