Geelong forward Brad Close on his ‘Be Close Golf’ brand, new-look Cats forward line

Brad Close’s game often flies under the radar, but his clothing and social media is gaining traction. The goalsneak sheds light on his off-field venture and new Cats forward Jack Martin.

As the game of Geelong forward Brad Close grew last year, so did his off-field brand.

Close’s team-first game often flies under the radar, but his content creation and clothing venture ‘Be Close Golf’ is gaining more and more traction – even if his golf game hasn’t been up to scratch of late.

(My handicap is) around nine at the minute, it fluctuates a fair bit, so not having a great run of form at the minute,” Close told this masthead.

“(Be Close Golf is) going really well, it started off the back of some of the social media stuff I’m doing and the YouTube channel.

“Got some clothing now so that people can support and it has been a really good response from everyone out there supporting the brand.”

Brad Close loves his golf. Picture: Alison Wynd

Close, 26, opened up a BeCloseGolf pop-up store in Geelong for two weeks in December which Cats and golf fans alike got behind.

“It is good to see Cats fans when they come out, but looking at sales we have sent stuff all around the country – Queensland, New South Wales, WA. So it shows there is a bit of a following around the place, whether they are football fans or just golfers as well,” Close said.

“Enjoyed just meeting some customers face-to-face, rather than just online.”

The underrated forward – who was equal 10th for goal assists in 2024 and kicked 25 majors – showed off his golf game at 13th Beach in the Vic Open Pro-Am with teammates Tom Stewart and Jack Bowes on Wednesday morning.

Jack Bowes, Tom Stewart and Brad Close all took part in the Vic Open Pro-Am. Picture: Alison Wynd

Bowes in action. Picture: Alison Wynd

Stewart one up on the green. Picture: Alison Wynd

“Jack Bowes is probably holding the lowest handicap at the minute, ‘Stewy’ doesn’t quite get the time on course, unlike us other boys, with the kids and things,” Close said.

“Keeps him a bit busy but is still a good player of course, just needs to get out a bit more.”

It hasn’t just been competitive on the golf course, with a healthy list, rising youngsters and off-season recruits Bailey Smith and Jack Martin ensuring every Cats player is fighting hard for their spot.

Close believes Martin will add plenty to Geelong’s dangerous forward half, but there remains a question mark over the former Blue’s availability for their season opener with Brisbane given his history of soft tissue injuries.

Will Jack Martin feature in their season-opener?. Picture: Alison Wynd

“He has had some injury struggles obviously as we know in the past, still just working back from that now,” Close said.

“Hopefully we get to see a look of him in the pre-season games and I’m sure he will be putting his hand up ready for round one and he will be a great addition to our side I reckon.”

Unlike Martin, emerging key forward Shannon Neale is a selection lock after the retirement of Geelong games record holder Tom Hawkins and an impressive finish to last season.

“The strong forward line with ‘Hawk’ and Jeremy (Cameron) has sort of kept him out unfortunately, but he has been ready to go and showed last year that he is up to the standard,” Close said.

“Training really well and I think just the comfortability knowing he is the starting full forward now I would say without Hawkins there, gives him a bit more confidence I think.”

Entering a contract year, Close is looking to add some extra strings to his bow in 2025.

“Still plenty of improvement left in my game. I feel comfortable in my positon and in my role but same as last year, I kicked a few more goals last year,” Close said.

“So keep building that and hit the scoreboard and have a bit more of an impact on the game hopefully.

“With the list we have being able to move around, we are pretty flexible so that’s something I have been working on throughout the pre-season.”

Originally published as Geelong forward Brad Close on his ‘Be Close Golf’ brand, new-look Cats forward line