Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

John Ashworth Got Golfers Out of Those Damn Plaid Pants

Today we speak to an icon in the golf apparel industry and founder of Linksoul, John Ashworth.

Golf has always been a part of my life. I remember when I was a senior in high school – back in the ‘70s when golfers had a stigma and a reputation of being uncool – mostly because of what they wore. That realization was one of the driving factors of why I wanted to start a golf apparel brand – a brand that was comfortable, authentic and most importantly looked original with a timeless sense of style.

John Ashworth golf clothes
Image used with permission by copyright holder

I started my career with the birth of Ashworth. I was blessed enough to find success with the brand and eventually sold Ashworth to Adidas in 2008. Since then, I ventured into designing for Fidra – Quiksilver’s golf line – and also spent some time off to design golf courses in the golf rich East Lothian area of Scotland, which was truly inspiring and life-changing. Still, I was toying with the idea of Linksoul for about 20 years and after a short stint back at Ashworth I was ready to strike.

John Ashworth
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Linksoul is not just a brand, it’s a philosophy. We don’t want to create golf apparel; we want to make apparel for golfers because the sport to me is a special fraternity. I came up with the name simply from the two words “link and soul” to express our mission to get back to the roots and reconnect people to the soul of the game. I wanted to bring back a more natural look that had a modern edge and a timeless quality that could transition from the street to the office and of course, the golf course, to fully encapsulate the whole lifestyle dynamic. We’re definitely different in terms of fabric, color, and overall look and we like to infuse special blends and natural fabrics into our collection and create pieces that aren’t so in your face. With this design philosophy, our demographic is ageless. We have everyone from teenagers to guys in their 60s who love to wear it and it’s awesome because that’s exactly what our vision is for Linksoul.

As for my personal style:

Jeans: My favorite jeans are definitely Linksoul LS 676’s denim, as they have just the right amount of stretch and are incredibly comfortable.

Shirts: Our classic Linksoul LS183 Drytech Cotton Blend Polo is great for both on and off the course. It’s made of moisture-wicking stretch fibers for total comfort and performance. 

Pants: Linksoul’s Solid Boardwalker Short is my go-to short, as I can wear in both the water and on the course. It’s one of our best-selling products, and I can truly vouch for it!

Suits: It’s definitely a toss up between my John Varvatos or Prada suit. They are both such classics.

Shoes: It really just depends on the activity, but I love OluKai for casual, Prada for formal dress, New Balance for working out, True Linkswear for golf and Salomon for working outside.

Accessories: For accessories, I tend to keep it simple, but for headwear I wear my Make Par, Not War Trucker Hat from Linksoul. My favorite sunglasses are from another Oceanside brand, RAEN. For jewelry, I wear my original grain, Katey Brunini ring.

Outerwear: One of my favorite jackets is Linksoul’s Waxed Canvas Fully Hooded Jacket as it’s the perfect weight for when it get a bit cooler in SoCal (which isn’t too often).

Favorite cologne: Funny enough, I actually don’t wear any cologne.

Favorite app: Uber is definitely my most used app as I travel quite a bit!

Favorite Podcast: I listen to Pod Save the World – it’s a very interesting and in-depth look at what’s going on in the world today, and what we can do in the future to help.

Next style/gear purchase: Ha, my favorite accessory and next purchase will definitely be a nice ice cold beer that I can sit and enjoy while golfing.

Cator Sparks
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. Previously, Cator was covering…
Swatch, Tate partner for watch collection that literally puts art on your wrist
Swatch x Tate Gallery collaboration inspired by paintings
Swatch x Tate collaboration watches

Swatch, renowned for its quirky designs and commitment to self-expression, has joined forces with the prestigious Tate galleries to create an extraordinary collection of Swatch watches that blur the lines between art and utility. The Swatch x Tate Gallery Collection isn't simply a collaboration but a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the appeal of wearable art.

Each Swatch watch is dedicated to the artwork of its respective artist. From Turner's Scarlet Sunset to Bourgeois's Spirals, every watch tells a unique story. Whether you're drawn to the whimsical charm of Marc Chagall or the bold simplicity of Fernand Léger, there's a watch in this collection to suit every taste and personality. This partnership further cements Swatch's position as a brand that bridges the gap between art and simple timekeeping with bold designs and vibrant colors.
The Swatch x Tate Gallery Collection: Wearable art

Read more
78 pairs of Gucci sneakers just had their prices slashed
A man wearing the Ace tennis sneakers.

The spring and summer months are the perfect time to upgrade your sneaker collection. With fresh styles and lightweight materials, sneakers are the best shoes for the warmer months for everyday wear, traveling or simply hanging out at a bar. Sneakers are now more popular than ever with men wearing them in both casual and formal situations. Here is a definitive guide to wearing a suit with sneakers if you want to combine a luxury look with a fresh new pair of kicks.

Right now, you can shop more than 70 pairs of Gucci sneakers on sale at Gilt. You can get up to $275 dollars off casual and fashion sneakers from this coveted brand in a mix of colors, styles and materials. Click the button below to start browsing these designer sneakers before time runs out.

Read more
Citizen celebrates 100th anniversary with throwback limited edition pocket watch
Citizen debuts 100th anniversary pocket watch
Citizen 100th anniversary pocket watch

Citizen watches have a legacy that spans a century, with a name that evokes reverence, innovation, and enduring quality. Now, in a momentous celebration of its 100th anniversary, Citizen unveils a breathtaking homage to their inaugural masterpiece: the Special Limited Edition Pocket Watch. That's right, a pocket watch for men. Since the success of Peaky Blinders and peak Thomas Shelby fame, pocket watches have garnered a somewhat cult following and Citizen has jumped on that bandwagon with a celebratory timepiece of their own.
Citizen watches: A brief history

In 1868, Japan underwent a significant transformation as the Edo period concluded, marking the end of samurai dominance. The dawn of the Meiji era saw Japan embrace modernization and industrial growth until 1912. By the 1920s, the widespread adoption of imported pocket watches reflected Japan's burgeoning participation in global trade.

Read more