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Nike introduced a course-ready version of the Nike Air Max Plus earlier this year to expand its golf footwear collection. Kickstarting the golf-ready sneaker were two OG colorways, Hyper Blue and Sunset, with more planned throughout the year. Next up for the sneaker is a nod to the upcoming Players Championship.
First played back in 1974, the Players Championship, originally called the Tournament Players Championship, brings together the top players on the PGA circuit even though it’s not technically a Major in the eyes of the PGA Tour. It’s also historically had one of the highest purses in all of golf, with 2025’s event (in mid-March) having $25 million up for grabs. As for this nod to the event, Nike pays homage to the grounds crew who used to help maintain the TPC Sawgrass course, the home of the Players Championship since 1982, back in the day.
With low funds, the crew at TPC Sawgrass brought goats to the course to help clear the rough back in 1980. A few dozen goats were thrown onto the course, and in about 6-8 months, they cleared out about 80% of the rough that would typically have to be done by a human. Nods to the animal are pretty overt, as the golden tongue patch with Nike Golf branding depicts the animal. We also see faux goat hair in a brown finish applied to the heel overlay.
As for the rest of the sneaker, a premium mesh in a cream coconut milk shade is applied to the upper, accented by more golden hits on the mudguard. More cream is found on the TPU reinforcements across the upper, inspired by the palm trees that Sean McDowell, the designer of the Air Max Plus, saw on his vacations to Florida. Final details include a Players Championship-branded insole, a white foam midsole with golden Air units, and a clear rubber outsole with a spike-less traction pattern perfect for the golf course.
The Nike Air Max Plus Golf Players Championship was released on March 13, 2025, and is available now through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. In men’s sizing, the retail price is $205. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Nike Air Max Plus Golf Players Championship
Images via Nike
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy watching films and discovering music. Follow me on Letterboxd @nickvlah For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com
