Opinion & Analysis
5 golf fashion trends that hopefully get left behind in 2014
It’s safe to say that the current PGA Tour also moonlights as a grass runway for designers and their sponsored golfers to broadcast a wide array of fashion styles. Gone are the days where fellas nonchalantly donned unlogoed polos and baggy, pleated khakis. Now, everyone seems to be making some kind of splash. It has become big business.
Professional golfers these days are receiving a considerable amount of attention for their dress. Ahead of major tournaments, apparel companies are releasing the Thursday-Friday-Saturday-Sunday wardrobe for their sponsored players. Golf media outlets then critique said outfits following the event. Soon–and I can see it now–there are going to be pre-game, red carpet interviews with players being asked “and who are you wearing this weekend?” Let’s hope not.
That is not to say that I’m not all for golfers taking pride in how they look; I absolutely am. But recently, some golfers have been channeling such pride towards a fashionless estuary of offensiveness. They overdo it instead of “underdoing” it. I mean, take a look at the above lineup for the otherwise likable Rickie Fowler.
Here are a couple of rules I think we should pay attention to moving forward: Don’t buy a golf shirt that looks like a wounded alien splattered his fluorescent blood in incongruent geometric shapes on it. Also, if you show up to the first tee looking like Under Armour is sponsoring you in the upcoming NFL Combine, you better be either Jerry Rice or on the losing end of a bet.
Top left: Arnold Palmer, Top right: Adam Scott, Bottom left: Billy Horschel, Bottom Right: Chi-Chi Rodriguez
Seriously though, golfers! The neon clad mannequin at Golf Galaxy are not an oracle of stylish athletic wear. People sometimes forget that golf has its own timeless style icons to draw influence from, like Arnold Palmer, Seve Ballesteros, Ben Hogan, and Chi-Chi Rodriguez in his younger days (see above).
Currently, we can look to Adam Scott, Kyle Stanley and Billy Horschel (when he is not wearing octopus pants) for proper guidance. Yet, these styles are ignored by many. Instead, golfers attempt to perhaps emulate the sartorial swag of Namath or Clyde Frazier which, while cool for football or the NBA, is the golf course management equivalent of hitting driver off the deck; extreme, unmanageable and potentially dangerous.
Above: Which Englishman is well dressed and which looks horrible?
In light of the foregoing, let 2014 be the year in which golf style comes a bit back to its senses. Here are five emerging trends that I hope we can leave behind for the upcoming year.
No. 5: Pants with slits at the bottom
What is the purpose here? I’m not sure. Tiger Woods is frequently seen wearing these, but I think they look sloppy. Golf is a gentleman’s game. Your pant leg’s opening should not be creating the illusion that the corners of its mouth are splitting in an attempt to eat your shoe, a la Joey Chestnut at the Nathan’s hot dog eating contest. A slightly tapered leg works best.
No. 4: Oversized/Tacky Belt Buckles
Occasionally, a vintage-y looking, cowboy-like belt buckle on a golfer can actually look cool. Anthony Kim used to rock these with some stylish success. But the trendy belt buckles being furnished by many of the major athletic wear companies look like you have an Iroc-Z fastened to the front of your trousers. Even in my beloved state of New Jersey, the Iroc has been out of fashion for years.
No. 3: Selling out
Above: Jim Furyk’s several late-round collapses in 2012 and 2013 have made him the butt of countless about his sponsor, 5-Hour energy.
So, along with that anchored putter ban, can the tour also discuss a limit on the amount of ads a player can wear? Not to sound too crotchety, but some players’ polos are only a couple of unsightly advertisements short of looking like the outfield wall of a Single-A baseball team. Jim Furyk, the 5-Hour Energy gear needs to go, bro. I’m pretty sure you can afford it too.
No. 2: The Flat Brim
Above: One is nonchalant and cool. The other is just not.
Sometimes, a flat brim can look fine, even stylish perhaps. Vintage Trevino, Corey “Magnum PI” Pavin and Costantino Rocca at The Open in ’95 come to mind. Nowadays however, the flat brim seems to be sported with the purported message that the wearer is hip or cool. In practice, however, it makes you look like Justin Beiber.
No. 1: Loud Clothes
Above: There are not enough degrees of separation between these two outfits.
Also known as “The Rickie Fowler Effect.” I hate to come back to Rickie again, because aside from him looking like the orange power ranger, he is a cool, charismatic, young super star who values his fan base, which I respect a lot. But, seriously, he does look like the orange power ranger, and his uni-colored ensembles have unfortunately served as validation for other golfers to sport Crayola crayon-like costumes of their own. Only on Halloween is this sort of childish outfit appropriate.
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Of all the clubs in our bags, wedges are almost always the simplest in construction and, therefore, the easiest to analyze what might make one work differently from another if you know what to look for.
Wedges are a lot less mysterious than drivers, of course, as the major brands are working with a lot of “pixie dust” inside these modern marvels. That’s carrying over more to irons now, with so many new models featuring internal multi-material technologies, and almost all of them having a “badge” or insert in the back to allow more complex graphics while hiding the actual distribution of mass.
But when it comes to wedges, most on the market today are still single pieces of molded steel, either cast or forged into that shape. So, if you look closely at where the mass is distributed, it’s pretty clear how that wedge is going to perform.
To start, because of their wider soles, the majority of the mass of almost any wedge is along the bottom third of the clubhead. So, the best wedge shots are always those hit between the 2nd and 5th grooves so that more mass is directly behind that impact. Elite tour professionals practice incessantly to learn to do that consistently, wearing out a spot about the size of a penny right there. If impact moves higher than that, the face is dramatically thinner, so smash factor is compromised significantly, which reduces the overall distance the ball will fly.
Every one of us, tour players included, knows that maddening shot that we feel a bit high on the face and it doesn’t go anywhere, it’s not your fault.
If your wedges show a wear pattern the size of a silver dollar, and centered above the 3rd or 4th groove, you are not getting anywhere near the same performance from shot to shot. Robot testing proves impact even two to three grooves higher in the face can cause distance loss of up to 35 to 55 feet with modern ‘tour design’ wedges.
In addition, as impact moves above the center of mass, the golf club principle of gear effect causes the ball to fly higher with less spin. Think of modern drivers for a minute. The “holy grail” of driving is high launch and low spin, and the driver engineers are pulling out all stops to get the mass as low in the clubhead as possible to optimize this combination.
Where is all the mass in your wedges? Low. So, disregarding the higher lofts, wedges “want” to launch the ball high with low spin – exactly the opposite of what good wedge play requires penetrating ball flight with high spin.
While almost all major brand wedges have begun putting a tiny bit more thickness in the top portion of the clubhead, conventional and modern ‘tour design’ wedges perform pretty much like they always have. Elite players learn to hit those crisp, spinny penetrating wedge shots by spending lots of practice time learning to consistently make contact low in the face.
So, what about grooves and face texture?
Grooves on any club can only do so much, and no one has any material advantage here. The USGA tightly defines what we manufacturers can do with grooves and face texture, and modern manufacturing techniques allow all of us to push those limits ever closer. And we all do. End of story.
Then there’s the topic of bounce and grinds, the most complex and confusing part of the wedge formula. Many top brands offer a complex array of sole configurations, all of them admittedly specialized to a particular kind of lie or turf conditions, and/or a particular divot pattern.
