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 today's 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. It's trendy, it can help you form business relationships, and it's an activity both men and women can participate in together.
So it's 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 women's 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 didn't 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 I'm 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 women's 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 haven't 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, it's not going to happen. It hasn't 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 don't think it has to be as dramatic as this. But we do have to recognize that it's 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 we're going to have to accept the fact that younger women have a different idea of what's acceptable. If they want to dress for today's 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 women's golf isn't about being frumpy or serious ? it can be fun and appealing ? which is exactly the kind of creations they're churning out for female golfers. And who knows ? mom and I might start raiding my daughter's closet one day soon!
Copyright 2006 Lady O' Golf
Golfing is a sport that requires long hours on the greens and the fairways in order to play all eighteen holes. But that also means that you need to be dressed in something that can last long hours, in various weather conditions, while still allowing you to swing through each stroke of the course. To help you look good and also play well, here are some golf fashion tips that you can keep in mind when you're gearing up for the game.
Tops on the Greens
Since most golf games are played during the warmer months, you need to choose your tops with this in mind. Though you will probably find a large selection of polo style shirts, this is not the only way to dress for the course. You might also want to choose things like polo shirts without sleeves to help give you more air circulation, but still give that high class look. When it gets cooler, a windbreak with a collar or with a polo shirt collar sticking out of the top is a great idea. This will help you to stay protected from the temperature changes while also helping you look good as you do it.
The good news is that golf shirts are being made out of more synthetic materials these days, allowing you to choose lighter materials that still protect you from inclement weather conditions. Try your local sport goods or golfing store to see what new options you have.
No More Baggy Pants
Though you could choose the traditional cotton pants of the day, there are plenty of options for women that are much more comfortable on a golf course. For example, the Capri trend is hitting the links as well with their comfort and their style flexibility. You can wear these in a number of different lengths, from mid calf to slightly higher or lower. These can also come in synthetic blends that will allow you to feel more air when it gets hot outside.
In addition, Bermuda length shorts are also showing up on golf courses these days. While they're not the standard golfing far, their longer length and slim cuts are still course appropriate. These shorts can be worn in a number of colors to help make any plain polo shirt more exciting.
Hats Off to Comfort
Of course, when you're on the course for long periods of time, you need to have the right sun protection for your face too. Though it might not seem like a big deal in the beginning, the strain the sun will cause on your eyes (not to mention the sun damage to your face) is going to catch up with you. More women are choosing to wear golf visors that help shield their face from the sun while also allowing them to wear their hair in a stylish fashion. You can also choose to wear a baseball style hat that will protect your scalp as well.
To further add sun protection and style, you might also want to try some of the stylish sunglasses trends that are so popular. Just be sure that they work with your visor, if you choose to use one of those too. Or you can always opt for the athletic styles.
When you're heading to the golf course, you need to be prepared with not only your golf gear, but also the right golf wear. Though it seems like this is a more relaxed sport than most, walking around for hours is certainly going to take its toll without the right fashion choices.
Both Janet Strain & Grant Eckert are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Janet Strain has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pregnancy Problems, Home Security and Recreation and Sports. Recently Janet opened an off course golf apparel store focused on the needs of women golfers everywhere.Visit for fashionable golf apparel, news, and informative. Janet Strain's top article generates over 1600 views. to your Favourites.
Grant Eckert has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Security, Depression Cure and Mortgage. About Author: Grant Eckert is a writer for Leon Levin. Leon Levin is a leading provider of . Grant Eckert's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.