Wearing “Purpose” for the Course
Nothing sums up the underlying meaning of this article like the past weekend’s PGA tournament and who was wearing what. Players, wives, officials and fans were encouraged to wear pink at the Crowne Plaza Invitational in support of Amy Mickelson (recently diagnosed with cancer), the wife of the world’s No. 2 player, Phil Mickelson. It was rumored that even one of Phil’s greatest rivals, 14th all time most wins on PGA Tour, Vijah Singh, sported a pink shirt! So in the spirit of “ladies first”…
LADIES:
Coming from a lady who still wears Michelle Wie hand-me-downs, I know fashion on the golf course! Comfortable but stylish is the goal! Clothes that will breathe is a priority. Level with me a minute, by a show of hands, how many go to the golf course to just play golf alone? Ok five of you. Now, how many go to the golf course to play golf AND socialize? That’s what I thought. I’m hoping this article leaves you with some smiles and tips on what to look like and what not to look like when you show up for your Saturday morning tee time.
Shirts: Bright colors are in. Love the pink/tangerines and oranges. Deep blues and greens are also very high fashion this year. Stay close to your clothes, try going with a tailored look, preferably v-shaped to accentuate the right areas. I would highly recommend dresses — a key piece for the year and always feminine!
*A must-have for the season, light weathered Callaway jacket found at your local Golf Galaxy*
Bottoms: Skirts and Shorts! Even a little bit shorter shorts will fly this year! Get yourself some sun while you’re out there! Stick with solid colors. For smaller, shorter players, I like the small Julieta Granada attire.
Shoes: Lovin’ the sandals on the course, but I’m over them. I’m back to good ole’ fashion saddle shoes. Three pairs minimum: pink and white, black and white and brown and white. Foot Joy for a wider fit and Callaway for a slimmer fit.
Socks: I’m thinking they need to be white or match the shirt somehow. In addition, wear them as low as you can get them. Ankle socks. NOT knee highs (You know who you are!)
Accessories: Obviously minimal, as always. Stay feminine with nail polish, a fun golf glove and a little lip gloss. Not a fan of the hats; but if that’s your thing, wear ‘em! Perfume and lotion will attract the bugs, not the men, so don’t go there.
Here’s my thought but I’d love to hear from you as to which look you love? Email me!
Fashionable: 40 percent Natalie Gulbis vs Cristie Kerr (I can see that…Natlie is edgy but Cristie is classy.)
Athletic: 28 percent Paula Creamer vs Annika Sorenstam (Paula, keep doing your pink thing, girl!)
Got Game On: 33 percent Michelle Wie vs Lorena Ochoa (Michelle, Nike is doing your body good!)
FELLAS:
So I’m not a guy but I rubbed elbows with some of the “primo” golfers and golf affiliates while working on the PGA Tour and hanging around with the instructors and Tour players at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy. Here’s my dish.
Keep it simple and classy!
Nothin’ beats a man with khaki pants and a solid polo on the golf course (except maybe a man in a uniform — ha!). Accentuate outfits with a solid but bright belt and belt buckle. Mr. Style suggests, Polo Ralph Lauren's RLX Golf and other companies have attempted to make style just as important as moisture wicking, odor resistance and other features. “The upshot: golfwear that looks like fashionable everyday clothes rather than stretchy exercise gear,” says Marty Hackel, fashion editor at Golf Digest magazine.
Top: Colored solids. Sway towards materials that minimize sweat and away from the cotton, even if it is your favorite shirt! If you need a good luck charm, use your ball marker.
Bottoms: Shorts and khakis are always a go. Khakis might be a great choice when playing for work and especially going from a golf scramble to a ceremony/dinner directly following. If it’s work-related, try to invest in a few high-end shirts and mix with regular priced pants. My two cents, I might not always play the part on the golf course but I look the part. My slogan, “fake it ‘till you make it.”
Shoes: I’m Callaway through and through; however, I recently have become a fan of the Ecco as well, after an Orlando Top Golf Academy Manager suggested their custom look.
Socks: Same as the ladies, stay with ankle socks. Knee highs are not hot!
Accessories: A watch and a glove and nothing else.
You: Keep it healthy! Your clothes say a lot, but so does your body. Workout, eat right and save your “splurge days” for the course but be good during the week.
Below is who made my Best/Worst Dressed list.
Worst Dressed:
· Ian Pulter-OVER THE TOP!
· Undressed: Can you say Henrik Stenson at the CA Championship when he stripped own to his skivvies? He still looked good but I’m putting him on the worst dressed list for that!
Best Dressed:
· Tiger-buttoned up down to the balls! Head to toe, this man is put together!
· Camilo Villegas, not a hair out of place…or should I say in place!
· My personal crush, Luke Donald
· And the timeless Nick Price
I’m curious to hear your thoughts. Blog it on our site or email us!
Equal to the outside is what you “wear” on the inside. No matter what you wear, may the brightest and most positive thing you wear be your attitude. Practice three activities before you play that make you feel positive and happy. For example: 1.) eat a good and healthy breakfast; 2.) stretch your arms and legs a little before you hit the course. and 3.) hug your family. Step on each hole with a clear mind and an appreciate for your life; where you are at for this moment and that you are fortunate enough this day to be playing golf!
