Are Smathers and Branson’s $195 Needlepoint Golf Belts Worth It?

Let’s face it, golf is not a friendly sport on the budget. Even if you choose to go with affordable options in terms of clubs, apparel, and equipment, you’re still going to spend a few hundred dollars easily.

After you’ve decided golf is for you, and you’re ready and willing to spend what is necessary to look, feel, and play your best, certain things will hit your wish list. For me, it was a really nice belt.

The folks at Smathers and Branson made that a reality for me. When I looked around for a nice needlepoint belt, I knew I wanted something that would last a while, and I was unwilling to cheap out on a $30 piece that would fray and likely break in the matter of a few months, especially with how much I play golf.

Smathers and Branson’s company story dates back over 20 years, when two people who were simply college roommates had a vision for premium belt pieces that were ideal for everything, including golf of a casual dinner with friends:

“In 2004, while roommates at Bowdoin College, we decided to start a company that offered needlepoint belts. We had each been gifted a needlepoint belt from our then girlfriends and became intrigued with these unique accessories. After looking to buy finished belts, we realized that there wasn’t a company that featured these timeless items. From the start, our goal was to make the belts more available, attractive and affordable. We had always shared an entrepreneurial spirit and after discovering a concept that we were passionate about, we started working on the idea that has become Smathers & Branson®.”

Their lineup goes far past belts, too. Everything from keychains to mugs are available with their designs and explicitly fine quality. These products are made to last as long as you do!

Quality and Craftsmanship

This is no ordinary belt. The needlepoint design is one that truly allows you to own and wear something that is catered to your taste. You can even design your own belt that can be used for special events like weddings or anniversaries.

For me, I knew it would be a golf-first belt. So I truly wanted something that would capture the essence of the game and my love for it. What better way than to do that with a belt that includes a beautiful landscape of the Old Course at St. Andrews:

The quality is something that truly stands out. For years, I’ve worn a simple Tommy Hilfiger belt that I picked up at a department store. It’s done well for me on the golf course, but over time, it has certainly worn to the point that I’ve been ready for a new one.

The first thing that stood out to me was the fine, full-grain Italian leather that lines the needlepoint. It smells fantastic, and you can tell that Smathers and Branson sourced it from a high-quality manufacturer that did not cut any corners.

Meanwhile, the needlepoint design is soft and incredibly clear. I wore it on a recent golf trip to Virginia and had many of my playing mates and even some other folks who were playing the same course as us comment on it.

This is the Most UNDERRATED East Coast Golf Trip for CHEAP

It was a great conversation starter, and I was happy to have so many people ask about where it was from. If you're on the East Coast, especially in Pennsylvania, Maryland, D.C., Delaware, or even New Jersey, it is also pretty local. Their warehouse is in Rockville, Maryland, so it's not a far distance from their sourcing point to your front door.

Their expansive collection of Golf Belts includes a little something for everyone. There are designs featuring the Arnold Palmer umbrella logo, there are more golf landscapes, and there are simple ones with a design of tees on them. There is truly something for everyone.

@jklendsholla 🚨 If you’re in need of a new golf belt, check out Smathers and Branson. You’ll never need to buy another (unless you love food like me, you might have to). This St. Andrews belt scene is one of the best looking golf belts I’ve come across. At $195, the quality matches the price point! #golf #fyp #golfstyle #standrews #smathersandbranson #CapCut ♬ Aesthetic - Tollan Kim

Is It Worth the Price Tag?

Yes. The quality is unbelievable, and I think that's truly saying something. At first, I just wasn't sure if a belt could justify itself at this price tag. However, so far, it has been extremely comfortable, of great quality, and something I will wear for years to come, likely in every round of golf I play for the foreseeable future.

Be sure to order yours at least two inches larger than your pant size. I am a 34" waist, I have a 36" belt. I could easily go to a 38".

Grab your Smathers and Branson merch here! You won't regret it! Tell them Joey sent you.

Cover Image via Glaze and Gordon