It’s going to be impossible for this weekend to live us to the last one. The Masters hangover is real, but we shall survive. Go forth with strength. The phoenix shall rise again.
🗂️ IN THIS ISSUE
→ The brand that built the perfect backpack just entered golf
→ The research on your phone that you probably need to hear
→ A beautiful divot tool that is NOT members only
👀 Best Things We Saw This Week
1. Rolex Announces their New Watches for 2026
Time & Tide
It's the 100th anniversary of the Oyster case, and Rolex celebrated by tightening its chronometer standards, bringing back the Yacht-Master II, and introducing a new Daytona and a new proprietary gold alloy on the Day-Date.
2. Coffee & Belts - Name a Better Combo
Beau Hossler’s Beaurista Coffee teamed up with Zilker belts to deliver an Austin delight for your favorite coffee-loving Gaucho.
3. The Washington Post Social Media Detox Study
Illustration by Emma Kumer/The Washington Post
We realize the irony of you reading this newsletter on your phone but this study is worth a read for anyone who (a) has a brain, and (b) has a phone.
🔦 Brand Spotlight: Herschel Supply Golf
The brand that has dominated the college backpack scene is finally dipping their toes into golf. The camo could be a little much for some, but they know how to make one hell of a bag.
The Vancouver brand — whose backpack has been on every plane and college campus for a decade — officially entered golf on April 9th with a focused collection of on-course bags, a travel wheelie, headcovers, and a shoe bag.
The centerpiece is three stand bags — the Watt Sunday ($200), Watt Light Stand ($250), and a full-size — available in black, navy, camo, and ash rose. The inspiration was vintage golf bags, modernized: a considered color palette and minimal design built for both the new player and the one drawn to something more timeless.
Pricing runs $30–$290, which undercuts most competitors at comparable quality. The timing isn't accidental — nearly 90% of golfers plan to maintain or increase their travel budgets this year, and nobody was really building a kit designed to move as smoothly through TSA as it does through 18 holes.
Honest caveat: a stand bag takes different abuse than a laptop backpack. Herschel's construction reputation is strong, but wait for a month of real-world reviews before committing. If summer travel is on your calendar though, put this on your radar now.
Shop at herschel.com/shop/golf →
✍️ Editor’s Picks
Tracksmith Eliot Range ($240) → The New England brand that’s helping make running cool (again) just released a trail version of their classic Eliot silhouette. Ideal for the inclement weather commuter or the actual trail runner (you know who you are).
Shop here →
Goldfinch Golf Lucky Repair Tool & Opener ($35) → We’ve shared plenty of divot tools in this here newsletter and we’re always impressed with a less-is-more approach to these tools. You want something effective, but no hideous, and a bonus for a fun feature like a bottle opener. Gold medals all around.
Shop here →
TIMEX x Hodinkee IRONMAN ($135) → A limited release of an absolute classic (& functional) watch. The IRONMAN was the original watch for runners, wanabee runners, or just people who wanted a stopwatch on their phone. Some say it was the original iPhone (A lot of people are saying!).
Shop here →
Cole Haan GrandPro All Day Golf Shoe ($175) → With it’s low-traction sole, this could be a shoe you exclusively wear to the office. Not every golf shoes needs to be saved for the course.
Shop here →
🙌 Thanks for reading
Stay cool, swing easy — see you next week.
— Riley, Founder & Editor
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ABOUT CLEVER
Clever The Optimist is a weekly newsletter curating elevated menswear and golf gear for guys who refuse to settle.
Founded by Riley Kearns in 2024.
Based in Columbus, OH.