Dress code back in firing line
With the Women’s British Open having begun overnight, the strict LPGA dress code has come back into the firing line.
The tour organisers sparked plenty of controversy when they sent the players an email noting that ‘‘plunging neck lines, leggings and revealing skirts are now banned’’ as part of their stricter dress code.
British No 1 Charley Hull said she would not break the new rules, but she was opposed to them.
‘‘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,’’ Hull told The Telegraph.
‘‘Golf needs to be more original and athletic. If you look at most golfers, I don’t think they look that good. If the clothes were cool, more people would play and watch it.’’
American Michelle Wie told The Telegraph she believed she was one of the players being targeted.
‘‘I plan on totally following [the dress code] but I it is a bit unfortunate. We’ve been having a lot of discussions because a couple of the outfits that I have worn this year have raised eyebrows a little bit. So I can see where they’re coming from but, like I say, I it’s a little bit unfortunate.’’
German golfer Sandra Gal also pitched in, pointing to how tennis has taken a more open approach.
‘‘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?’’ she told The Telegraph.
But there was one player who was happy to see the rules in place, American Christina Kim.
‘‘I may sound like an old fuddyduddy, but this is our place of business and players should look professional.
‘‘Do you really need ventilation for your side-boob? It’s not going to make your score better.’’