WINTER SALE: Save up to $862 on our trips! Book now and secure your adventure!

LPGA Implements More Conservative Dress Code Policy

Michelle Wie
Michelle Wie | © AP/REX/Shutterstock

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) has cracked down on its dress code policy recently. The updated policy, which went into effect today, has caused a mixed reaction among players and fans alike.

According to Golf Digest, an email sent by LPGA Player President Vicki Goetze-Ackerman was sent directly to LPGA Tour Players on July 2 marked “important” with a subject line of “Updated Policy to begin in Toledo” outlining the new dress code:

– 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

Tour participants are required to relay these new codes to their sponsors and according to Goetze-Ackerman “penalties for violating the dress code will be $1,000 and it will double with each offense,” according to Golf Digest.

Recently praised for its modernization of what qualifies as appropriate golf attire, the LPGA has obviously had a change of heart. The recent regulations have resulted in a mixed reaction from Tour players.

“I may sound like an old fuddy-duddy, but this is our place of business and I think players should look professional,” Christina Kim told Golf.com. “Do you really need ventilation for your side-boob? It’s not going to make your score better.”

Sandra Gal wasn’t as accepting of the new dress code.

“I think racerbacks look great on women and I think short skirts have been around forever, especially in tennis, and I don’t think it’s hurt that sport at all, considering they play for the same prize money as the men,” Gal told Golf.com. “Our main objective is clear: play good golf. But part of being a woman, and especially a female-athlete, is looking attractive and sporty and fit, and that’s what women’s tennis does so well. Why shouldn’t we? I’ve talked to a few other players and, like me, they don’t agree with it, either.”

This isn’t the only recent case regarding athletes and their clothing. Wimbledon, which requires participants to wear all-white, recently made headlines for its dress code. Venus Williams had to change a pink bra and multiple participants, including a junior doubles pair and Jurij Rodionov, had to change their underwear because it violated the policy.

About the author

Michael has been obsessed with sports since he started playing recreationally when he was 5 years old. Realizing he couldn't make it as a professional athlete and was a decent enough writer, the lightbulb went off: sports journalist. After honing his craft at the University of Delaware, Michael has covered anything and everything from scholastic field hockey to the World Series. Born and raised in New Jersey, Michael now lives in New York City, having worked most recently for New York City FC and the NHL. His favorite sport is soccer.

If you click on a link in this story, we may earn affiliate revenue. All recommendations have been independently sourced by Culture Trip.
close-ad