But if you don’t play the same turf all the time, and make the same size divot on every swing, how would you ever figure this out?
The only way is to take any wedge you are considering and play it a few rounds, hitting all the shots you face and observing the results. There’s simply no other way.
So, hopefully this will inspire a lively conversation in our comments section, and I’ll chime in to answer any questions you might have.
And next week, I’ll dive into the rest of the wedge formula. Yes, shafts, grips and specifications are essential, too.
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Golf's Perfect Imperfections
Golf’s Perfect Imperfections: Amazing Session with Performance Coach Savannah Meyer-Clement
In this week’s episode, we spent some time with performance coach Savannah Meyer-Clement who provides many useful insights that you’ll be able to implement on the golf course.
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19th Hole
Vincenzi’s 2024 RBC Heritage betting preview: Patrick Cantlay ready to get back inside winner’s circle
Just a two-hour drive from Augusta National, the PGA TOUR heads to Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, S.C. Hilton Head Island is a golfer’s paradise and Harbour Town is one of the most beautiful and scenic courses on the PGA TOUR.
Harbour Town Golf Links is a par-71 that measures 7,121 yards and features Bermuda grass greens. A Pete Dye design, the course is heavily tree lined and features small greens and many dog legs, protecting it from “bomb-and-gauge” type golfers.
The field is loaded this week with 69 golfers with no cut. Last year was quite possibly the best field in RBC Heritage history and the event this week is yet another designated event, meaning there is a $20 million prize pool.
Most of the big names on the PGA Tour will be in attendance this week with the exceptions of Hideki Matsuyama and Viktor Hovland. Additionally, Webb Simpson, Shane Lowry, Gary Woodland and Kevin Kisner have been granted sponsors exemptions.
Past Winners at Harbour Town
- 2023: Matt Fitzpatrick (-17)
- 2022: Jordan Spieth (-13)
- 2021: Stewart Cink (-19)
- 2020: Webb Simpson (-22)
- 2019: CT Pan (-12)
- 2018: Sotoshi Kodaira (-12)
- 2017: Wesley Bryan (-13)
- 2016: Branden Grace (-9)
- 2015: Jim Furyk (-18)
In this article and going forward, I’ll be using the Rabbit Hole by Betsperts Golf data engine to develop my custom model. If you want to build your own model or check out all of the detailed stats, you can sign up using promo code: MATTVIN for 25% off any subscription package (yearly is best value).
Key Stats For Harbour Town
Let’s take a look at key metrics for Harbour Town Golf Links to determine which golfers boast top marks in each category over their past 24 rounds.
Strokes Gained: Approach
Strokes Gained: Approach is exceedingly important this week. The greens at Harbour Town are about half the size of PGA TOUR average and feature the second-smallest greens on the tour. Typical of a Pete Dye design, golfers will pay the price for missed greens.
Total SG: Approach Over Past 24 Rounds
- Scottie Scheffler (+1.27)
- Tom Hoge (+1.27)
- Corey Conners (+1.16)
- Austin Eckroat (+0.95)
- Cameron Young (+0.93)
Good Drive %
The fairways at Harbour Town are tree lined and feature many dog legs. Bombers tend to struggle at the course because it forces layups and doesn’t allow long drivers to overpower it. Accuracy is far more important than power.
Good Drive % Over Past 24 Rounds
- Brice Garnett (88.8%)
- Shane Lowry (+87.2%)
- Akshay Bhatia (+86.0%)
- Si Woo Kim (+85.8%)
- Sepp Straka (+85.1%)
Strokes Gained: Total at Pete Dye Designs
Pete Dye specialists tend to play very well at Harbour Town. Si Woo Kim, Matt Kuchar, Jim Furyk and Webb Simpson are all Pete Dye specialists who have had great success here. It is likely we see some more specialists near the top of the leaderboard this week.
SG: TOT Pete Dye per round over past 36 rounds:
- Xander Schauffele (+2.27)
- Scottie Scheffler (+2.24)
- Ludvig Aberg (+2.11)
- Brian Harman (+1.89)
- Sungjae Im (+1.58)
4. Strokes Gained: Short Game (Bermuda)
Strokes Gained: Short Game factors in both around the green and putting. With many green-side bunkers and tricky green complexes, both statistics will be important. Past winners — such as Jim Furyk, Wes Bryan and Webb Simpson — highlight how crucial the short game skill set is around Harbour Town.
SG: SG Over Past 24 Rounds
- Jordan Spieth (+1.11)
- Taylor Moore (+1.02)
- Wyndham Clark (+0.98)
- Mackenzie Hughes (+0.86)
- Andrew Putnam (+0.83)
5. Greens in Regulation %
The recipe for success at Harbour Town Golf Links is hitting fairways and greens. Missing either will prove to be consequential — golfers must be in total control of the ball to win.
Greens in Regulation % over past 24 rounds:
- Brice Garnett (+75.0%)
- Scottie Scheffler (+69.9%)
- Corey Conners (+69.0%)
- Shane Lowry (+68.3%)
- Patrick Rodgers (+67.6%)
6. Course History
Harbour Town is a course where players who have strong past results at the course always tend to pop up.
Course History over past 24 rounds:
- Patrick Cantlay (+2.34)
- Cam Davis (+2.05)
- J.T. Poston (+1.69)
- Justin Rose (+1.68)
- Tommy Fleetwood (+1.59)
The RBC Heritage Model Rankings
Below, I’ve compiled overall model rankings using a combination of the five key statistical categories previously discussed — SG: Approach (24%), Good Drives (20%), SG: SG (14%), SG: Pete Dye (14%), GIR (14%), and Course History (14%)
- Shane Lowry
- Russell Henley
- Scottie Scheffler
- Xander Schauffele
- Corey Conners
- Wyndham Clark
- Christiaan Bezuidenhout
- Matt Fitzpatrick
- Cameron Young
- Ludvig Aberg
2024 RBC Heritage Picks
Patrick Cantlay +2000 (FanDuel)
With the exception of Scottie Scheffler, the PGA Tour has yet to have any of their star players show peak form during the 2024 season. Last week, Patrick Cantlay, who I believe is a top-5 players on the PGA Tour, took one step closer to regaining the form that’s helped him win eight events on Tour since 2017.
Cantlay limped into the Masters in poor form, but figured it out at Augusta National, finishing in a tie for 20th and ranking 17th for the week in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking. The former FedEx Cup champion will now head to one of his favorite golf courses in Harbour Town, where he’s had immaculate results over the years. In his six trips to the course, he’s only finished worse than 7th one time. The other finishes include three third places (2017, 2019, 2023) and one runner-up finish (2022). In his past 36 rounds at Harbour Town, Cantlay ranks 1st in Strokes Gained: Total per round at the course by a wide margin (+2.36).
Cantlay is winless since the 2022 BMW Championship, which is far too long for a player of his caliber. With signs pointing to the 32-year-old returning to form, a “signature event” at Harbour Town is just what he needs to get back on the winning track.
Tommy Fleetwood +3000 (FanDuel)
I truly believe Tommy Fleetwood will figure out a way to win on American soil in 2024. It’s certainly been a bugaboo for him throughout his career, but he is simply too talented to go another season without winning a PGA Tour event.
At last week’s Masters Tournament, Fleetwood made a Sunday charge and ended up finishing T3 in the event, which was his best ever finish at The Masters. For the week, the Englishman ranked 8th in the field in Strokes Gained: Approach, 10th in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking and 16th in Strokes Gained: Putting.
