Tattoo Golf: Accessories with attitude

The only thing that irritates me more than a three-putt is when non-golfers, upon hearing that you play, say something like, “My grandpa used to play golf” or “You don’t look old enough to play golf” or “Golf is so boring!”

Clearly, these sheltered, golf-biased dimwits have not been paying attention to the sport since, oh, maybe the 1970s.

Most pro golfers today are fine-tuned, well-trained athletes. And even many of us amateurs are more likely to be found at the gym or a White Stripes concert than we are at a 4:30 dinner buffet.

Growing the game requires that we make it more appealing to even younger golfers, and this means fighting the old-fogy image.

A new golf clothing and accessories company, Tattoo Golf, is doing their part to infuse golf with a refreshing shot from The Fountain of Youth.

Tattoo Golf explains the company’s founding vision on the company website: “The Tattoo Golf clothing line was created because there is a serious shortage in the golf wear industry for golf clothing that actually reflects the style, fashion sense, and attitude of today’s generation of golfer. We were tired of the one-dimensional look found in every pro shop in town, so we took matters into our own hands and decided to mix things up a bit.”

And mix things up they do! Tattoo shirts and caps (for men and women) feature skulls, flames, dragons, and Gothic lettering. Black is big, but there are also reds, whites, and greens to be found. Replacing crossbones beneath the skulls are crossed irons.

My personal favorite Tattoo offering is the Stealth switchblade divot repair tool ($25), which folds up and flips out like the namesake knife and magnetic skull-adorned, tricorner ball marker. The skull-n-crossclubs belt buckles (also $25) are also pretty damn cool.

I’ve not played golf with Alice Cooper (not yet, anyway), but if I ever do, I know what I’ll be wearing.

Same goes for when I next play with my college-aged nephews, who can only dream of out-driving their “old” uncle.

The Tattoo Golf Stealth switchblade divot repair tool is more fun than a tap-in birdie.

The Rock Star golf shirt by Tattoo Golf ($55) looks as good at a concert as it does on the links.