On the eve of the Ryder Cup, a different kind of event was taking place in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood. The Malbon Golf showroom was buzzing with a crowd that wasn’t there to talk about the tournament, but to experience the unique art of Werner Bronkhorst. His exhibition, “Golf Is Art,” was a landmark collaboration that brought a fresh perspective to the sport, blending high-fashion streetwear with sculptural painting and contemporary expressionism.
The three-day showcase (September 25–27, 2025) at Malbon’s Crosby Street store presented eleven of Bronkhorst’s golf-inspired works, including eight original pieces created over two years and three exclusive new canvases—“Sink,” “Swing,” and “Hot Shots.” Each piece reflected Bronkhorst’s distinctive technique: layers of thick acrylic polymer sculpted into abstract terrain, upon which he paints tiny, hyper-realistic figures of golfers mid-motion. The result is a striking balance between abstraction and realism, where golf becomes both subject and metaphor.
Courtesy Malbon Golf
Courtesy Malbon Golf
Bronkhorst’s path to the art world was unconventional. Raised in Pretoria, South Africa, and now based in Sydney, Australia, he originally trained as a bespoke furniture designer. His craftsmanship background shaped his material-driven style, transforming paint, plaster, and even volcanic rock into sculptural surfaces. After the birth of his daughter in 2022, he returned to painting, developing a process that quickly captured audiences online. His social media videos showing “bucket loads of paint” and miniature detailing have since earned him over a million followers.
At “Golf Is Art,” the partnership between Bronkhorst and Malbon Golf felt seamless. Both share a desire to push boundaries and reimagine golf’s creative identity. The crowd reflected that spirit: stylish, youthful, and energized, with an atmosphere that felt more like a cultural celebration than a gallery opening. The event’s house music soundtrack and urban edge mirrored the aesthetic of both the artist and the brand, where golf’s refined traditions meet modern street culture.
Courtesy Malbon Golf
A highlight of the exhibition was “Birdie Chance,” a minimalist yet evocative work depicting two golfers standing over a putt, frozen in anticipation. The piece became the centerpiece of a charity auction that raised funds for youth golf programs including The First Tee, Youth on Course, and Pebble Beach Junior Golf. The auction underscored Bronkhorst’s belief that golf, like art, can be a platform for connection and community.
Other works explored the rhythm and emotion of the game in abstract form. “Swing” translated motion into sweeping strokes that mimic the flow of a golfer’s swing. “Sink” captured the serenity of a putt’s final moment. “Hot Shots” celebrated confidence and flair. Together, they transformed the familiar imagery of golf into a study of form, texture, and imagination.
Courtesy Werner Bronkhorst
The exhibition also introduced a limited-edition Malbon x Bronkhorst apparel capsule, available exclusively in-store during the event. It extended the collaboration beyond the canvas, inviting visitors to wear a piece of the artistic experience.
Ultimately, “Golf Is Art” was more than an exhibition—it was a reflection of golf’s evolving identity. Bronkhorst’s work expands the definition of golf culture, positioning it at the intersection of design, performance, and creativity. In SoHo, golf wasn’t confined to greens or galleries; it was alive on canvas, in conversation, and in culture itself.
