The Rise in Women’s Golf

The myth might go that the name ‘golf’ stands for ‘Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden’, but the fact is that more and more women have embraced the sport over the last few decades. In fact, it was one of the first sports in which American women were allowed to participate, and these days there are several big names in the professional women’s golfing world. The success of these female golfers has encouraged many other women to take up the sport as a hobby or professional pursuit.

Golf is popular for many reasons. As a physical activity, it is not too strenuous, meaning that people of all ages can play and enjoy it. It is also a popular way to relax after a hard day or week’s work, with the open green landscape providing a calming setting to get away from the daily grind.

Golf is also known for its particular fashion and clothing styles. The restrictions imposed on the types of clothes that could be worn on the golf course were actually a reason why the sport originally took some time to catch on with women. These days, there is a much wider variety of comfortable and stylish ladies’ golf wear available to buy, which makes the sport even more appealing to those wishing to take it up. Many golf clubs do still impose some restrictions, however, such as not wearing short shorts or jeans, but the variety of clothing available for women golfers nowadays makes it easy to follow these rules.

When signing up to a golf club, you should always check what their dress code is first, if they have one. Most golf clubs will allow ladies’ golf trousers, shorts, skirts and even ladies’ golf skorts (a combination of shorts and a skirt front), although the length of these might be specified. You may also want to check on the rules relating to sunglasses, hats and visors, gloves and jackets. There may be specific requirements relating to footwear, including the wearing of spikes and sandals, and sleeveless shirts, which are considerations for the summer months.

Looking at the top female golf professionals and their golf clothing, you’ll see that they have stylish yet practical outfits that enhance their game. After all, there is no reason why your outfit can’t help you look good as well as play well. Clothing should be made from a comfortable, flexible and breathable fabric, so as to allow you to enjoy your game without being restricted by your clothing. This is why you should choose clothing that has been specifically designed for golfers, as it will really make a difference to your game.

Here at LeSports, we specialise in ladies’ golf clothing, stocking the best brands and products of the highest quality and value. You’ll be amazed at our extensive range of fantastic ladies’ golf wear, all of which can be delivered in the UK absolutely free of charge without any need to register. Take a look at our website today, where you’ll find everything you need!

Golf Clothing Through the Ages

Golfing clothes have a practical purpose, protecting the player from the elements while on the open golf course and enhancing performance. However, there is also a strong fashion element involved in golf fashion. After all, why else would we see such loud trousers and bright Argyle jumpers dotted around the course? At the British Golf Museum in Fife, Scotland, you can explore golf fashions through the ages with their collection: Fashioning an Identity: The Role Clothing Plays in Golf.

Golf fashions were first noticed in the 18th century, when players wanted to stand out on the golf course, and also in society. Playing golf was an indication of a certain stature, and so distinctive clothes were worn to allow golfers to be clearly recognisable when not on the course. Much like in tennis, golf clubs had specific dress codes that they required their players to wear, and the variety and flexibility we see today was certainly not so prevalent. In fact, with their formal red jackets, golfing outfits were more or less a uniform, and golf club members could be fined for not wearing it. You may well see these red jackets still worn today at ceremonial occasions as a link to former times.

Traditional golfing clothes also included kilts and animal skins, as worn by the original Scottish shepherds at the time when they invented the game.

During the 19th century, golfing clothes were very much decided by the players. For women, however, ladies’ golf clothes were still somewhat restrictive. They were required to wear corsets, ties and bonnets, with the focus being on style rather than practicality, performance or comfort. It wasn’t until the 20th century, however, that golf clothes gained a real distinction from the everyday wear of non-golfers. As modern fashions evolved into a standard casual dress of jeans and T-shirt, seeing golfers wearing plus fours tucked into pulled-up socks and badly-fitting jumpers really set them apart.

In the 20th century, golf wear became more casual, practical and comfortable for both sexes. In fact, one of the major revolutions for women’s golf fashion came in 1933, when Gloria Minoprio became the first female golfer to wear women’s golf trousers at a major championship. Clothing became very much focused on keeping the players warm, as well as making a statement, and so the formal jackets were abandoned in favour of V-neck jumpers. In the first half of the 20th century, brightly coloured socks and bow ties also became the norm for men, giving them a slightly comical appearance.

In the latter half of the 20th century, golfing fashion has become less comical, with full-length trousers now being worn over the socks. Nevertheless, that element of fun still remains through a greater amount of colour now available in golfing clothes. Professional male and female golfers also make sure the brand of their clothing is clearly displayed, such as easily distinguishable Adidas ladies’ golf shoes. Fashion designers have ensured that modern-day golf clothes are much more styled and well-cut, although some retro fashions appear to be making a comeback.

