On the Streets With Tiger Hood, New York City’s Favorite Golfer

Vest by Tommy Hilfiger. Pants by Fendi. Hat by Kenzo. Shoes by Camperlab.

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The world’s best golf courses might be private, but don’t tell that to Patrick Barr, a New York street photographer who, with his innate feel for the vibrations of city life, has transformed downtown Manhattan into his own personal driving range. As Tiger Hood, the 58-year-old can be seen around town launching empty milk cartons into plastic crates, drawing the attention of everyone from curious passersby to celebrities like Post Malone. “I always wanted to try golfing, but I never had the opportunity,” he says. So like a true New Yorker, he made his own.

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“I found a golf club in a garbage can 12 years ago. I always wanted to try golfing, but I never had the opportunity. I had a tennis ball on me, so I started hitting it against a building that was under construction. After about ten hits, it got stuck up in the scaffolding, but I still liked the feeling of swinging, so I had to get something else to hit.”

Jacket is Patrick’s own. Turtleneck (worn throughout) by Tommy Hilfiger. Shorts by Salvatore Ferragamo. Shoes by Camper.

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“I found a school in Little Italy that had a recycling program where they would put all the milk containers in one bag. I put them in the bathtub to soak out the milk and let them dry for a couple of days. Then I stuff them with newspaper, wrap them with packing tape, and swing away.”

“One time there was a line of people for the Blue Note Jazz Club and nobody was on the other side of the street so I was able to play freely. I got one in and the crowd erupted. I’m like, ‘Wait a minute. I’m out here playing on the freaking streets and people are cheering for me. When does that happen?’”

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All clothing and accessories are Patrick’s own.

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“Play safely and have respect for people around you. You can’t do this without situational awareness because if you go out there and try to swing a golf club in the streets you might hit somebody in the face. You can get arrested for that. I’m not sure, but if I were to hit somebody with a container, I think that could be considered assault.”

“Minetta Lane has been my spot these days, but I’ve been switching it up. I’ve been going back to Spring and Lafayette. Lt. Petrosino Square was a really sweet spot until they put a Citi Bikestation there.”

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“I’ve been getting so much love so I need to give back by spreading the game. I want the Police Athletic League to get in touch with me. I called up a few of their offices to try to do something with them, to get them back out there on the streets, in the neighborhoods, playing with the kids, so they can build trust back.”

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Vest by Tommy Hilfiger. Pants by Fendi. Hat by Kenzo. Shoes by Camperlab.

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Hair: Jadis using Shea Moisture, Murray’s, and Goody

Grooming: Shaina Ehrlich using Surratt Beauty at Kramer + Kramer

Production: Paige Viti 

Production Assistant: Natalia Geldres