The Exposé Series

The Exposé Series

By: Meredith Haberfield

Rules… But For Whom?

       There are various disparities among female and male sports, including the rules and regulations for each gender. One striking difference is the guide for apparel on the golf course. Women have a lengthy set of “dos and don’ts” when it comes to what they wear in tournaments, whereas as long as men have on long pants and a collared shirt, nobody blinks an eye. While it is understandable that the LPGA wants professionalism in the sport, some of the newer rules in regards to what women can wear on the course are reminiscent of a 1950s housewife. New guidelines include: 

  • Racerback with a mock or regular collar are allowed (no collar = no racerback) 

  • Plunging necklines are NOT allowed. 

  • Leggings, unless under a skort or shorts, are NOT allowed, Length of skirt, skort, and shorts MUST be long enough to not see your bottom area (even if covered by under shorts) at any time, standing or bent over. 

  • Appropriate attire should be worn to pro-am parties. You should be dressing yourself to present a professional image. Unless otherwise told “no,” golf clothes are acceptable. Dressy jeans are allowed, but cut-offs or jeans with holes are NOT allowed. 

  • Workout gear and jeans (all colors) NOT allowed inside the ropes. 

  • Joggers are NOT allowed

(https://womensgolfcontent.com/lpga-enforce-strict-dress-code/) 

Some of these guidelines can be deemed as understandable for the elegant, professional attire required for golf, but in the end, it is about what the player feels most comfortable in. When a woman is confident about how she looks, her attitude and scorecard will reflect it, and these new rules do not allow for this for many women. The updated guidelines are not in fact updated, but bringing women back decades. 

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