Fifty years ago at the 1973 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club outside Pittsburgh, Johnny Miller shot one of the great rounds in golf history. His 63 on one of the hardest courses in the world, in the final round of a U.S. Open, was an iconic moment. It not only earned Miller a national championship, it also branded him as a style icon.
Back then, golfers could be seen in checkered pants, thick turtlenecks on chilly days and polo shirts with collars so wide they could serve as solar panels. But that day it was Miller’s golf shoes – a pair of red, white and blue FootJoys – that stole the show. Today they are on display at the USGA Golf Museum in Liberty Corner, New Jersey.
This year FootJoy celebrates its 100th anniversary, and at this week’s U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club the brand is debuting its Centennial Collection footwear and apparel. The highlight of the offers is a limited-edition Premiere Series Wilcox that has the same red, white and blue colorway worn by Miller.
While the Premiere Wilcox may look old school, it has modern features and appointments that make it lighter, more breathable and more comfortable than the shoes of 50 years ago. There is still full-grain leather in the upper, but the OrthoLite EcoPlush footbed provides extra cushioning and the VersaTrax+ outsole has multiple traction elements arranged to provide grip on any surface. The Premiere Wilcox also has a two-year waterproof warranty. Justin Thomas, Max Homa, Cameron Young and Adam Scott are expected to wear the limited-edition Premiere Wilcox this week at LACC.
FootJoy has included a Premiere Series Centennial Shield Tip women’s shoe in the same red, white and blue colorway as part of the Centennial Collection. As with the men’s Wilcox, it has full-grain leather, a VersaTrax outsole and a two-year waterproof warranty.
The Centennial Collection apparel line includes four-button polos for men and women, cardigans, hoodies and a crewneck sweater for women that have vintage-inspired styles that you can see below.
The Centennial Collection goes on sale at footjoy.com starting Thursday, June 15.