Golf Clothing – The Dress Code Debate

Dress code for golf clothing has always been an issue, but it seems a never-ending debate in women's golf.

Golf clothing debate

Cargo pants or no cargo pants? Full length trousers or shorts? What colour socks go with white shoes? For men, the debate about acceptable golf clothing has been on-going for years. Golf after all was the sport of gentleman and the clothing reflected that. Naturally, as society changed and the game became more democratic and accessible, attitudes to golf clothing have relaxed somewhat. But for women, it seems the debate is even thornier. Where, for example, does the PGA stand on belly buttons?

Women's golf clothing

The length of women's golf shorts has been hotly debated, but the reason so many traditionalists feel so strongly about golf clothing is that the clothes are a public articulation of identity. Like a uniform, golf clothing speaks volumes about the rules, regulations and image of the game.

Celebrity influence

But the length of Michelle Wie's skirt will always attract column inches on how appropriate such golf clothing on women professional players is. Modern society has changed so radically, especially when it comes to seeing women's bodies on display in every walk of life - be it sport, fashion, film or advertising. And yet, women's golf clothing has on the whole sustained the conservative, middle-aged, middle-class, country club image. But as golf becomes more and more celebrity-infused and popular, golf clothing was bound to change too.

Revealing golf clothing

The debate around revealing golf clothing is particularly prickly – some female golfers have even released glamour calendars posing semi-nude fuelling the controversy. Some traditionalists worry that showing skin or using feminine assets detracts from the game, and damages the image of women's golf. It's suggesting that the performance isn't enough. But many modern golfers are also super fit athletes and want to expose their hard work in the gym by wearing golf clothing that suits them.

Fashion rebels

More daring or revealing golf clothing follows the conventional way that the younger generation works when it comes to fashion. Rebelling against the fuddy-duddy image of golf clothing is one way to attract younger players. But it seems official regulators are also divided on the issue of women's golf clothing. In America , the Junior Golf Association banned shirts that revealed abdomens, whereas in Scotland the Ladies' Golf Union approved of showing belly buttons. But the LPGA is aware of the need to attract a wider audience, and has a suitably vague dress code to encourage a make-over of golf's frumpy image.

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