Golf Clothing – Fashion and the Ryder Cup

Outrageous patterns seem to be part of the course at the Ryder Cup as its history of golf clothing faux pas reveals.

Golf clothing in the top league

The golf clothing on the American team at this year's Ryder Cup prompted the remark that they looked like their clothes were on loan from the ‘Sherlock Holmes Appreciation Society.' And, judging by press reactions over the years to golf fashion at the tournament, golf clothing will never be top of the league. Many have remarked on the ugly scenes on the golf course as Europe and America size each other up in patterned tank tops, sensible slacks and even ill-advised head gear.

Suits you sir

Even when they play great golf, their golf clothing can let the side down. Some of the golf clothing spotted over the years at the Ryder Cup includes the salmon-pink short-sleeved shirt and the pastel print sweater, proving there is a fine line between dorky and dapper. Leisure wear is a dubious brand in the fashion stakes and golf clothing probably beats all other sportswear.

Fashion statement

Golf clothing has to be, like most sportswear, practical and efficient for the game but unlike many other sports, golf clothing is also a fashion statement. Unlike swimming say, where the most a sportsman can do is wear a famous fashion brand on their trunks, golfers could if they wanted wear their golf clothing as day-to-day outfits or even nightwear. God forbid.

Steve McQueen Cool

But of course, golf clothing isn't necessarily about looking as cool as Steve McQueen – that's just a bonus – golf clothing needs to be able to accommodate the sport. Golfers need to swing freely and comfortably with enough room for their hip action. Also, being out in the elements for up to eight hours means they need warmth too. Which probably explains the dominance of the sweater in golf clothing ranges.

Golf clothing craze

The sixties were said to have started this craze in golf clothing, with Val Doonican-inspired numbers. The predominance of sweaters in golf clothing ranges is evidenced by the title of a recent coming of age novel by Tom Cox – ‘Nice Jumper'.

But the trousers can be just as troubling, with garish patterns and prints.

Thankfully as new generations of golfers make their way through the echelons of the game, they are leaving the dodgy 1930s car salesman look behind and embracing golf clothing of an all together more stylish kind.

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