The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) has announced a revised dress code for golfers that went into effect this week at the Marathon Classic tournament in Toledo, Ohio.
The dress code, announced in a 2 July email to players from LPGA player president Vicki Goetze-Ackerman, detailed a list of clothing items that would be banned as of 17 July.
The LPGA’s revised dress code bans:
• plunging necklines,
• skirts, skorts or shorts that do not sufficiently cover a player’s “bottom area,”
• racerbacks without a mock or regular collar,
• joggers and
• leggings, unless they are worn under a skort or shorts.
The dress code also regulates what LPGA players are allowed to wear to pro-am parties.
“The dress code requires players to present themselves in a professional manner to reflect a positive image for the game,” LPGA tour communications official Heather Daly-Donofrio said.
“While we typically evaluate our policies at the end of the year, based on input from our players, we recently made some minor adjustments to the policy to address some changing fashion trends. The specifics of the policy have been shared directly with the members.”
The dress code caught the eye of Teen Vogue magazine, which said the new rules amount to “slut-shaming.”
However, PGA pro Christina Kim said she agreed that LPGA golfers should dress professionally.
“I may sound like an old fuddy-duddy, but this is our place of business and I think players should look professional,” Kim said.
“I honestly have been shocked by the response to it,” 11-time LPGA winner Stacy Lewis told CBS News. “You look at other sports, the NFL, the NBA, they have a dress code when they’re playing … You guys with your jobs probably have a dress code as well. I honestly don’t understand the kick-back.”
Golfer Jane Park told Golf.com the new rules seemed to be aimed at just a few players.
“Most of us keep things pretty conservative, so this only really applies to a few people,” she said. “Honestly, I don’t see why everyone is making such a big deal about it.”
By United States Sports Academy staff