Tips for New Female Golfers

Any person who plays a sport, whether professionally or as a hobby, wants to do so to the best of their ability. While practice makes perfect, it also helps to know some little tricks and moves that you can incorporate to help improve your game. Here are some of our top tips for new female golfers to improve their performance on the green.

1. Get Properly Fitting Equipment
Even if you’re just getting started, it is worth spending some time and money on getting the right fitting equipment for you. Having poorly fitted equipment will have a negative effect on your performance, which may then discourage you from playing. Getting the right equipment isn’t about paying the most money, but about getting the right size. Your local golf course should be able to help you to get the right club measurements.

2. Buy Suitable Golf Clothes
If you’re joining a local golf club, then you should first check if there is a dress code that you need to follow before buying any women’s golf clothes. Having established what the permitted clothing is, you should buy clothes that are specially designed with the sport in mind, as these will be more comfortable and practical. Also think about the clothes you’ll need for different seasons of the year. We stock everything, from women’s waterproof trousers to ladies’ golf visors, so take some time to consider what you might need.

3. Make Sure You Practise
Having bought the right equipment and clothing, you need to make sure you actually use it! Golfing technique will only improve through practice, so do ensure that you visit the driving range regularly. Try to bear in mind everything your instructor has taught you, and incorporate his/her teachings into your practice. As well as going to the driving range, also make sure you get in a couple of full rounds every month.

4. Focus on Variety Rather Than Score
At the beginning, you are just learning the many different aspects to the game and so you shouldn’t worry too much about your score. It is better to apply all the different things you have learnt, trying out different shots and using different clubs, rather than trying to get a better score.

5. Develop Your Grip
A proper grip should be one of the first things you learn when taking up golf. Your grip will affect your swing and can make a real difference to your shot. For better control of the club, you should grip an inch down the shaft, with the shaft in the heel of your palm. Don’t grip too hard or too weakly – you’ll master this with practice.

6. Work on Posture
Posture is equally as important as grip. Avoid being too hunched or too rigid. The key is keeping your spine straight throughout the entire swing – many women find that they lose their posture partway through. Keep plenty of space between your chest and chin throughout the entire swing too. Remember, you can practise posture and grip at home without ever hitting a ball.

Buying Women’s Golf Fashion as Gifts

Professional female golfers, such as Paula Creamer, Michelle Wie and Natalie Gulbis, have demonstrated that it is possible to wear attractive and stylish women’s golf clothing as well as put in a good performance. Thanks to the success of these players, more and more women are starting to sport fashionable golf wear at their local golf clubs too. Looking good on the golf course is starting to become just as important as playing well, and indeed the confidence which comes as a consequence of looking good can also help your game.

If you know a lady who likes to play the sport, then some new golfing clothes can make great gifts for lady golfers. However, if you’re not into the game yourself, then finding the right gear can be trickier than it looks. You can always take her with you and let her choose her own clothing, but if you’re wanting to keep it a surprise, here are some handy tips to help you out.

1. Consider Fabric
As with other sports clothing, there are different fabrics to consider when buying golf clothes. Manufacturers are increasingly turning to moisture-wicking fabrics, which help to keep body temperatures regulated and remove sweat, which is a more comfortable and better overall experience for the golfer, thus also helping their game. Look for ladies’ golf tops and jackets which include moisture-wicking technology, whether they’re for winter or summer. The Adidas ClimaCool range offers “superior moisture management” and is the preferred choice of both Paula Creamer and Natalie Gulbis.

2. Check Out the Skort
As you might have guessed from the name, the skort is a cross between a pair of shorts and a skirt and is extremely popular with female golfers. First appearing on the golf course in the 1960s, skorts are a practical item of clothing which also offers a fashionable appearance through the femininity of a skirt but with the practicality of a pair of shorts. You can find skorts available in bright and bold colours and patterns.

3. Think about Colour
Especially if you’re just buying one item of clothing for your lady golfer friend, then it would be useful to know what other golfing clothes she already owns. Many female golfers like to look coordinated on the golf course, and so would want golf shirts, jackets, shorts and skirts that match what they already own. Particularly consider her golf shoes, which are now available in all kinds of colours, as she will probably have less of these than any other item, and therefore these will govern the rest of the colour scheme.

4. Seasonal Items
Although we’re not looking like we’re having much of a spring so far, when those bright sunny days do come, lady golfers everywhere will be heading to the green. Having suitable golf clothing for the weather is essential to a good performance, and so you might want to consider buying her a visor or golf cap or hat. Again, style is essential and for women more than men, an item of headgear can also help with hair control.