We’ve Already Found the Worst 2026 PGA Championship Merchandise 

A major championship tradition at this point is the frequent antagonizing of the host city. A criticism of Torrey Pines means you hate San Diego. Pointing out that Valhalla might stink means you will have hordes of angry Louisvillians responding. The same for Bellerive and St. Louis. Tron Carter from the No Laying Up outfit got written up in the local Charlotte newspaper last year for some pointed comments on the host. 

I would just like to unequivocally stipulate at the start of the week that I love, adore, and appreciate Philadelphia sports fans. They are a unique, chaotic breed with fewer guardrails. Much of the social contract is thrown out the window with them. I am sorry about the Sixers and Flyers. I am old and I do not want that smoke. So I am going to blame this abhorrent piece of 2026 PGA Championship merchandise on some misguided apparel company or PGA merchandiser. 

I am all for weaving in some regional themes and motifs to what is a rotating major championship. Embrace the place. Pander to the locals. Sell it! 

But this just doesn’t make any sense. Did they stop to think about the actual words and what they were suggesting? I don’t get it. I know the reference. Philadelphia puts grease on the city's light poles so when they win a championship or a big game, the gathering crowds have a tougher time climbing them to celebrate perilously. But they want to put grease on the greens? No one is trying to climb the greens. Or run onto them. Agronomically speaking, that seems harmful. Who is saying to do this — Philly fans? And why? This is a bad shirt that I don’t blame on the Philly sports fan, but rather someone trying to capitalize on them. 

Last week on Shotgun Start, in response to Bryson DeChambeau using “grow the game” as a cloak for whatever he’s trying to do with his future, I suggested that we’re pretty much “grown” at this point. What’s left or what is specifically next? It seems like the belt line has expanded. I was around when that phrase came en vogue and made some sense. Now? It’s still used as a crutch, but makes even less sense. 

So is this shirt a #shrink moment? I don’t know. I just think it’s stupid.