Harbour Town is a perfect layout for Fleetwood, and he’s had relative success at this Pete Dye design in the past. In his four trips to the course, he’s finished inside of the top 25 three times, with his best finish, T10, coming in 2022. The course is pretty short and can’t be overpowered, which gives an advantage to more accurate players such as Fleetwood. Tommy ranks 8th in the field in Good Drive % and should be able to plot his way along this golf course.
The win is coming for Tommy lad. I believe there’s a chance this treasure of a golf course may be the perfect one for him to finally break through on Tour.
Cameron Young +3300 (FanDuel)
Cameron Young had a solid Masters Tournament last week, which is exactly what I’m looking for in players who I anticipate playing well this week at the RBC Heritage. He finished in a tie for 9th, but never felt the pressure of contending in the event. For the week, Young ranked 6th in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee and 6th in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking.
Despite being one of the longest players off the tee on the PGA Tour, Young has actually played some really good golf on shorter tracks. He finished T3 at Harbour Town in 2023 and ranks 20th in the field in Good Drive% and 16th in Greens in Regulation in his past 24 rounds. He also has strong finishes at other shorter courses that can take driver out of a players hand such as Copperhead and PGA National.
Young is simply one of the best players on the PGA Tour in 2024, and I strongly believe has what it takes to win a PGA Tour event in the very near future.
Corey Conners +5500 (FanDuel)
Corey Conners has had a disappointing year thus far on the PGA Tour, but absolutely loves Harbour Town.
At last week’s Masters Tournament, the Canadian finished T30 but ranked 20th in the field in Strokes Gained: Approach. In his past 24 rounds, Conners ranks 3rd in the field in Strokes Gained: Approach, 3rd in Greens in Regulation % and 24th in Good Drive %.
In Conners’ last four trips to Harbour Town, his worst finish was T31, last season. He finished T4 in 2021, T12 in 2022 and ranks 8th in Strokes Gained: Total at the course over his past 36 rounds.
Conners hasn’t been contending, but his recent finishes have been encouraging as he has finished in the top-25 in each of his past three starts prior to The Masters, including an impressive T13 at The PLAYERS. His recent improvement in ball striking as well as his suitability for Harbour Town makes Conners a high upside bet this week.
Shane Lowry (+7500) (FanDuel)
When these odds were posted after Lowry was announced in the field, I have to admit I was pretty stunned. Despite not offering much win equity on the PGA Tour over the last handful of years, Shane Lowry is still a top caliber player who has the ability to rise to the top of a signature event.
Lowry struggled to score at The Masters last week, but he actually hit the ball really well. The Irishman ranked 1st for Strokes Gained: Approach on the week and 7th in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking. As usual, it was the putter that let him down, as he ranked 60th in the field in Strokes Gained: Putting.
Harbour Town is most definitely one of Lowry’s favorite courses on the PGA Tour. In his six starts there, he’s finished in the top 10 three times, including third twice. Lowry is sensational at Pete Dye designs and ranks 7th in Strokes Gained: Total in his past 36 rounds on Dye tracks.
Lowry is perfect for Harbour Town. In his past 24 rounds, he ranks 5th in Strokes Gained: Approach, 2nd in Good Drive% and 5th in Green in Regulation %. If he figures it out on the greens, Shane could have his first win in America since 2015.
Lucas Glover +12000 (FanDuel)
This is one of my weekly “bet the number” plays as I strongly believe the odds are just too long for a player of Glover’s caliber. The odds have been too long on Glover for a few weeks now, but this is the first event that I can get behind the veteran being able to actually contend at.
Glover is quietly playing good golf and returning to the form he had after the understandable regression after his two massive victories at the end of 2023. He finished T20 at The Masters, which was his best ever finish at Augusta National. For the week, Lucas ranked 18th for Strokes Gained: Approach and 20th in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking.
Over his past 24 rounds, Glover ranks 9th in Strokes Gained: Approach and 13th in Good Drive %. Harbour Town is a short course that the 44-year-old will be able to keep up with the top players on Tour off the tee. He’s played the course more than 20 times, with mixed results. His best finishes at Harbour Town include a T7 in 2008, but recently has a finish of T21 in 2020.
Glover has proven he can contend with the stars of the Tour on any given week, and this number is flat out disrespectful.
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cody
Feb 11, 2015 at 11:26 am
i like the loud clothes. Remember what happy said. “Golf is for guys that wear goofy pants and have fat a$$e$”.
just accept the goofy pants. You will be happier. Plus man, the articles lately have been pretty sad. isnt there something more interesting to write about? Plus, why does everything need to change, end, be done away with. I am not a accept everything guy but holy moses lets lighten up a touch.
Troy
Jun 22, 2014 at 6:01 pm
This article sucks.
That is all.
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RAT
Jan 13, 2014 at 10:05 am
I believe one should express himself .But the excess of signs “patches” looks like the pro bowlers tour. The picture above of Adam Scott is example of what NOT to wear. The jeans look might be ok for the weekend golfer but not on the tour. The solid color collar and sleeve shirt with horizontal stripes is just downright ugly along with the pocket of a solid color with horizontal stripes. Did the companies like Nike get their designers for the local community college school of design?! Show The seventies for crazy and the fifties for class The sixties were some what ok. GET RID OF PATCHES or restrict the size.
Zak
Jan 9, 2014 at 8:16 pm
Negativity. Completely unnecessary negativity.
Golf is about having fun. You don’t need to feel like you must wear a “uniform” when you go to PLAY. Would I wear these “crayola” colored clothes? No. But the fact that some players do is fine by me. It is what makes them unique. We need more unique people…
…and less negative ones.
Buzzkill
Jan 9, 2014 at 12:11 pm
Good Lord- You forgot that White Pants should only be worn on the LPGA Tour!
Gary
Jan 9, 2014 at 11:52 am
I understand you are writing an article to generate readers, but it seems to me you knowledge of golf apparel is very limited, at least historically. The slit in the pants goes way back in golf. I believe if you look back to Curtis Strange, Greg Norman and others in the 80’s you will see the same look. You have pictures of Arnold Palmer and Chi-Chi Rodriquez from the old days to prove your point. Where are the pictures of Doug Sanders? He matched his shoes with the color of his clothing for years. A purple shirt and slacks? Purple shoes to match. Have you seen any pictures of Johnny Miller in the 70’s? White belts? Walter Hagen? Showing up on the first tee in a tux? Been there done that. Like other parts of society, trends in golf apparel seem to recycle.
I will say that part of what drew my wife to watching golf tournaments on TV is the clothing. We often share our opinions on various outfits worn by the players. So their look does impact viewers.
Finally, I am fine if you want to write about how you don’t like a certain look in golf. From my standpoint you attempt to make it sound like these things you criticize are fads in golf, when in actuality they are variations on the history of golf.
John
Jan 9, 2014 at 12:38 pm
Merely identifying historical trends does not necessarily make them fashionable. I’m not sure if referencing Norman to support your case necessarily works. Granted, his hat is iconic, but some of his polos from the 80’s easily stick out as examples of hideous taste, I think.
I don’t like a slit in the pants, personally. I realize style is a very subjective topic, but, a baggy or long pant leg opening looks a bit sloppy. The better dressed golfers today – A. Scott, Kyle Stanley, etc – don’t sport the opening. A tapered leg which grazes the top of your shoe looks better than a split one which extends beyond the laces. Just my thoughts.
