If you’ve played golf in the last five years and don’t own at least one Bad Birdie polo, I’ve got questions for you.
Because Bad Birdie didn’t just sell shirts.
It rewired golf style.
Every good round starts with a great shot.
Mullys is a 2-oz functional shot designed by golfers, for golfers. With Lion’s Mane for clarity and hemp-derived THC for calm, Mullys helps you stay dialed in on the course and unwind after the round: no booze, no bogeys, no crash, just performance and vibes in a bottle.
Use the code thecactusclub for 20% off your first order.
6 Questions with Jason Richardson
What started as a simple thought, “Why does golf apparel feel so boring?”, turned into one of the most recognizable brands in modern golf. Loud prints. Clean fits. Performance that actually performs. And a brand that feels like it belongs on the first tee and at the post-round beer.
Jason Richardson didn’t come from fashion school or a legacy apparel brand. He came from curiosity, mistakes, and an obvious point of view.
This is his playbook.
What was the original spark behind Bad Birdie?
Honestly, it was selfish in the best way.
Jason didn’t wake up dreaming of running an apparel company. He just wanted golf clothes that he actually wanted to wear.
Something fun. Something bold. Something that didn’t feel stuck in 1998.
“I wanted to create a product that my friends and I would love wearing on the course. I felt there was a gap, especially for younger players who wanted more than conservative looks.”
That gap turned into Bad Birdie’s DNA. Bright patterns, modern cuts, and fabrics that could handle a full round in Arizona heat.
The lesson here is simple.
Great brands usually start as a personal itch.
What did you get wrong early on?
A lot. And he’ll be the first to tell you.
Jason didn’t come from the apparel industry, and the learning curve showed up fast. One of his most painful mistakes came during the sample approval process.
“I approved samples without fully understanding the consequences. We ended up producing an entire run that wasn’t up to standard.”
That mistake cost real money.
But it also forced real growth.
Instead of blaming vendors or brushing it off, Jason leaned in. He asked questions. He learned the process end-to-end. And he made sure it never happened again.
Entrepreneurship doesn’t punish ignorance.
It punishes repeating the same mistake twice.
What’s the biggest risk in apparel that people underestimate?
Inventory. Always inventory.
Too much, you’re stuck discounting.
Too little, you’re leaving money on the table.
“Most apparel companies struggle with having too much or too little inventory. We’ve worked hard to get better at planning so we have the right products at the right time.”
This isn’t sexy advice.
But it’s the difference between surviving and scaling.
Bad Birdie didn’t grow by guessing. It grew by tightening feedback loops, improving forecasting, and getting smarter with every drop.
Small margins don’t forgive sloppy planning.
How do you personally think about failure?
No fluff. No motivational poster energy.
“Failure is part of the game. You learn quickly, evolve, and never repeat the same mistake twice.”
There’s no room for excuses in Jason’s mindset. You own the miss. You fix it. You move forward.
That mentality shows up everywhere in the brand, from product quality to operations to customer trust.
Failure isn’t the enemy.
Comfort is.
Where is Bad Birdie headed next?
If you think Bad Birdie is just polos, you’re already behind.
“We’re expanding the product line and launching exciting new designs. We’re building something bigger than just shirts.”
The vision is clear.
Bad Birdie wants to be a whole lifestyle brand for golfers who don’t fit the old mold.
Different ages. Different skill levels. Same mindset.
Modern golf isn’t one look anymore.
And Bad Birdie plans to dress all of it.
What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs?
Jason doesn’t overcomplicate this either.
“Surround yourself with people smarter than you. Never stop learning.”
He credits conversations with other founders, constant curiosity, and staying close to the business as core reasons Bad Birdie worked.
He also believes Arizona can and should be a bigger startup hub.
More incentives. More conferences. More reasons for builders to plant roots here.
Local brands win when ecosystems grow.
Why This Story Matters
Bad Birdie isn’t an overnight success.
It’s a case study in taste, timing, and relentless iteration.
Jason Richardson didn’t try to please everyone.
He tried to please his people.
And that clarity turned a side idea into a movement.
If you’re building something, in golf or anywhere else, this is the takeaway.
Find the gap.
Respect the details.
Learn faster than your mistakes.
And for the love of golf… make it fun again.
P.S. If you’re wearing a boring polo this weekend, that’s on you.
Want more Arizona golf stories you won’t find anywhere else?
Style
The Nike Golf Shield is back. Nostalgia, yes, but also a signal. This isn’t just a logo revival: it reopens the bigger question of Nike’s future in golf. (shop)
Gear
Regripping clubs isn’t demanding. Doing it fast and right is. This Amazon club-building tool cuts time, improves consistency, and makes DIY builds feel like a pro shop. (shop)
January 8: Big Game 3
4 groups. 9 holes. Skins, side bets, and cold cash. Join us at Encanto for the January Big Game. Spots are limited. (register)
Events
AGA Championship Qualifier #1 hits Cave Creek on January 13, 2026. One shot. 18 holes. Limited field. Register by January 6 and earn your spot now. (register)
News
From tossing balls over your shoulder to knee-height drops, the Rules of Golf have evolved. Arizona Golf Insider breaks down how and why the drop rule changed. (more)
How did you like today's newsletter?
1–3 minutes. One lucky member wins a $250 gift card every month.
Might as well be you.
