Copyright 2006 Lady O' Golf
As a forty-something woman golfer who grew up as a teen in the 70s-80s (and am now a parent of three) I find myself trapped in a zone between two battling groups of women trying to determine a proper dress code for the course.
It used to be that women wore clothes that covered up every inch of their bodies even if you were hitting the ball in 100 degree Texas heat. But as time wore on, hemlines crept up so much so that it seems as if todays young female golfers are just as concerned about looking good as they are about their handicap.
Golf has become an even more popular sport among young people. Its trendy, it can help you form business relationships, and its an activity both men and women can participate in together.
So its no wonder that golf manufacturers are now catering to that demographic. I know when I take my own mom (now in her 60s) out for a round, she has a wide-brimmed hat on, long-sleeves and a pair of pants on that just look uncomfortable to me. I love mom, but she epitomizes the whole reason womens golf is viewed as frumpy.
My 16-year old daughter, on the other hand, joins us wearing a golf skort (combination skirt and shorts, in case you didnt know) that is so high I cringe every time she tees up. Her shirt is a typical sleeveless preppy vest, but looks as if my husband did the laundry shrunk about 5 sizes too small. She wants to make sure everyone on the course gets an eyeful of her outer beauty. So what do I wear when Im out with these two? I wear a comfy pair of Bermuda shorts and a polo shirt.
One of my idols growing up was Jan Stephenson who was often criticized for her sexy look and suggestive posters. She brought about what the LPGA is after attention. I remember my dad watching LPGA tournaments just to see her play.
But the LPGA wants womens golf to be viewed because of its inherent importance, not by showing a little skin to get sponsors interested in creating a larger purse for the winner. In case you havent noticed, the PGA tour towers over the LPGA when it comes to sponsors and media coverage.
While the LPGA may want to be on an equal playing field, its not going to happen. It hasnt happened so far although the tour has made great strides to entice a new generation of female golfers to turn pro.
So should we put on a show just to achieve the same level of interest? No, I dont think it has to be as dramatic as this. But we do have to recognize that its no different than us not wanting to cover everything up including our ankles in the sweltering heat for the sake of modesty.
The bottom line is this we want women to play the game, and were going to have to accept the fact that younger women have a different idea of whats acceptable. If they want to dress for todays trends, we should let them.
As with all sports, we can keep some uniform guidelines in place, and I agree with the American Junior Golf Association restrictions on revealing abs, but when it comes time to play as an adult, I think we should all be able to make our own decisions and dress to fit our individual personalities and taste.
In the sports world, the ones who usually get the most attention and ultimately, the most money, are those with bigger-than-life personalities. Many people use fashion as their outlet to shine.
Many top designers have now recognized that womens golf isnt about being frumpy or serious it can be fun and appealing which is exactly the kind of creations theyre churning out for female golfers. And who knows mom and I might start raiding my daughters closet one day soon! |
