Madeline Hubbard ‘19
Sports Editor
The Ladies Professional Golf Association brought a new set of rules into effect this summer prohibiting the players from wearing a variety of clothing types. Some of the rules included no racerbacks, no “plunging” necklines, no leggings unless under a skort or shorts, 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.
The consequences for breaking any of these rules will result in a $1,000 fine for the player.
The LPGA also noted that “Appropriate attire should be worn to pro-am parties. You should be dressing yourself to present a professional image. … There was not meant to be, nor will there be, a discernible difference to what players are currently wearing out on Tour.”
Whatever their motivations for updating the dress code, there has been some kick back in the golfing community and also some players in support of the change.
Stacy Lewis told CBS News that she was surprised by the outrage at the new rules and stated that, “You look at other sports, the NFL, the NBA, they have a dress code when they’re playing.” She saw no reason why professional golf should be any different, as it is her job. Player, Christina Kim also defended the LPGA noting that golfers “should look professional.”
In opposition to this view, many players spoke out for a number of varying reasons.
Sandra Gal believes that, “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 argues that this new ruling prohibits more comfortable athletic dress.
The British group, Women in Sport, went on the Golf Channel to critique the new policies saying that “women and girls should wear what makes them feel comfortable when taking part in sport. We should always focus on the talent and athleticism of our female sport stars as opposed to their appearance.”
ESPN-W Columnist Sarah Spain went on “Good Morning America” to challenge the new code, saying that “In our society, we have a lot of trouble separating women from their sexuality.”
“It feels like the men’s dress code is really about tradition and professionalism and it feels like the women’s dress code – particularly the way it’s written in all caps – feels like it’s chastising,” Spain said.
Spain argues that, “It’s really not about what’s best for the golf game or tradition or professionalism, it’s really about that fear of sexualization.
Prominent player, Paige Spiranac took it a step farther with an article for “golf.com” highlighting the issues with the dress code including the continued sexualization of women and female athletes, as well as, the need for an evolution in materials and styles of dress to match the increased athleticism required for the sport.
Spiranac also pointed out that the dress code could be considered exclusionary as it caters to a very small range of body types.
In Spiranac’s opinion, “In a world where women are continually and unwantedly sexualized, this new rule serves as yet another reason for women to feel ashamed of their bodies, and a reminder that to be respected, they must alter their behavior because of outside perception.”
So, the fight for equality in women’s athletics continues as players, like Spiranac, continually push back on the little injustices and battle for an equal playing ground.
