Clothes for Funky Young Golfers

Look sharp. The only Golf Punk store on the planet is not much larger than the bucket hats it has popularized, so it’s easy to miss.

Still, folks manage. Pumped-with-attitude designs have made this just-off-Melrose store a Holy Grail for Gen-X fashion fiends and golfers alike. Actors Skeet Ulrich, Tori Spelling and Chris O’Donnell are regular buyers of the clothing that pairs traditional golf attire with unexpected color combinations and a sassy logo.

The Golf Punk and Golf Punk Girl lines are designed by the ever-smiling 24-year-old company co-owner, Nicole LeMaitre. The Philadelphia native declined an art school scholarship to start her own company with partner Chip Foster, 29, in 1995. At the time, LeMaitre was an assistant designer at Lilly Pulitzer women’s golf attire, but she gave that up to design for “the fun, free, active girl who can always find an excuse to buy new clothes.”

Now in its fourth year, LeMaitre’s clothes are carried locally at Macy’s, Rampage and Pacific Sun Wear, as well as at local golf parks. The Riviera Country Club carries the hats and T-shirts, as does the Cypress Country Club.

“It sells better than Nike,” says Keith McDuff, Cypress’ head golf pro. “It’s an attitude that says you are bold and not afraid to take a risk. People just eat [that] up.”