Gary
Jan 9, 2014 at 5:10 pm
I referenced the past not to support their look (I agree about some of Norman’s shirts while others were awesome) but to establish the trends as present prior to this current group of golfers. I do like Scott and Stanley for their look in apparel. However, Some of Scott’s looks don’t work for me (see the picture above). I also find Stanley’s monochromatic looks (see his all black attire head to toe) as no different from Fowler, just a matter of color. The stove pipe pants or even straight legs look good on guys with skinny legs. Not every guy looks good like that. You are right it is a matter of preference. Sounds like you prefer more simple colors, like primary colors, I prefer some variety. I also agree with you on the space designs. At the end of the day, if you want to see drab apparel, one need only look to the Champions Tour, a place where style goes to die (with the very rare exception).
John
Jan 9, 2014 at 6:55 pm
but all black – in Stanley’s case – is a bit different than all orange or electric blue. All black is cool, stylish, and wearable towards any occasion and in any environment; whereas as all electric orange/blue is just..not. Again, just my two cents and I obviously have no scientific explanation for this. Very subjective, and hard to justify! haha
Stenson is not a small guy necessarily and still rocks pants sans-slits (for now). The slits are done, in my opinion, to accommodate an “athletic” look and, indeed, golf’s style appears to be moving towards more towards of a “sports wear” feel and less towards stylish wear. I think you sacrifice a bit of style when your pants look like that.
Bryan
Jan 5, 2014 at 11:01 pm
Full disclosure to your readers, that picture of Ian Poulter wearing that hideous bronze metallic shirt is YEARS old… his fashion line is cutting edge and tastefully done and his Tartan pant designs are among some of the most fashionable things going.
It may be have been mentioned before (I didn’t take the time to read all 100+ comments in this thread) but the slits on the pant legs allow your pants to fall over your shoes. This is a great trend and allows to you always look neat and well kept instead of your pant legs tucking themselves in to your shoes unintentionally. These are almost a must if you choose to wear the slimmer fitting pants that are common for today’s golfers.
win orgera
Jan 5, 2014 at 9:47 pm
Golf is a celebration. we don’t have to wear a uniform, but it gets pretty dull looking at black on black and white on khaki. golf is fun and so are clothes. give yourself a break and you might even have a good time. it’s a game for goodness sake, not a life or death experience.
Tony Lynam
Jan 6, 2014 at 7:22 pm
Great comment.
Andrew
Jan 3, 2014 at 11:05 am
Great article if taken in the right way – think a few people missed it!?
Like the fact you unintentionally managed to p&&s Nike off as well 🙂
luunie
Dec 29, 2013 at 7:25 pm
John, with respect, if you don’t know what the slits are for and the function they serve for proper fit in an active walking sport, fashion is not the topic of negativity you should be writing about.
Joe
Dec 28, 2013 at 7:11 pm
John,
You are not only way off base on fashion issues, but you are also a prime example of what is wrong with golf these days.
The fashion of golf is one of the reason the clothing and accessory industry has done well. It is also part of the reason a younger generation has taken interest in the game.
In case you haven’t paid attention, golf is hurting across the world!
It is absolutely wrong to be negative about something like fashion.
Why don’t you try and write a piece on how to improve golf? Reason: because you are probably incapable of writing an intelligent article or is it that you would rather put out a junk article putting down people to make yourself feel better!
I personally have worn colorful clothing and accessories for years, well before it was on the course. And I am thrilled to see folks wearing clothing that makes them happy, proud, feel good, etc.
To throw it back at you…looking at you, you have ZERO business commenting on fashion.
Next time, try writing a positive article….if you think you know fashion, simply write the article about players that in your opinion are very well dressed and explain why…BE POSITIVE! instead of spewing negativity.
J
Dec 29, 2013 at 4:32 pm
Thank you for the kind words!
Joe
Dec 30, 2013 at 12:14 am
Let me remind you of some of your words Mr Hypocrite:
Don’t buy a golf shirt that looks like a wounded alien splattered his fluorescent blood in incongruent geometric shapes on it.
Your pant leg’s opening should not be creating the illusion that the corners of its mouth are splitting in an attempt to eat your shoe, a la Joey Chestnut at the Nathan’s hot dog eating contest.
look like you have an Iroc-Z fastened to the front of your trousers.
But, seriously, he does look like the orange power ranger, and his uni-colored ensembles have unfortunately served as validation for other golfers to sport Crayola crayon-like costumes of their own. Only on Halloween is this sort of childish outfit appropriate.
John
Dec 30, 2013 at 11:27 am
You are correct, I did say that.
Markymark032884
Dec 31, 2013 at 2:53 pm
John the comments that you made in this article couldn’t be any better. I agree with everything you said and the people that disagree with all of this just really don’t get it. They probably are not and never really were true golf fans. Probably the kind of people who just go out and play golf but aren’t true golfers and don’t care about the history of the game but only what is current and exciting to them. On another note I don’t really understand where people get off saying that golf is hurting around the world and this will only help it grow. I believe golf is bigger and more popular world wide than it ever has been.
KCCO
Dec 27, 2013 at 10:33 am
Why don’t we all wear camo fatigues, so the guy dressed like a pro on the tee-box can spray one to the right and hit you in the back of the head?
I could care less what others wear, but I personally don’t like labels unless they are paying me, and agree tailored fit makes everything look better. Could careless about the colors as long as it fits the person correctly and shirt is tucked to provide a clean look.
Eddie
Dec 24, 2013 at 12:51 pm
If Everyman listened to this author golf would be the land of the bland. Thankfully some of the tour players are pushing the boundaries of fashion and golf culture.
Golf need not be a stuffy sport. Check out the Pheonix Open.
John
Dec 26, 2013 at 11:22 am
there is nothing bland about some of the better dressed golfers pictured above.
Greg Hunter
Dec 22, 2013 at 12:37 pm
As long as men are not wearing g-strings, I don’t care what people wear. If I could play in a t-shirt, shorts and tennis shoes, I would do it! I enjoy change and fashion is a part of personality. I don’t wear all of the crazy pants or loud colored shirts, but I like watching others wear them! I think it helps grow the game. My boy wanted to play just because of Ricky Fowler
Pat
Dec 21, 2013 at 3:28 am
I see your point but have to disagree. I see nothing wrong with the trend in the apparel being worn and the styles. My favorite colors are blue, yellow, and orange sometimes bark and other times bright. To say this is hurting or bad for the game of golf is wrong. When I first read the article headline I thought it was about the play or things that take place during the round like 6 hr rounds, 10 minute putting routines, have volunteers find or track their balls, or how players can’t play if they hear a noise. That I would have been more interested in reading.
Brock
Dec 20, 2013 at 2:43 pm
Completely agree with the article. We’re golfers…we’re not hip. You can’t go wrong with well-fitting, understated, and classic fashion.
It’s also frustrating that this trend has carried over to drivers–Cobra, Callaway, TM are all ridiculously looking. Give me a classic looking head, like a 913D2. I don’t need white, blue, orange, or green on my driver.
Jamie Linnell
Dec 19, 2013 at 9:35 am
No wonder golf is less inclusive than other sports and is showing a decline in participation. Thanks to this guy (who probably wears black or white polos with khaki pleated trousers) there will be less youngsters taking up the game in the future. Cheers for that.
