An Interview with PGA Champion Kevin Chappell
With the launch of The Pro Shop, Swet Tailor’s new collection of golf-inspired styles for on and off the course, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the kind of pro golfers who represent our brand.
One perfect example is Kevin Chappell (@kevin_chappell), the PGA champion who won the Valero Texas Open in 2017. As an ambitious athlete, dedicated family man, philanthropist, and super smart dresser, he stands for all things SWET.
Fortunately, we were able to score a 1-on-1 interview with Kevin, so we could share his journey, pro-tips, and favorite SWET styles with our community.
Ready to learn more about this well-dressed golf champ? Here’s everything you need to know about PGA competitor Kevin Chappell:
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into golfing and where you are today?
I grew up in Fresno, California, and I got into golfing when I was just six or seven years old. My dad and brother played all the time. Around that time, my mom went back to school to get her masters in hospital administration, and I had two choices: stay at home while my mom studied or play golf. The answer was pretty easy! I caught the golf bug quickly, and that’s what I’ve been doing ever since. I went on from being a junior golfer, to getting a scholarship to play for UCLA, and then worked my way up to the PGA Tour.
We’d love to hear about one of your greatest career moments. Can you recall a specific “win” that stands out from the rest?
Winning on the PGA tour was a definite highlight. I won at the 2017 Valero Texas Open. Before then, I had many very, very close calls, so it felt good to get that monkey off my back. It was exciting, gratifying, and opened a lot of doors for me.
You’re a PGA golfer and a family man. What’s it like juggling the life of an athlete with being a father?
It’s certainly tough, and there are a lot of sacrifices from everyone.
I often have to sacrifice time with my family, so I can work and provide for them, and in return, they sacrifice having a dad around all the time and will even miss a few days of school here and there, so they can travel with me and maximize our time together.
My wife is very supportive of my busy schedule, and I’m fortunate that my family operates like a team. I do my best to reciprocate by being present when I’m home and with them.
We’re so impressed by your commitment to charitable organizations. Can you tell us more about your nonprofit efforts?
My wife Elizabeth and I started the Kevin Chappell Champion for Children’s Oncology Endowment after a brief visit in 2014 to the Valley Children’s Hospital in Central California, where I grew up. We were bringing Christmas gifts for the patients, and when we saw the kids fighting for their lives, we knew we had to help.
In addition to our fundraising efforts, we created a giraffe-shaped headcover named “Champ,” and the proceeds of that product go directly to the oncology department at Valley Children’s.
What are your goals, short term and long?
In the short term, I’m very focused on my family and enjoying my time with them. I’m currently taking a health-related hiatus from golf and focusing on getting two of my kids started with school this year. In terms of the longer view picture, my hope is to get back in the winner’s circle and continue to work hard and grow.
How does Swet Tailor fit into your busy schedule?
I appreciate how versatile Swet Tailor’s clothes are. I can play golf in them all day, then take my family to dinner without having to change first. I never feel great about showing up for events later in the day in clothes I was clearly wearing for golf. Swet Tailor’s clothes are minimalist. They’re work and play clothes all rolled into one, and that’s what I’m looking for.
What are your favorite Swet Tailor styles, on and off the course?
On the course, you can’t beat the All-In Pant and All-In Polo. Both styles come in a wide range of colors, and they’re comfortable, stylish, and check off all the boxes for me.
Off the course, I live in the SWET Jogger. It’s comfortable, looks good, and there are plenty of color options. Right now, I’m wearing one of my Softest Tees, which is a hot commodity in my house. My wife’s always “borrowing” them to sleep in.
If you had one piece of advice for aspiring athletes, what would it be?
Enjoy the ride. Don’t get too caught up in things that you don’t need to be caught up in. Focus on you. Focus on the job at hand. Engulf yourself in the things that make you happy, and everything else is icing on the cake.
If you had one piece of advice for soon-to-be fathers, what would it be?
Don’t forget to laugh! Really enjoy fatherhood, because it goes by quick.
Wanna look as sharp on and off the course as a PGA champion? Kevin Chappell’s favorite styles include the All-In Pant, All-In Polo, SWET Jogger, and Softest Tee. And don’t forget to check out SWET’s newly launched Pro Shop for our updated take on classic golf styles.