The Walker Cup is the crown jewel of amateur golf—a bi-annual showdown between the U.S. and Great Britain & Ireland. This year’s edition at Cypress Point felt especially elevated, thanks in no small part to Peter Millar, who dressed the U.S. side with quiet perfection. The kits were everything the Ryder Cup uniforms often aren’t: simple, classic, and understated. Pure class for the purest tournament around.

Skratch pointed out one of the subtler wins: texture and natural fabrics. Instead of the usual parade of polyester and “moisture-wicking” plastics, Millar leaned into cottons, wools, and weaves with substance. It’s the same philosophy you see in Keith Mitchell’s wardrobe—tradition-minded without looking like you raided your grandfather’s closet. No pleats required, no cardigans necessary. Just proof you can honor heritage without falling into costume.

And maybe that’s what makes the Walker Cup special. It isn’t built for TV ratings or insurance commercials—it’s golf stripped down to its essence. While you can’t buy the exact team-issued uniforms, Peter Millar has a few Walker Cup specials worth checking out.

Some men swear by a 12-year Scotch or a good bourbon. Others argue that anything past 18 years has peaked and starts to lose its edge. But 60 years? That’s another universe entirely. This unicorn of a bottle—a one-of-one release—comes courtesy of the Chivas Brothers, who donated it to the upcoming Distillers One of One auction on October 10th at what’s being billed as “Scotland’s Finest Stately Home.”

The liquid inside has been aging longer than most of us have been alive, a patient investment of oak and time that borders on the absurd. The auction estimate puts it between $80,500 and $147,600, though history suggests the final hammer price could push even higher. Rarity, story, and status are a potent cocktail when it comes to whisky.

So yes, it’s the sort of bottle that makes you double-check your portfolio. Let’s just say if Nvidia stock has another run before October, somebody’s home bar might get very, very interesting. Read more here

Rails started in Los Angeles back in 2008 with a single goal: make clothes that feel as good as they look. What began with one ultra-soft shirt has grown into a full lifestyle brand known for effortless style—the kind that moves seamlessly from city to weekend, from office to airport.

At its core, Rails is about comfort without compromise. Their signature shirts are cut from fabrics that feel broken-in on day one, paired with understated patterns that never try too hard. Over time, the brand has expanded into tailored trousers, outerwear, and knitwear—all with the same California ease and European refinement (their founder, Jeff Abrams, splits time between the two).

A few pieces we recommend:

If you’re in the market for new fall threads, especially button downs for a casual office or weekends, check our Rails here.

Notre Dame’s Nobody Told Me feels like it was made for late nights when you’re not ready to call it quits. It’s steady and unhurried—built on a simple beat, soft synths, and vocals that drift in like half-remembered thoughts. Nothing flashy, no big drop waiting around the corner, just a mood that sticks with you. It’s the kind of track that works in the background on a long drive or turns into the soundtrack of a quiet 2 a.m. moment. Subtle, hypnotic, and a little haunting—this is one of those songs you play once and end up replaying all week. Soundcloud | Spotify

If you did enjoy this week’s Clever The Optimist, consider forwarding it to a friend who likes looking good on and off the course.

Stay cool, swing easy — see you next week.
— Riley