John
Dec 19, 2013 at 4:00 pm
Pleats are not in style at the moment.
Markymark032884
Dec 21, 2013 at 1:32 am
who exactly said that pleats will discourage youngsters from liking golf? not that I like pleats and who ever said anything about pleats being nice? that is a little off subject. Although when you started playing people were probably wearing pleats, and I think you still took up the game. If not you probably shouldn’t be leaving posts on this site.
Markymark032884
Dec 21, 2013 at 10:07 am
And actually Luke Donald and those guys are on the right tack with preserving a little of the style. Although ian poulter has the nicest outfit out of all of them. besides the figure skating shirt.
Cab Callaway
Dec 18, 2013 at 6:45 pm
While I agree with most of this article and don’t care for flat brim hats, clown pants/loud pants or large belt buckles, I say to each their own. It’s entertaining from week to week to see who is the most ridiciously dressed.
What I can’t stand is when I go to the course and see people wearing tee shirts, cut off jeans, blue jeans, etc.
Another fad I’ve noticed more and more the past few years are people not tucking in their shirts, which makes most of them look like juvenille at best.
Please tuck in your shirt and look like someone who cares about themselves and at least attempts to look like a golfer.
If you can’t play good, you might as well try to look good.
Regis
Dec 18, 2013 at 1:30 pm
Too bad this apparent fad and apparently life has passed me by. I just forceably retired my collection of Plus Fours (Knickers). Had to throw them out-couldn’t even donate them to charity. I’m forced to stick with khaki’s and polo shirts for the forseeable future.
Daniel
Dec 18, 2013 at 11:26 am
To me there are two different worlds, or at least there should be. The pro world and the regular world. In the pro world they can wear the neon bright clothes and shoes and ugly logos and whatever else they want. The flashy guys get noticed and that brings sponsors which makes the players more money.
In the real world however, dressing like most tour pros just looks like you are trying too hard. Whenever I see a guy dressed like that at the course down the street, I shake my head.
Wouldn’t it be nice if most tour pros dressed more like Luke Donald? I wonder if that would inspire the rest of us to try and have more of a classic look and not try and look like we fell out of a gumball machine.
PuttQueen28
Dec 18, 2013 at 9:11 am
LPGA skirts are getting shorter and men’s pants are getting tighter. Like every other professional sport, the athleticism is outshined by the media marketing flash. Perfectly executed putts fall to the wayside of a cartoonish orange jumpsuit. But that’s what sells. This all might be a necessary evil to keep the sport alive and thriving in a overly stimulated society.
Its not all just "who cares" golf was built around "caring" and tradition and rules
Dec 17, 2013 at 8:27 pm
First of all, let me say that I am in my 20’s and I’m not completely outraged by all of these things, but I do agree with this article 100%. The clown suits don’t belong on the golf course. Not that all bright colors are ugly looking, but yeah they are when you over do it. Kind of like your trying too hard to be cool and show that you’re young and hip; it just looks weird. And yes, the new fitted flat bill caps do look very different from the old regular ball caps in which people just didn’t bend the bill all the way. The new flat bills are a lame attempt to steal some style from hip hop artists and bring it to the golf course. They should maybe also put in some huge diamond ear rings and gold teeth. Flat bills only look cool when worn backwards in a relaxed place where the look kind of says “I don’t give a crap.” Keep them on the driving range/ batting cages/ mini golf course. If people want to wear them so be it, but when worn frontwards the only thing the flat bill caps are missing is a polka dot bow tie and a red nose that honks if you squeeze it. The thing about some of these outfits is that the materials used to make them (like polyester and spandex) when combined with a tight fit and a big white belt/ big buckle do look very similar to a power ranger or getting very close to a star trek uniform. All this does is make professional golfers look unprofessional. Golf was built around a certain set of rules and traditions and it shouldn’t be “lets change the game to get more people interested.” That sends the wrong message to young people. From a very young age I knew that golf was a gentleman’s game and that meant acting like a gentleman and a professional when on the course. Not wear whatever is popular or trendy and go whack the ball around! People say things change and its good to get more young people involved; I’m sure you could also get more young people involved if you played golf using potato launchers and the loser got a pie smashed in his face after the round (I know that’s a little outrageous) and yeah that sounds fun, but no, that’s not golf. You dress like a golfer and you shake hands and act like a gentleman afterwards. All of the professionalism and etiquette as a combination teaches you to respect the game, keep a true score and play by the rules.
Jamie Linnell
Dec 19, 2013 at 9:51 am
Yep, wearing an orange shirt definitely makes you respect the game less…….. 😉 What difference does it make to you if someone wears outrageous colours?
Markymark032884
Dec 20, 2013 at 1:27 am
nicely said Jamie Linnell, very good point although I didn’t mention anything about wearing orange shirts in this. I wear orange shirts, I love orange shirts. Why do half the people act like they don’t know what this article is about? Everyone knew when they started playing golf that there was a certain “Golf Attire” that went along with the game. Golf is not baseball or football or motocross or wrestling or hip hop even though im a fan of all those, and have participated in all of them besides the hip hop artistry, although one of my good friends is about to get real nice in the hip hop area (already opens for lil wayne)…. I like that when im done watching that stuff on tv I put my “golf gear” on and go play golf. Anyways first its big belt buckles, neon colors, skate sneakers and flat brims then that will down the road lead to tank tops and mohawks cut off shorts, show off your tattoos on your arms!.. sounds cool to me. We just need to keep it edgy and keep everyone interested. Do you think Arnold palmer and Jack Nicklaus’s mentors told them who cares do what you think is cool!? I can’t be completely sure but I think they probably didn’t. I just wish that wasn’t how people went about things today. A little off subject but it really seems like that attitude is doing a lot of good for our country as a whole right now.
Jason
Dec 20, 2013 at 4:47 pm
“Anyways first its big belt buckles, neon colors, skate sneakers and flat brims then that will down the road lead to tank tops and mohawks cut off shorts, show off your tattoos on your arms!.. sounds cool to me.” In logic, this is called the slippery slope fallacy. We also see a bit of the “black or white fallacy” at work here. There are more possible outcomes to these new clothing trends than are being described here.
To the author of this article, I realize you are trying to generate page views and this Top 5 is simply you “stirring the pot.” Suggesting that large belt buckles aren’t traditional enough or splitting the hem at the bottom of a pair of trousers is “sloppy” is pretty glib.
John
Dec 20, 2013 at 6:42 pm
I appreciate your feedback; everyone’s for that matter. Not all large belt buckles are unsightly, however. But “tackier” ones, like the one being sported by McIlroy above, are a bit unpleasant to look at.
Markymark032884
Dec 21, 2013 at 1:17 am
Thank you for quoting half my post here and misusing the word fallacy. This article and the comments people leave are about opinions. There really isn’t a true or false answer to somebody’s opinion so I don’t really believe there can be a fallacy, thank you for your input though. I might also say that glib wouldn’t be the best word to use here either because in fact it seems like the author genuinely cares about the subject. Maybe glib would be better used for all the people who post comments that say who cares dress however you like, whatever is cool and gets young people interested.
