Loud Clothes

photo credit: nsaplayer   Clothes that make a statement are gradually creeping back into the limelight on the PGA Tour.  A few brave souls are testing public opinion by wearing some flash.

Sergio Garcia, the fiery Spaniard, was one of the first to use his tournament appearances as fashion statements.  Playing with color coded attire that matched his personality, Garcia has recently toned down his clothes.

John Daly, who once was a relatively subdued dresser, is now as flamboyant as ever wearing brilliant yellow and green pants, adorned with everything from flowers to fishes.  Perhaps its a sure sign of a looming comeback by Daly.

Unfortunately, things are pretty drab on Tour.  Is it that players are afraid of losing endorsements, or could it be that they are just plain boring?

The Change In Golf Fashion

photo credit: Johnny Ashburn   There was a time when participants, players and spectators alike, were clad in suits and ties, most players wore “apple caps.”  Some players wore vests instead of suit jackets.  The slacks were generally made of wool and were either full, or knee-length (knickerbockers).  Golf shoes were generally two tone wingtips or solid (black/brown).

Francis Ouimet, a 20 year old amateur who beat Harry Vardon for a U.S. Open title, wore a tight sport jacket (with tie) because he claimed the tightness of the sleeves helped keep his swing ”in check.”  In fact, if you observe photo’s during the 1920s and 30s, you will note how many players were wearing very tight jackets.  You’ve got to wonder how they were able to swing a club.

Wide Belts?

What’s with the wide belt fetish that seems to be taking hold on the PGA Tour?  The last time I wore a wide belt was in the 1950s along with motorcycle boots, a white tee shirt and Wrangler’s with rolled-up cuffs.

Wide white belts were very popular during the 1970s Disco period, many of today’s tour players weren’t even born then.  Camilo Villegas is one of the worst offenders with Anthony Kim running a close second. 

Perhaps these gaudy white belts, with the huge rhinestone studded buckles, will eventually make their way into the world of business fashion.  I may be square and a bit old fashioned but isn’t this new trend a bit much?  Can’t we just go back to the “thin skins?”