Who is Charley Hull?
Malbon’s newest ambassador is entering the prime of her career with one of the most exciting partnerships in golf.
A year ago, Malbon was a lifestyle golf brand with a lot of underground appeal, but not as much mainstream credibility. Fast forward to now, and the rapidly-growing label has at least three high profile ambassadors under its wing. We’re not talking about skateboarders Sean Malto or Eric Koston. Not even artists ScHoolboy Q or Chief Keef, all of whom have partnered the brand in some way, but rather professional golfers Jason Day, Jesper Parnevik and Charley Hull. As a brand whose events serve as a detox from tame and traditional tournaments, whose supporters so passionately reject the copy and paste public personas of tour pros, seeing the Buckets logo pop up on a Golf Channel broadcast almost feels like a moment of dissonance.
But Jason Day is far from bland, as we’ve already documented, and “conform” isn’t even in Jesper Parnevik’s vocabulary. But what about 27-year-old Charley Hull? As a 17-year-old rookie on the Ladies European Tour she finished on the shortlist of the BBC’s young UK sports personalities. That was after a 2013 season in which she became the youngest golfer to ever make the Solheim Cup, where she beat team USA’s spiritual leader Paula Creamer on Sunday and promptly asked her for an autograph. Earlier that year, she teed it up at the Women’s British Open in St Andrews, where the men-only Royal and Ancient Golf Club is based, and proclaimed that it was time to put an end to its exclusionary and archaic policies. “It’s time to change,” she said. “We’re all people and no one is better than anyone else.”
Hull is better than almost anyone else at golf though. Since 2013, she’s accumulated four wins worldwide, and rose to her highest ever ranking after finishing 2nd at both last year’s Women’s British Open and US Women’s Open. On Sunday at the US Open, she attempted a risky shot from behind the tree on Pebble Beach’s 18th fairway in an attempt to close the gap. She later told a reporter that “I’m quite an aggressive person when it comes to life.” It appears Malbon may have found just the right person to be the face of its women’s golf line.
After announcing the partnership, Hypegolf had the opportunity to speak with Charley about the brand and its mission to make golf more accessible.
Malbon Golf
Malbon Golf
Hypegolf: You’re joining a Malbon family which includes fellow professional golfers, but also pro skateboarders and celebrated entertainers. Are you excited to be part of this diverse company?
Charley Hull: I’m very excited to join the team. Not only do I love the clothes, but it’s an honor to be onboard with these inspiring individuals doing well in their respective fields. I met Jason Day at the shoot before Christmas and it was great getting to know him and chatting about all things fashion and golf.
One of the ways that Malbon has grown its community is through its Buckets Clubs events. Will you be going to one anytime soon, and what kind of impact do you think these events have on golf culture?
I certainly hope to be able to attend one soon. I think what Malbon is doing really well is making golf appeal to the wider community. These events are an example of that because they make the sport cool, trendy and fun. All of these factors are so important in attracting the attention of the next generation and growing the game, something I’m passionate about.
How much have you spoken to Erica and Stephen Malbon about the outfits you’ll be wearing this year? Will you have a hand in determining your looks throughout the season?
We’re all very fashion focused so we have lots of ideas on how to look good on and off the course. We will definitely work together to create my looks throughout the year. One thing I will say about Malbon is I can wear it on the course to play golf, and then to meet friends for coffee after. It’s so versatile which is a big positive for me.
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Being from the UK, you must have learned to dress for the elements. What are your keys to layering up for rain or low temperatures?
In general I try to wear the least amount of layers that I can still feel warm in, that way I can swing freely. My key would be to wear something lightweight that gives you enough protection from the elements. Luckily Malbon have provided me with some pieces perfect for these scenarios.
Malbon is big in America and parts of Asia, but it’s yet to take off in your home country. Can you see it catching on there?
Hopefully I can help to raise the awareness of the Malbon brand in my home country! We have an ideal market in the UK and golf fashion is moving towards trendy, versatile brands more than ever before.
Malbon’s most recognizable logo is the Buckets emblem. How would you customize it for yourself?
I love the color blue and I love bags, so I think incorporating the Buckets on a blue bag would be super cool.
