Malbon

Malbon

Direct-to-consumer golf apparel brand

Overview

Malbon Golf is a lifestyle and apparel brand that fuses golf with streetwear, skate culture, and hip-hop influences. It operates primarily through direct-to-consumer sales on its website and wholesale partners, offering polos, sweatshirts, pants, outerwear, footwear, and accessories, while actively engaging in brand collaborations (e.g., TaylorMade, Beats by Dre, Girl Skateboards, Grateful Dead) to blend golf with broader cultural trends. Its products are designed to appeal to a younger, style-conscious audience and to make golf feel more relatable and

About Malbon

Simplify's Rating
Why Malbon is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Design

Consumer Goods

Entertainment

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

Early VC

Total Funding

$2.1M

Headquarters

Los Angeles, California

Founded

2016

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Gap x Malbon launched August 21, 2026, in 18 stores and seven countries.
  • Malbon’s China push opens its first mainland flagship in Shanghai during 2026.
  • US filings show $28 million raised by October 2025, targeting $43 million total.

What critics are saying

  • Malbon’s collab-driven brand fades if Gap, Honma, and others stop renewing deals.
  • China expansion from Shanghai to Beijing, Shenzhen, and Chengdu strains execution in 2026.
  • Highlight Brands’ IPO push pressures Malbon to hit growth targets or face dilution.

What makes Malbon unique

  • Stephen and Erica Malbon fused golf with streetwear, skate, and hip-hop from 2017.
  • Malbon wins attention through culture-first collaborations: Gap, Honma, Jimmy Choo, Lexus, Tag Heuer.
  • Team Malbon spans Jason Day, Sungjae Im, Anthony Kim, and Charley Hull.

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Funding

Total Funding

$2.1M

Above

Industry Average

Funded Over

1 Rounds

Early VC funding comparison data is currently unavailable. We're working to provide this information soon!
Early VC Funding Comparison
Coming Soon

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Vacation

Performance Bonus

Employee Discounts

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

-6%

1 year growth

-2%

2 year growth

-2%
Gap Inc.
Aug 19th, 2026
Gap and Malbon return for A second collaboration reimagining American sportswear.

Gap and Malbon return for A second collaboration reimagining American sportswear. August 19, 2026 The new launch blends a heritage aesthetic with contemporary silhouettes in an assortment that bridges the worlds of golf and tennis This Fall, Gap and Malbon are reuniting for a second collaboration that reimagines American sportswear through the distinct design lens of each brand. Rooted in Gap's legacy of defining American style, the assortment celebrates the evolving role of sport as a cultural unifier and a creative expression of individuality. The collection introduces a fresh perspective on timeless essentials, combining effortless versatility from the Gap archives with Malbon's signature design sensibility. "We're proud to continue our partnership with Malbon following the strong momentum after our first collaboration," said Mark Breitbard, President and CEO of Gap Brand. "The response showed us the power of bringing together great product, sport, and style. This collection takes that idea even further, extending the partnership into a broader lifestyle expression for our customers." Following Gap and Malbon's first collaboration in 2025, the 35-piece collection features an expanded women's and men's offering that introduces heritage-inspired silhouettes and contemporary styling, creating pieces that move seamlessly between the course, the court, and everyday life. Classic rugby polos, pleated skirts, prep-inspired knits, relaxed outerwear, and limited-edition golf accessories pair Gap's unmistakable icons with Malbon's playful attitude. "Returning for a second collaboration with Gap felt so natural," said Stephen and Erica Malbon. "By expanding further into the women's offering in this collection, we're able to tell a story around the intersection of fashion and sport in a way that feels even more complete. Gap has such an incredible legacy of timeless American style - it's exciting to continue building on that foundation while bringing Malbon's own point of view to the table." The accompanying campaign, shot by Duncan Wolfe, celebrates the spirit of community, self-expression, and individuality from the court to the course and beyond - featuring a cast of brand friends and creators united by a shared love for style and sport, allowing originality to take center stage. The Gap x Malbon collection launches on Friday, August 21 on gap.com at 12 noon ET / 9 a.m. PT and will be available at 18 Gap stores. The collection will also be carried internationally through Japan, Mexico, China, Philippines, Australia, the UK, Turkey, and via Zalando. The launch will be supported through social-first storytelling, creator engagement, and community-driven activations designed to bring the collaboration to life across Gap's channels and Malbon's global community. Prices range from $28-250. For more details on Gap x Malbon, follow @gap and @malbon #gapxmalbon. Press Contact: Gap | PR Consulting [email protected] About Gap: Gap is a globally recognized icon of casual American style. Founded in San Francisco in 1969, Gap champions originality by creating loved essentials and delivering culturally relevant experiences that celebrate individuality. Gap is a lifestyle brand offering products across generations, including GapKids, babyGap, Gap Maternity, GapBody, GapFit, Gap Accessories and Gap Beauty, as well as GapStudio and partner collaborations through GapX. Gap is the namesake brand of the global specialty retailer, Gap Inc. (NYSE: GAP) and connects with customers online and in company-operated and franchise retail locations globally. For more information, visit gap.com. About Malbon: The mission of Malbon is simple: inspire today's youth to participate in the greatest game on Earth. Founded in 2017 by culture and golf enthusiasts Stephen and Erica Malbon, the brand launched with a limited collection for men looking to find multi-functional golf apparel that's made to be worn both on and off the green. Since then, the husband and wife duo have been pioneering the movement toward golf as a lifestyle by collaborating with some of the most well-known brands in the world and creating a community of like-minded thinkers who share the same collective vision for the future of the sport. Today, Malbon Golf has expanded to offer a complete line of men and women apparel, footwear and accessories that are designed to reimagine the status quo and aspire across all ages with the ultimate goal of bringing a fresh perspective and an accessible, personal approach to the game. The brand is available across the U.S., Korea, and the Philippines through e-commerce and select top retailers. To learn more, please visit malbongolf.com or follow on Instagram at @malbongolf. To explore the digital collectibles, Buckets Club, visit bucketsclub.com or @buckets.club Don't miss out on the latest Gap Inc. news! Sign-up to get email alerts about news on Gap Inc. and its brands.

