From the Fairways: Myriad facets of fashion on the course

In recent months on the world golf tournament scene it has been interesting to see some unusual fashion statements on the fairways.

Who has noticed Duffy Waldorf in his Hawaiian flowery shirt buttoned down to the waist, David Duval in his round neck shirt, Jarmo Sandelin in his own designed shirts that hang outside his trousers and most recently Canadian Mike Weir wearing what looked like a collarless shirt under a cardigan.

Is it not strange that these golfers, perhaps, are not allowed to wear the same clothes on the golf courses of the UAE if they came to play golf here outside a tournament?

What are the dress regulations for golf? They vary according to where you play. They are essentially administered by the clubs themselves. Examples of some unusual dress regulations throughout the world include; no open toe slippers on the course or clubhouse, no swimwear or athletic attire, no combat jackets, collared shirts must be worn inside trousers and shorts, no caps or hats are to worn inside the clubhouse and socks must be of a single block colour.

In the UK at a club where I am a member there is a picture of a golfer on the notice board depicting what length shorts and socks are allowed and not allowed.

Where is it all going?

The issue of ladies golfing attire and fashion seems to surprisingly attract less controversy than the men's equivalent. This article will address men's attire – we will not go down the route of ladies' golf clothing – that can be the subject of another debate at another time.

These clothing anomalies have arisen as golf club committees have established their rules and regulations based primarily on member's clubs that rely on a few visiting societies and "casual" visitors.

In professional golf the PGA European Tour has tended to sit on the fence and decide issues on their own merits as they arise. Their wording in their regulations refers to neat appearance in both clothing and personal grooming without going into specifics.

Historical pictures show golfers in jackets as well as ties that perhaps would not be allowed today as fashions change. Perhaps a parallel can be drawn with the golf equipment argument that, some would say, the authorities have not controlled quick enough and the golfing industry has got ahead of the administrators of the game.

The clothing issue is different as there are not one or two authorities given the task of regulating world golf attire.

The clothing manufacturers and golf industry seem to be driving the clothing issue – and why not as the boundaries of the game are widened.

Fashions change and come and go – who can remember the wide flowing flairs of Johnny Miller in the mid-70's – I hope they come back- I have a pair in my wardrobe!

The clothing issue is very subjectively sensitive – clubs throughout the world should remember the game is changing and an open golf society away from traditional private members clubs is alive and kicking.

A balance has to drawn between the traditions of the game and progress and fashion. The lines are not always clear or consistent but we must not discourage the new breed of golfer from entering the game – he may wrongly see it as a triviality but he must be educated before he may turn his back on the game to the loss to of both himself and the game.

Nick Tarratt is the General Manager of the UAE Golf Association