Luxury golf brand Malbon opens its first Asian flagship store in BGC, bringing modern style to the traditional sport. Co-founder Erica Malbon shares her Filipino roots and vision for the brand in an exclusive interview.
Over the past few months, a construction barrier on 5th Avenue in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) has sparked curiosity with its blank green screen and a single word plastered across: Malbon. Reactions ranged from confusion with the city of Malabon (yes, it happened) to excitement. For those in the know, this moment has been a long time coming. Last March 27, the screen came down and the doors opened to reveal Malbon’s flagship store in Asia.
Founded in 2017 by husband-and-wife team Stephen and Erica Malbon, the brand was born with a clear mission: to make golf more inclusive, accessible, and relevant to a new generation. It quickly gained traction, rapidly ascending both the worlds of golf and fashion. It’s a fresh take that blends the classic sport with modern lifestyle, creating an edgy identity that pushes the traditional boundaries and perceptions of the game. Over the past eight years, the brand has expanded with seven stores across the US and South Korea, and now, with its flagship in the Philippines, it marks a new chapter in its global journey.
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A Filipino Homecoming: Bringing Malbon to Manila
Malbon’s roots in the Philippines run deep, with one of its founders, Erica Malbon, being Filipino-American and having spent part of her childhood in Manila. This personal connection to the country makes the opening of Malbon’s store in the Philippines all the more special.
“We’re very excited to be here in the Philippines, considering my connection to the country, and, obviously, we love it here,” Erica shares in an exclusive interview with Lifestyle Asia.
“There is a growing economy here, culture in general, and fashion. Golf is growing here and on the world stage,” Erica continues, pointing to rising stars like Bianca Pagdanganan, a long-hitting homegrown talent making waves in the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), and Jason Day, a Filipino-Australian with 13 Professional Golf Association (PGA) Tour wins. Both athletes sport Malbon on the world’s biggest golf stages, demonstrating the brand’s meteoric rise as a fashion statement, as well as a functional, performance-driven label.
Reimagining the Golf Shop Experience
Malbon’s Philippine store is a striking representation of the brand’s ethos—modern, inclusive, and far from your typical golf shop. It’s definitely not the kind of place your dad would drag you into. From the moment you step inside, you’re immediately drawn to the bright lights and soaring high ceilings that create an open, vibrant atmosphere. The store’s layout is carefully curated, with clothes and accessories beautifully displayed around an eye-catching water installation and a sleek silver sculpture, offering a sense of dynamic elegance.
Upstairs, a VIP lounge awaits, designed as a quasi-clubhouse for Malbon’s Buckets Club, set to launch in Manila soon. The club will offer members exclusive access to courses and other perks, cementing Malbon’s role in fostering a community-driven experience. But perhaps the most exciting feature of the store is its simulator—a true golfer’s dream—allowing visitors to experience a cutting-edge virtual golfing experience right inside the shop.
“We’ll be having events, lessons, and we want to activate it as a space where people come together and as a community-building activity,” Erica shares. “It is an access point for people.” The space goes beyond retail to become a hub for golfers of all levels to learn, play, and connect.
The Perfect Pairing: Malbon’s Strategic Collaborations
Malbon continues to innovate in an increasingly competitive space of “hype” brands. In particular, they are known for curating a unique lineup of collaborations, from Nike and FootJoy, to surprising connections like Undefeated and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
“We’ve always wanted to put out authentic storylines and products,” Erica explains. Malbon’s approach to collaborations is rooted in understanding their customers—golfers who have interests and desires beyond the game itself.
“It’s refreshing to have something that makes you feel yourself as you play,” Erica adds, highlighting how comfort and authenticity keep people coming back to the sport. For example, their partnership with Jimmy Choo, a luxury shoe brand, appeals to many golfers who appreciate high-end fashion. They also teamed up with Prince, a heritage tennis brand with strong crossover to golf, recognizing the shared culture between the two sports. These collaborations reflect Malbon’s focus on offering products that speak to their customers’ broader lifestyle, blending sport with style in a way that feels natural and authentic.
As for collaborating with a Philippine brand? Erica is excited and open to the possibility, sharing that they already have a collection out specifically for the Philippine launch, celebrating the local culture while staying true to the Malbon ethos. While Erica can’t reveal too much, she teased that Malbon is already gearing up for exciting collaborations lined up through 2025 to 2026, including Malbon x Jimmy Choo Part 2 and Malbon x POTR Part 2.
“We’ve had a very seamless experience,” Erica shares, reflecting on the smooth opening of their flagship store in the Philippines. It’s a good sign for both Malbon and the future of golf in the country.
Keep an eye out for exclusive events, golf activations, and the launch of the members-only Buckets Club in Manila, as Malbon continues to shape the future of golf culture. Behind this exciting launch is TKG Lifestyle, the team that brought Gentle Monster and % Arabica to Manila, now introducing Malbon’s signature blend of sport, style, and community to the city.
Photography by Kim Santos of KLIQ, Inc.
Additional photographs courtesy of Malbon Golf, photography by Magic Liwanag.
