Barb Hanson
Those of us who love the game of golf understand its great history and tradition. We respect that history and tradition by responding to it in many ways:
We play by the rules.
We observe specialized etiquette.
We rely on our own personal integrity to “referee” ourselves.
We adhere to certain standards and expectations associated with the game.
One of the basic standards is that of proper attire. Dressing appropriately for the golf course immediately says: “I respect this game. I respect my fellow golfers. I understand the expectation and am happy to comply.”
As a teacher, I often had the opportunity to observe students on “dress-up days”. The students planned everything from “Seventies Day” to “Team Day” to “Pajama Day”. But the day that was the most interesting was the day when everyone was supposed to dress in nice clothes. The change in attitudes and behavior was astonishing. There was a different type of decorum present.
I believe that to be taken seriously as a golfer, I should look like a golfer. In order to play my best, I start with trying to look my best.
Again…a bit off topic but another point of view.
Does anyone else shutter when they see advertisements for women’s golf clothing? The print media is either having a very bad joke on us or attempting to make women golfer’s think we should look like “Playmates of the Month” with golf clubs.
Could you imagine ANY PGA professional in his right mind dressed and posed like that? Most who know how to play golf and have enough money to purchase product no longer strive or desire to look like Hannah Montana or Paris Hilton on a golf course…and our TV golf media (shame on you Golf Channel!) concentrates on those naive, lovely and talented young ladies whose bosoms burst and whose legs go on forever. Whose needs are really being met? Who do you think?
It’s a bit like the YouTube phenomenon, Susan Boyle. Who in their right mind would believe such a relatively unattractive woman could possibly have such a magnificent voice? Who? Most of us…that’s who! I wish the world could grow up.
Anyway, I agree it’s important to look appropriate on a golf course, or anywhere for that matter, if you want to be taken seriously…male or female, young or old.
lgm
My husband and I were playing golf in Florida with friends. I had a tank top on, and my husband had on a T shirt with writing on the front. The Mgr. asked me to put on a large man’s collared shirt, over the tank top, but my husband was asked to do nothing about his attire!! Talk about sexism!!