The TOUR is back at Pebble this week, the Midwest is thawing, and March is right around the corner. Here’s to a great weekend and hoping you didn’t forget your flowers on Valentine’s day.
🗂️ IN THIS ISSUE
→ A brand spotlight worth an update
→ A tennis shoe that can work anywhere
→ What can’t Tame Impala do…?
🔆 Brand Spotlight
Back in Issue #27, we featured Par X Design for their affordable, design-forward golf art that brought actual creativity to a category stuck in safe course photography. Prints starting at $45 that didn't look like every other golf office.
Nearly 2 years later, they're doing more than making great prints.
The PAYNTR x Jason Day Collaboration
Par X Design just wrapped a project with PAYNTR Golf around Jason Day's Gator Collection—the shoes he wore at the 2025 Masters. Instead of standard product shots, they created a visual narrative documenting the shoe through form, material, and design detail. Design storytelling that treats golf footwear like the industrial design object it actually is.
What's New
Their "Elements Collection" now features 21+ prints of golf course photography without the country club aesthetic. The "Hype Collection" leans into modern golf culture—Travis Scott Jordan 1s, typography-driven designs, moments where golf intersects with broader culture.
Lines + Light
Still based in San Francisco. Still starting at $45. Still treating your wall space with respect.
✍️ Editor’s Picks
Fair Harbor Pull On Pant ($118) → Chinos are back and only you will know they’re pull-on, it’s win win. Shop here
Birds of Condor Club Palms Snapback ($50) → Lightweight, water resistant, works anywhere without screaming I LOVE GOLF. Shop here
Rhoback Brookline Vest ($134) → Now depending on where you wear this one, it could say I LOVE GOLF. But Rhoback is everywhere now for a reason, and their new Brookline vest is perfect with Spring right around the corner. Shop here
On THE ROGER Pro Ace ($220) → Everyone and their dad is wearing On’s these days but it’s the ones actually made for tennis that can be dressed up or down. Shop here
💲 Sales Worth Your Money
Live Forever Golf is a small but mighty apparel company making some of those most comfortable and low-key pieces for on or off the course.
They’re having a few sales right now at 50% off.
A few of our favorites:
Carson Lightweight Canvas Pant
$120$60Soft Landing Natural Performance Polo
$95$47.50
🎵 What We’re Listening To
Listen if you like: Justice, Kaytranada
🙌 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.
Are you a brand looking to feature your product? Hit reply to get in touch.