Markymark032884
Dec 21, 2013 at 1:54 am
And you should possibly describe some of your other possible outcomesto these new clothing trend ideas so I can better understand. I also do not believe this is the author stirring the pot. He simply expressed his opinion on these five trends. In which most real golf enthusiasts will agree. You know not the guys who just watch golf central and read taylormade adds on the latest thing happening on twitter, But real true golf enthusiasts that aren’t being paid to think a certain way. I might add that if puma wanted me to wear the ugliest clothing in the world and make a lot of money for doing so in this economy, Yes I would do it for sure but but that doesn’t mean I think its good for the game. As for now I am a non endorsed golfer and I will try to stay as true to the sports heritage as I can. Show your confidence with your game and not by how edgy you can dress.
Blah, blah, blah
Dec 17, 2013 at 5:35 pm
Who said you have to buy your clothes at a golf store? Each to their own, one likes orange, one likes grey. I don´t see the problem? I agree, that it´s quite bright within the clothing made for golf, but still cannot see what the problem is. The man who wants to be grey, be grey and the rest of you can wear orange?
David F
Dec 17, 2013 at 12:12 pm
Loud or bright-colored clothing can be ok when worn well, but not when worn as a solid outfit. The only clothing where the top and bottom should match is a suit (and possibly pyjamas). Looking like a big mango popsicle is not fashion. And for those who say ‘who cares’. Would you not look twice if someone rolled up to the first tee in cut-off jeans and a tanktop? Or for that matter if a player went full Harry Vardon in tweed jacket and knickerbockers? You may not care about if someone does the human lollipop, but you care.
At the end of the day, the pros on tour get paid to wear what they do. If their sponsor wants them to wear logos or candy-colored pants, they will do so if they want the money. The rest of us don’t have that excuse…
Markymark032884
Dec 17, 2013 at 3:31 pm
Well said
albatross85
Dec 16, 2013 at 1:59 pm
This is the most ridiculous article I have seen on this site. You pick Horschel as your coverboy for your argument, yet he wears some of the loudest and brightest colors. The slit looks good in a golf setting and does serve a function. Tiger is the best dressed on tour. Not many people could argue with that. Horschel and Scott wear clothes that are 2 sizes too small to play golf in.
John
Dec 16, 2013 at 6:54 pm
You can wear some eye catching colors, don’t get me wrong. I’m not advocating non stop dreariness on the course. But top and bottom neon outfits of the same color are a bit childish.
I don’t think your outfit “out on the town” and your golf outfit should vary drastically.
Boss man
Dec 16, 2013 at 9:32 pm
Martin kaymer is the best dressed on tour.
John
Dec 18, 2013 at 2:59 pm
Kaymer is definitely well dressed.
Evan
Dec 17, 2013 at 4:36 pm
Tiger is NOT the best dressed on tour and I cringe every time someone says that. He is very manilla and middle of the road. He doesn’t do anything too conservative or too loud. He is Nike’s poster boy for their everyday/ accessible clothing. There are many guys who would stand out for fashion but not in a loud way, much more so than Tiger. Scott, Moore, Donald, GMac, Ishikawa, all have a distinct and different style but not loud like Poulter and not boring like Tiger.
John
Dec 17, 2013 at 5:07 pm
Evan, well said here. I’m also not crazy about the Nike clothing in general.
Nice PR campaign
Dec 15, 2013 at 1:27 pm
I noticed John, the author, has a five o clock shadow! Shall we duscuss the meaning of not being cleaned shaved for his picture?
Nice PR campaign
Dec 15, 2013 at 1:25 pm
Does the author want Loud Mouth to go out of business? Why did wrx publish this piece?
Maksimus
Dec 15, 2013 at 1:20 pm
I disagree with 95% of this article. I’m glad clothes today are more of a fitted, tailored fit. Because, let’s face it, pleated front, baggy khakis are terrible. Which bugs the hell out of me. To put it in perspective, the old men who hate flat bill hats, I feel the same way about your pants. Speaking of flat bills, I’ve seen more old men wearing flat bill hats that are precariously perched on their head than young guys. It is not nonchalant and cool for one and tacky and tasteless for another. They are the same hat worn almost the same way. The main difference is, ours don’t have the stupid strap and clamp that always seemed to come loose and flap about. Unless that’s what you think makes it cool… If that’s the case fashion isn’t your strong suit. The loud patterns need to stay, if for no other reason than they annoy certain people.
Mat
Dec 15, 2013 at 12:08 pm
cur·mudg·eon [ kur mújj?n ]
somebody who is irritable or stubborn: somebody considered to be bad-tempered, disagreeable, or stubborn
Synonyms: bad-tempered, crabby, cantankerous, grouchy, grumpy, cranky, irritable, tetchy, testy, grumbly, irascible, peevish, moody
Rik
Dec 15, 2013 at 10:05 pm
Add in “running late”.
I told them I’d be there for the photo for the dictionary picture, but ran late because this kid in loud clothing didn’t see it was my time on the tee box, because he was texting his cray-cray dude with his earbuds in. They tried to jump in on the blues in front of us and since I was walking and already back at the tips, he couldn’t see our group. After getting past him on the first hole, we were able to sample some awesome jams because he apparently went from the ear buds to the dr. Dre beat box which had no issue being heard from a hole away. I held back and asked what those cost. “Mine are $125, but for $200 you can get some stellar ones”. I pulled two Benjamin’s from my pocket and bought them. No more music, and the speakers should be at the bottom of the hazard on 4 by now.
We played in the same gang this morning as he is the son of one of our regulars. Me, my khakis, and navy blue footjoy pullover shot 71 and assisted in beating the kid’s 79.
All the commotion caused me to run about 10 minutes late to the photographer.
johnleg
Dec 16, 2013 at 4:06 pm
You’re getting old and it shows.
Bobby
Dec 15, 2013 at 10:08 am
Back to Hogan grey and smoking cigs?
Dan
Dec 15, 2013 at 6:05 am
Who would you rather play with, someone in loudmouths who is fun to play with and doesn’t take 6 hours to play 18 or someone who lives up to your BORING alleged fashion sense. I saw a guy hitting practice balls from the middle of a fairway this morning who was wearing cream and white. If the author hasn’t got a more relevant piece to publish than this, maybe he should be writing for the local newspaper…in the work wanted section
Mike Dingus
Dec 16, 2013 at 2:19 pm
Sounds like you’re a little butt hurt there pal. What happened people didn’t want to be seen with you on the course while you were wearing circus attire? You know pretty much any garbage Puma spits out, etc…
But, yeah I’d take grandpa out there rocking his traditional cream and white get-up before I’d play with a walking popsicle.
The author gave his views, which I am in favor of as well. Sorry that he called out your entire wardrobe.
Dingus
bok006
Dec 15, 2013 at 4:38 am
The loud ridiculous golf clothes is definitely not new. See the general from Beetle Bailey for reference.
Hugo Boss and Ralph Lauren make the best looking outfits on tour, IMHO. Not sure if it would look good on Tim Herron or John Daly though, so it probably comes down to having players looking like athletes such as Adam Scott, Henrik Stenson, Martin Kaymer and Luke Donald wearing them.
Sean
Dec 15, 2013 at 1:19 am
Agree with the pants thing as only women wear pants. Men wear trousers. 🙂 I like the slit though as I think it serves a function.
Not a fan of large belt buckles, but if someone wants to wear one, no problem there.
Don’t like golfers who dress like NASCAR drivers with all the adverts.
The flat brim looks a bit dorky.
Loud clothes? Hey if someone wants to dress like that what’s the harm?