Heavy Inc.
Feb 26th, 2026
Anthony Kim invests in Malbon Golf after LIV Golf Adelaide win, choosing equity over cash

Anthony Kim has signed a partnership and equity investment deal with lifestyle golf brand Malbon Golf following his LIV Golf Adelaide victory. Rather than accepting cash sponsorship, Kim chose to take equity and become a partner in the company. The 40-year-old, who secured his first professional win in over a decade at Adelaide, had been wearing Malbon apparel before formalising the partnership. Kim said the collaboration "feels right because, just like me, it's not for everyone". Under Armour supplies Kim's LIV team 4Aces GC, limiting Malbon's on-course visibility during LIV events. However, Kim will wear Malbon at Asian Tour competitions and promote the brand through social media. Malbon also partners with Jason Day, Charley Hull and Jeongeun Lee6.

PR Newswire
Oct 30th, 2025
Honma Golf and Malbon Collaborate on a Culturally Curated Line of Golf Clubs, Accessories

Honma Golf and Malbon collaborate on a culturally curated line of golf clubs, accessories. News provided by. Honma Golf CARLSBAD, Calif., Oct. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ - Honma Golf, the leader in beautifully crafted luxury performance golf equipment, announces an exciting new collaboration with Malbon Golf, the inspirational, multi-functional golf apparel brand. Although they have distinctively different origins, both companies have a shared vision: to inspire more people to fall in love with the game through this first-ever collection of drivers, fairway woods, irons, and putters - a rare collaboration by which cultivated Japanese elegance meets the vibrant pulse of American youth. From Sakata, Japan, to Los Angeles, California - Honma Golf and Malbon unite two worlds of craftsmanship and culture. For more than six generations, Honma's master Takumi have shaped golf clubs by hand, infusing each with devotion, precision, and innovation, while Malbon channels the creative energy of fashion, music, and art, embodying the free spirit of the West Coast. "Partnering with Honma felt like a seamless fit," said Stephen and Erica Malbon, co-founders of Malbon. "Our shared commitment to precision and compelling design drives this collaboration, reflected in a curated collection of clubs and accessories for our player." For the competitive player, the PERFORMANCE collection delivers precision and power. For the discerning golfer who treasures refinement, the PREMIUM collection, which follows in the tradition of Honma's luxury BERES Nx and BERES 4-star line, offers exclusivity and artistry. The designs blend timeless Japanese artistry with modern expression - where every club carries the soul of its maker and every swing reflects a new era of golf defined by energy, creativity, and style. Each collection color story signifies the intensity of color that the changing of the seasons brings. Where the golden hues represent the Honma brand, the green represents the Malbon influence. The Performance line is accentuated by Midori - a rich emerald green - in the men's clubs, and in the women's a stunning rose gold named Tonoko. The men's Premium is stylized in Sumi and Tonoko - black and gold - and the women's design in a Shishi and Tonoko - pink and gold - color story. A performance driver featuring a carbon crown and upper L-cup face maximizes speed across the hitting area. The booster slot and radial face deliver powerful, straight tee shots with high launch, while a keel design stabilizes off-center hits. The non-rotating system fine-tunes the trajectory for a consistent direction. The fairway woods and utilities combine distance and forgiveness through a multi-material design of a titanium frame, carbon crown, and stainless-steel sole. Sole weighting lowers the center of gravity for strong, stable flight and a generous sweet spot. The irons feature tungsten weights and vibration-dampening resin bars, providing a solid yet soft feel. A precision L-cup face produces fast ball speeds and distance, while a low center of gravity promotes easy launch and forgiveness across all lofts. The bold mallet putter, refined with double milling and a precision weighting system, offers remarkable balance and control. Its high-MOI, CNC-milled design enhances stability and feel, while an aluminum soleplate and vent shaft neck inspire confidence and accuracy on every stroke. The driver's optimized center of gravity, featuring a carbon sole and PBDB weight, delivers high trajectory, straight flight, and remarkable stability. A quad-bridged power face and high-strength HMT material generate explosive ball speed across the entire face, blending distance and forgiveness in a true premium design. The fairway wood and utility club use a 14g back-heel weight to enhance straightness and control. A partial-thickness face and crown expand the rebound area for greater distance, while each club's center of gravity is individually tuned for ideal trajectory and consistency. The