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👋 Hey Clever friends –
You know you're living in interesting times when a brand built around feel gets bought out by people known for spreadsheets.
This week, we're diving into:
– A big move in the putter world
– Two sales worth a closer look
– One underrated brand built on simplicity
– And an IG follow for the golfing sneakerhead
Let’s get into it 👇
🏌️♂️ LAB Golf Sells to Private Equity
In case you missed it: LAB Golf, makers of the most polarizing, putt-saving tech in the game, just sold a majority stake to a private equity firm.
💡 Good news: The founder’s staying involved.
💡 Worth watching: What happens when a quirky, high-conviction brand enters a growth-at-all-costs era.
If you’ve gamed a LAB putter, you know the feel is different. The question now is: Will the culture stay the same?
🛍️ Sales of the Week
We’re not big “run, don’t walk” types. But these? Worth a look.
🧥 Backcountry’s 30% Off Summer Sale
(Yes, it's jacket season… if you plan ahead.)
Summer sales are the best time to shop for colder days — and Backcountry’s 30% off event is packed with future favorites.
Case in point: the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Jacket.
Warm without the bulk, stretchy without feeling sporty, and packs small — this is the jacket you’ll wear on morning dog walks, fall golf rounds, and cold brew runs when it’s actually cold.
It’s not flashy. It’s just smart.
And it’s 30% off right now. $270 $162
🧵 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
The Peter Millar sateen 5-pockets are included this year—ideal for anyone who likes looking tailored without sacrificing comfort. They wear like chinos but stretch like joggers. And they’re over $50 off right now. $178 $117
🛋️ Brand Highlight – MUJI
Minimalism without the smugness.
Muji is what happens when Japan decides to do Target, but makes it cooler, calmer, and incredibly well-designed. From pens and travel gear to drawer organizers and waffle-knit house slippers, they’ve quietly perfected the everyday.
If you're reworking your office, packing for a trip, or just trying to de-clutter your sock drawer, start here.
🍻 America’s Best Dive Bars (According to Huckberry)
Northside Tavern in Atlanta, GA
No velvet ropes. No QR codes. Just cold beer, loud music, and character in spades.
Huckberry rounded up the 50 best dive bars in America, and it’s a love letter to places with sticky floors and unforgettable stories.
Some favorites:
Callaghan’s (Mobile, AL): Conecuh sausage, live music, legendary St. Paddy’s bash
Sunny’s (Brooklyn, NY): Since the 1890s—bluegrass, $4 beers, nautical chaos
The takeaway? Next time you travel, skip the cocktail bar. Go where the jukebox slaps and the bartender remembers your name.
📸 Instagram Follow of the Week – @govrn_
Custom golf shoes. Your way.
@govrn_ isn’t just about clean aesthetics and neutral vibes anymore — they’re now crafting bespoke golf shoes by merging two of your favorite pairs.
Here’s how it works:
You pick two pairs — say, a golf cleat and a pair of Jordans — and they’ll transplant the golf sole onto the Jordans. The result? A one-of-a-kind pair of golf shoes made just for you.
✔️ Custom builds
✔️ Seriously creative
✔️ The kind of thing that’ll turn heads on the first tee
🎵 Track of the Week
Sam Divine | Live from Defected at Pacha Ibiza | Summer Opening Party
The Defected legend Sam Divine — recently crowned Best House DJ of 2024 — returns to Pacha with a 90-minute set that doesn’t let up. Her mix of Deetron - Running’at 31:00 is our favorite. It’s the kind of mix that hits just right: background fuel for spreadsheets, a happy hour vibe-setter, or golf cart soundtrack if you’re feeling yourself this weekend.
🙌 Thanks for reading
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POLL OF THE WEEK: Where/how do you listen to most of your music?
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