« Compare & Contrast: Els Versus Schwartzel »

The final pairing of fellow South Africans and Florida roomies Ernie Els and Charles Schwartzel in the final round of the CA Championship provided Chapeau Noir with the most striking mix of modern versus outdated golf fashion on tour to date.

Charles Schwartzel and Ernie Els. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images North America)

Els has played the role of gracious host to countryman Schwartzel in his Orlando area home recently, but the hospitality did not extend to the final round on Sunday, where Els cruised to a four shot win.

While Els may have won on the scoreboard where it counts, Schwartzel was a run away winner on the golf fashion runway. Evoking images of golf's original Black Knight, Schwartzel gave Nike brand fan boys a very big fashion boost, showing that the brand can look modern and trim than most any other Nike brand ambassadors on tour. Check the compact sleeves and extended plackard for evidence.

Great belt, great trousers (presumably not Nike, but if they are, add bonus points), and above all great all around fit for Schwartzel, who certainly makes looking great easy due to his 'fit'ness.

Els' return to form at 40 is a welcome one, but it is disheartening to see how he has fallen in to a career long fashion rut. Completely in style for his 1994 and 1997 US Open wins while sporting Ashworth, today's similar garb in 2010 isn't as cool.

Perhaps Ernie has been riding the Hot Tub Time Machine, which could explain the continued use of pleats, saddle shoes, and the roomy polo.

Before Schwartzel moves out, Ernie should consider raiding the guest room closet.

Update on March 15, 2010 by Chapeau Noir

Insider info from the Khaki Crusader, Els is wearing Dunning traditional fit shirts these days - oversized mind you, but Dunning!

Be sure to check out the KC regularly, as a direct compliment to your daily CHG ritual of course!