irons combine power and feel with a vibration-absorbing resin mid-layer and a newly engineered wide L-cup face that maximizes energy transfer. The refined emblem design complements the iron's precision and distance performance. The putter's angular blade design promotes easy alignment and pure confidence at address. A performance weighting system and double-milled face ensure a smooth, true roll and exceptional feel - crafted for players who demand both artistry and accuracy on the greens. "Honma Golf is proud to introduce this collaborative collection with Malbon Golf, an influential brand that continues to bring fresh energy and authenticity to the game," said Liu Jianguo, Chairman of the Board, President, and Executive Director of HONMA Golf. "This creative, style- and performance-driven collection reflects the shared vision of two culturally iconic brands - combining Honma's revered craftsmanship with Malbon's modern, fashion-forward bravado." In addition, this fascinating collaboration has also yielded a new logo that is prominently displayed on the golf bags, headcovers, and thoughtfully crafted accessories. The logo is the perfect combination of Malbon's mascot, 'Buckets' - the playful, culturally iconic, whimsical golf ball character - and Honma's Mole, a character born from the quiet precision of Sakata's master craftsmen and curiosity and joy for the game. At first glance, each comes from two very different worlds: one, the free spirit of Los Angeles Street culture; the other, the cultivated elegance of Japanese tradition. Yet together, they form a singular mark that represents something more. It is a visual promise: that every club, every design, every detail in this collaboration carries the spirit of two legacies, bound together to inspire a new generation of players. This is more than equipment. It is craft meeting culture, heritage meeting modernity - and the celebration of a new spirit of golf. The PERFORMANCE and PREMIUM collections will debut globally in November 2025 through select Honma and Malbon retailers and online at honmagolf.com and malbongolf.com. About Malbon Golf The mission of Malbon Golf is simple: inspire today's youth to participate in the greatest game on Earth. Founded in 2017 by culture and golf enthusiasts Stephen and Erica Malbon, the brand launched with a limited collection for men looking to find multi-functional golf apparel that's made to be worn both on and off the green. Since then, the husband and wife duo have been pioneering the movement toward golf as a lifestyle by collaborating with some of the most well-known brands in the world and creating a community of like-minded thinkers who share the same collective vision for the future of the sport. Today, Malbon Golf has expanded to offer a complete line of men and women apparel, footwear and accessories that are designed to reimagine the status quo and aspire across all ages with the ultimate goal of bringing a fresh perspective and an accessible, personal approach to the game. The brand is available throughout the US and Korea through both e-commerce and at top select retailers. To learn more, please visit malbongolf.com or follow on Instagram at @malbongolf. To explore the digital collectibles, Buckets Club, visit bucketsclub.com or @buckets.club. Learn more at malbongolf.com. About Honma Golf Founded in 1959, Honma Golf is a prestigious and iconic golf brand known for its premium, high-tech, and top-performing golf clubs. With a focus on innovative technologies and traditional Japanese craftsmanship, Honma Golf offers a wide range of equipment to suit the preferences and abilities of golfers worldwide. From the luxury BERES series to the Tour-validated T//World line, Honma Golf is committed to creating the highest-quality golf products on the market today. Honma Golf is listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (Stock Code: 6858.HK). Learn more at honmagolf.com. SOURCE Honma Golf

Forbes
Jun 7th, 2025
Gap Partners With Malbon Golf To Bridge Gap Between Style And Sport

Gap and Malbon Golf teamed up for a limited-edition collection featuring 33-pieces for men and. More women.REDENS D. Doris and Donald Fisher opened the first Gap store in 1969 in San Francisco, selling records, tapes and the increasingly popular Levi’s jeans.The brand’s name was to highlight the generational gap between the young, liberal baby boomers and their conservative post-war parents. As Gap has grown and evolved—now part of Gap Inc. along with Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta—it’s remained rooted in its goal of “championing originality.”. More than 50 years later, Gap is taking that same approach with golf, but with a little help

Luxury Auto News
Sep 30th, 2024
Introducing the Exclusive Lexus GX 550 Malbon Edition: Only One Made

Lexus has teamed up with Malbon Golf to create a unique, golf-inspired version of the Lexus GX 550, known as the Lexus GX 550 Malbon Edition.

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