BigusTittus
Dec 14, 2013 at 4:06 pm
Loud clothing????? What about the clothes from the 60’s and the 70’s???? All we’re doing is repeating what had happened in the past!!!! What’s the big deal??
Eric
Dec 14, 2013 at 3:32 pm
Loud clothing is a sign of the youth in the game. I think we can all agree the game will not grow without young people. If golfers wearing loud clothing, flat brimmed hats and other current off course fashion trends, brings more kids to the game, all the better. Its not like they are sagging or doing anything disrespectful. This isnt your dads, grandpas, great grandpas and soo on game anymore.
Next all they need to do is lower the prices so lower income kids and young adults can enjoy the game.
Rik
Dec 14, 2013 at 5:27 pm
I think you scratch the surface of what could be a wonderfully interesting topic, perhaps one the staff here could explore:
Should golf lower it’s cost and help the sport become more accessible or should it remain a sport for the few and hopefully inspire others to better themselves (intently left vague to spur discussion)and afford to be a part of the “club”?
Clearly not a new idea or discussion, but nonetheless a potentially fun one to explore.
Are you more of a Judge Smails or more of an Al Czervik?
J
Dec 14, 2013 at 5:47 pm
You can sport style without spending a fortune. A. Scott’s uniqlo line (19.90 per polo!) is quite affordable, and awesome, I think.
And some of grandpa’s style was cool. Just ask Macklemore.
I just think a bright blue outfit with a huge white belt/buckle makes you look like harry and lloyd from Dumb and Dumber.
Rik
Dec 14, 2013 at 6:03 pm
Police Officer: “Pull Over!”
Lloyd: “No, it’s a cardigan, but thanks for noticing.”
Nick
Mar 6, 2014 at 11:53 pm
Seriously?! Do you even know Scott’s brand? He doesn’t wear a $19.90 uniqlo shirt. It’s Aquascutum and they are about $175 per polo!
John
Mar 23, 2014 at 6:49 pm
I’m pretty sure he wears Uniqlo quite often – http://www.uniqlo.com/uk/adamscott/us.html
Bailey
Jan 6, 2014 at 7:19 pm
Eric you’ve hit the nail on the head here, i’m 17 years old I play off a 5 handicap not that it matters at all but i like what Rickie wears, it doesn’t mean that i’m going to go out there dressed in all orange. That is Rickie’s style, i wear bright coloured shirts and black trousers, when the weather is hot i put on my basketball shorts, i’ve been told that i’m one of the best dressed in the club. i can’t wear normal caps, they just don’t fit properly so i wear Puma flatbills i always dress tidy and if people choose to be annoyed at what i wear its their problem.
Well said Eric.
Evan
Dec 14, 2013 at 12:44 pm
John,
Good opinion piece. Don’t listen to all of the “who cares what they wear” comments. As a multi- billion dollar industry, fashion does matter to a lot of people. These players are obviously dressing to be noticed, so criticism is warranted IMO.
J
Dec 14, 2013 at 12:48 pm
Thanks Evan!
Andrew
Dec 14, 2013 at 12:22 pm
Thank you for publishing this article!
Golf fashion has become a lot like NASCAR and is loosing it’s sense of class. I am extremely sick and tired of seeing people show up to the course in Orange and Purple from head to toe, wearing flat brim hats and looking like a billboard for ten different companies. I understand that things evolve and change over time and this has been good for the game. However, these ridiculous outfits need to stop! It does make me laugh when I see these people, they look like clowns!! I have also found that people who are embracing this have the worst attitude towards the game. We can all do our part to help bring back true style and class to the game of golf. Looking at the posts, I am quite shocked. Check out a couple of good books: How to be a Gentleman and A Gentleman Gets Dressed Up.
We are all entitled to our individuality. It is my hope that we all express ourselves on the golf course with class, style, integrity and of course, our love for this great game!
melrosegod
Dec 14, 2013 at 9:01 am
Wearing a snowman on your scorecard is bad fashion. Feel confident in what you wear, people get off different stops when they ride the fashion train. I do agree that some guys look a little “nascar” with their sponsors, but, make that money if you can. It would be boring if we had issued uniforms.
Billy
Dec 13, 2013 at 11:12 pm
Real Sellout is Ian Poulter, how many logos does he have on his pants and shirt?
IJP, Some Time Warner cable crap.
Blah, blah, blah
Dec 17, 2013 at 5:47 pm
I wonder how many logos you would wear, getting paid doing it? Do you really care??? What would golf be today without the sponsors?
Merty Huckle
Dec 13, 2013 at 8:06 pm
You should all stop having your own style and only listen to me.
Articles like this say more about the author than actually give any advice. It’s sad.
mifty
Dec 13, 2013 at 7:59 pm
Bill Cunningham would say to wear what you like. Others be darned.
You actually care?!?!?!
Dec 13, 2013 at 7:50 pm
You guys genuinely care what other people are wearing?
Rik
Dec 13, 2013 at 8:14 pm
Genuinely, yes, we care. Much the same way we care about who drags their feet on the green, who plays from the tees too far back for their ability, and who is holding up the group in front of us.
Carl
Dec 14, 2013 at 12:03 am
Ok, spike marks can have an effect on your put. Slow play can obviously effect a good round or your rhythm. How is exactly does a guy wearing a flat bill or loud colors have any effect on you? What exactly is there to care about when it comes to that?
Barbara Streisand
Dec 14, 2013 at 1:51 am
If you care what other people wear… It makes a statement about you…. Not them… What exactly that statement is… Is up for debate
melrosegod
Dec 14, 2013 at 8:55 am
You have a great life Rik, concerning yourself with the fashion of others. A nice stress free life, I envy you.
Markymark032884
Dec 17, 2013 at 4:21 pm
You have a great life melrosegod, concerning yourself with Rik’s view of the fashion of others. A nice stress free life, I envy you.
Comments like these are so awesome awesome
PuttQueen28
Dec 18, 2013 at 9:19 am
((LOL ))
Ken
Dec 13, 2013 at 9:18 pm
NO! If I care a little too deeply what the other guy is wearing, I may find a good therapist.
Anthony Maccioli
Dec 13, 2013 at 7:17 pm
Never actually noticed the slit in the pants. Doesn’t bother me though at all. Flat brims are here to stay. It really depends on who is wearing them though. Personally, they don’t look weird at all on a Hunter Mahan but it does on Charlie Hoffman. There is nothing wrong with loud clothes. If you don’t like it, dont wear it. It is a sign of confidence. I don’t see the problem with them. Its a taste thing,but its weird that you never hear people that wear loud clothing making articles about how its wrong that people don’t wear loud clothing…
Rik
Dec 13, 2013 at 8:08 pm
Funny how you chose the verb “hear” as the action word for people with “loud” clothing. We “hear” them loudly, clearly, and far too often. Nice article,John. I enjoyed reading it.
christian
Dec 13, 2013 at 10:45 pm
To me it’s a sign of no confidence, trying to look “trendy” when you are not. Only in Fowlers case is it looking confident, the other just look like “I’m a wannabee 20 year old although I’m 40 with a pot belly”
Steff
Dec 14, 2013 at 8:16 am
I agree with Christian. Its a sign of insicuirity and it is super ugly. Where do you draw the line, should it be ok to ware t-shirts and whife beaters or to play not waring a shirt at all? To me looking as Fowler or Mahan is just as bad!
