Women golfers outraged as LPGA start clamping down on dress codes to make players less sexy
English star Charley Hull and others could face a £760 ($1000) fine for a breach which doubles with each offence
WOMEN’S golf is ripping itself apart over new dress codes designed to make players less sexy.
Top players, including English star Charley Hull, have slammed the game’s ruling body — the Ladies Professional Golf Association.
And the Women’s British Open, which starts today at Kingsbarns near St Andrews, has been overshadowed by the row.
LPGA chiefs have told players that skirts must not be too short as to see the “bottom area” and that sports tops must not be too low-cut.
In an email sent to all players, part of the regulation states the “skirt must be long enough to not see your bottom area (even if covered by under shorts) at any time, standing or bent over”.
But Hull, 21, and others fear such stuffy rules shows the game is stuck in the past and it will deter new, young players.
She said: “A couple of weeks ago I, along with all the girls on the LPGA Tour, received an email explaining that as part of the new dress code, plunging neck lines, leggings and revealing skirts are now banned.
“I don’t wear any of them, so it doesn’t really affect me. But I think it’s a shame, as many people label golf old fashioned and we need to move away from that.
The New Dress Code
LPGA chiefs have emailed players with a strict new dress code and any breach will carry a hefty fine of 1,000 dollars “which will double with each offence”.
Here is the full list of new dress code regulations:
- Racerback with a mock or regular collar are allowed (no collar = no racerback).
- Plunging necklines are NOT allowed.
- Leggings, unless under skort or shorts, are NOT allowed.
- Length of skirt, skort or shorts MUST be long enough to not see your bottom area (even if covered by undershorts) 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 colours) NOT allowed inside the ropes.
- Joggers are NOT allowed.
“We’ve been having a lot of discussions because a couple of outfits I have worn this year have raised eyebrows a little bit.