Markymark032884
Dec 17, 2013 at 4:40 pm
Who told you that wearing loud clothing is a sign of confidence? Was it a Puma or an Adidas magazine add? maybe under armour. Just as Christian said it is more a lack of confidence. Its all just marketing.
PuttQueen28
Dec 18, 2013 at 2:33 pm
Who told Tiger to wear red on Sundays?
Markymark032884
Dec 20, 2013 at 1:40 am
That’s what im talking about when tiger wares red it really is a sign of confidence because he is making a statement that means something. He is saying that when he wears red on sunday, that every round he plays on Sunday’s he will score in the “red” numbers or (under par). He didn’t just wear bright blue because a psychologist in marketing told him you will look edgier and more confident.
Bailey
Jan 6, 2014 at 7:24 pm
doesn’t tiger wear red because he went to Stanford?
Just like why Rickie wears orange because he went to OSU?
Markymark032884
Dec 20, 2013 at 1:41 am
Thank you for bringing that up.
Sam
Dec 13, 2013 at 6:45 pm
I agree with #3. When did golf become NASCAR??? Jim F needs to take a look at what he’s putting on his shirts. He makes enough $$ where he should be able to pick better companies. Do you think the PGA (or LPGA) will ever tell the players they need to limit the number of logos they have have on their clothing?
Maybe what Nike is doing is a great thing, where their staff players aren’t allowed to have any other logos on their clothing, except their bag (or whatever bag) they carry.
tlc
Dec 13, 2013 at 6:28 pm
Add the wide white belt … it’s unbecoming of a man, especially on a fat one. Golf attire in general really is not fashion. It has become a uniform of slacks, polo shirt, baseball cap. Players try to add variety with patterns and colors, the ostentatious belt and belt buckle, etc. Wearing golf attire beyond the golf course is akin to wearing your favorite team jersey in public.
Evan
Dec 14, 2013 at 12:47 pm
Well said.
MJG
Dec 13, 2013 at 5:47 pm
In regards to #5. The slit in the side of the pants is so that the cuff or bottom of the pant will expand enough to cover the laces on ones shoes. This, as far as I’m concerned is functional as well as good looking.
I’m not a fan of pants that look so tight at the bottom, that they don’t cover any of the shoe and bulge.
J
Dec 13, 2013 at 5:57 pm
IMHO, pants should not cover your laces. This is neither functional nor good looking.
Brian
Dec 13, 2013 at 8:35 pm
So ur saying pants should either be skinny so that the cuff stops at the shoes top. Or are u saying the pants shouldn’t even touch the laces as in being that short?
The latter would lead to people asking if you are expecting a flood
J
Dec 13, 2013 at 9:01 pm
I think the flared look achieved by slit pants is a bit curious. The pics above of A.Scott and Horschel, I think, show a proper pant fit.
J Hite
Dec 13, 2013 at 10:24 pm
I personally think a small flare to pants looks better than the Adam Scott picture above. He is very well dressed, but if your shoes are not covered up at all and you wear over a size 9 then it leads to a clown shoe look. Just my opinion though.
JL
Dec 15, 2013 at 10:26 am
The slit thing is terrible. If say someone wore that with a suit I’d laugh. I don’t see how it matters with performance so that’s a style choice by me. If that’s something you invent just for golf and has no function… then… yeah. Choice is yours.
MJG
Dec 13, 2013 at 5:39 pm
Sorry to say but, the flat bill is here to stay. It’s been a baseball thing for the past 5 years and has trickled into golf. If you knew anything about fashion you would know that it is, and always will be circular. What was vintage is now todays pop. Get over it.
rntolent
Dec 13, 2013 at 5:50 pm
^^ This. Baseball players, athletes, urbanites and youth alike will sport them. I rock a snapback with Ray Bans, plaid button up with some slim khakis and my koston swingtips. People on the range are pretty shocked when they see me stripe it. I’m a wannabe hipster golfer.
J
Dec 13, 2013 at 5:59 pm
I support this actually. Your outfit probably rocks and has originality.
Merty Huckle
Dec 13, 2013 at 8:07 pm
It’s been in Baseball a lot longer than five years.
Carl
Dec 13, 2013 at 5:30 pm
For those of you that haven’t noticed, it’s nearly the year 2014, not 1822. As with every other aspect in life, things change and evolve with the times. Not always for the better of course. Accept it and move on you old school farts! Wear whatever you wish to spend your money on, who cares about what the next guy is doing?? Stop.worrying.about.others!!!!!!!
Roger
Dec 13, 2013 at 5:16 pm
Chi Chi has Class !! Rocky Fowler is a great Role Model to the younger generation. Gold should stay in the Bank!
Nothing wrong with a Bright Polo design now and then!
Another over 50 here
Merry Xmas!
drbloor
Dec 13, 2013 at 4:47 pm
Arnie’s and Chi-Chi’s outfits say “I’m going to kick your butt from the first tee straight through to the eighteenth green.”
I am uncertain as to what Messrs Poulter’s, Daly’s and Fowler’s clothing says.
/old guy rant
Paddy
Dec 13, 2013 at 4:37 pm
Arnie and Chi Chi looked pretty sharp except for Arnie’s smoking.
Paul
Dec 13, 2013 at 4:35 pm
I say dress the way you want! If you feel comfortable in bright or khaki clothes wear them. This is an absolute rediculous article. Don’t we have enough crap in this world to deal with? Dress the way you like!!
matthew del
Dec 14, 2013 at 12:23 pm
Paul –
This type of commentary is needed to save us all. Easy does it.
Claude
Dec 13, 2013 at 3:56 pm
I agree 100%. Especialy the flat brim hats sunk down to the ears… They look silly and almost Walmartian 🙂
Brock
Dec 20, 2013 at 2:45 pm
Especially on a dude (Mahan) who’s 30-something years old. Time to grow up.
Doug
Dec 13, 2013 at 3:54 pm
Do not agree with #1 we play golf to have fun and Loud clothes are fun so I say bring on more Loud clothes in 2014!!!
John Iaciofano
Dec 13, 2013 at 4:00 pm
Fun and confidence is indeed an unparalleled golf accessory.
Andrew Adamonis
Dec 13, 2013 at 3:43 pm
Cant agree on #5. Its useful to accommodate certain shoes. All others are spot on.
Xreb
Dec 13, 2013 at 5:24 pm
Was about to point this out to the author….
DB
Dec 13, 2013 at 3:33 pm
Completely agree with everything except #5. A slit in the pant leg? Who cares…?
John Iaciofano
Dec 13, 2013 at 3:43 pm
Arguably, all of this could be answered with “who cares” but the slit looks sloppy, i think. I would not wear pants normally with slits in the them; golf style should not be much different.
Xreb
Dec 13, 2013 at 5:28 pm
It looks sloppier when they bunch up at the shoes if they are not of proper length. Of course buying off the rack means it is rarely going to be right length and hence makes it look better IMHO. Also like another poster pointed out above the slits accommodate some wider shoes…
snowman
Dec 13, 2013 at 3:28 pm
ok yes I’m over 50; however the last time I went thru the clothing area in my local big box golf store I was appalled at the offerings. 90% of the stuff was bright neon green, orange, etc. and as the article says even someone young and slim like fowler looks ridiculous in that stuff. I did see someone decked out in his orange/blue cobra/puma outfit at my local muni this summer and I actually felt embarrassed for the dude.