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.

Taking inspiration from Stacy Lewis

It’s important to have role models in sport. These figures can help you focus on your goals and provide you with all the inspiration you need to advance your skills.

Next time you slip into your women’s golf clothes, you might want to bear in mind the achievements of American Stacy Lewis. She is a truly remarkable woman and sports star.

A fighter

As a BBC article notes, things did not look promising for the 28-year-old to begin with. At the age of 11, she was diagnosed with scoliosis, which is a curving of the spine. She had to have a spinal fusion when she was in high school and she missed her first collegiate golf season while recovering from surgery. The operation involved the insertion of a metal rod and pins.

However, a decade on from this, she is now ranked as the world’s best female player. She succeeded Yani Tseng at the top after claiming the top prize in the LPGA Tour’s RR Donnelly Founders Cup in Arizona.

Not normal

Commenting on her past, she said: “Almost ten years ago, I was going into surgery to put a rod and five screws into my back. That’s not normal, that’s not meant to happen. I couldn’t have dreamed the kid growing up wearing a back brace 18 hours a day is now the number one player in the world.”

She went on to state: “I’m really not supposed to be here.”

Her regime

Lewis noted that while she was recovering from her operation, she spent her time chipping and putting, and she also watched and learned as her Arkansas team mates were coached on the range.

In addition, she took up a punishing gym routine that she continues to this day. The regime involves six 90-minute sessions a week aimed at building and maintaining her core muscles. This is to compensate for the restriction she has in her torso rotation.

One tough young woman

Commenting on her steely determination, her trainer David Donatucci remarked: “She has want and will. She is one tough young woman.”

Biggest challenge

Meanwhile, commenting on her biggest challenge these days, Lewis said keeping expectation levels down can be difficult. About this, she stated: “Knowing how hard it is to win out here, I know it’s not going to happen every single week.”

Getting out there

If you’re feeling motivated by Lewis’ success story, you might want to get out and about on the course. Before you step onto the fairways, it’s important that you have all the right gear and this is where we come in.

By taking a look around our website here at LeSports, you can peruse our impressive selection of ladies’ golf accessories and clothing, and you’ll find exactly what you’re after. We stock items from a range of top brands, so whether you want to get your hands on Adidas ladies’ golf clothing or anything else, you won’t be disappointed.

Whether you’re aiming for the top levels of golf like Lewis or simply enjoy hitting a few balls every now and again, we’ll have the perfect garments for you.

Layering up on the golf course this spring

Knowing what to wear on the golf course at this time of year can be tricky. One minute, the skies may be blue, the wind still and the sun beating down on your back, while the next rain clouds pile in, a cold breeze picks up and you’re left feeling distinctly chilly.

If you don’t have the right sort of ladies’ golf wear on, you might find it tough to enjoy your round, and you may even be forced to pack up, get in the car and go home.

The savvy approach

However, there is a way in which you can guarantee you’ll be prepared no matter how unpredictable the weather is and that’s by layering up. This approach means you can quickly change your outfit while you’re out and about to suit new conditions.

Here at LeSports we offer a whole range of products that may be ideal for you. The important thing is not to take risks. Even if it looks sunny and warm when you’re leaving your house, make sure you take layers in case conditions change. Similarly, if it’s cold and blustery, it’s still a good idea to have cooler, lighter garments under your coat and jumper in case the weather takes a turn for the better.

Sleeveless golf shirts

When you’re on the lookout for bottom layers, you might want to check out the selection of sleeveless golf shirts we have to offer. These are light and can go perfectly under a whole range of other items.

We stock an impressive variety of colours, so you should find it easy to buy versions that perfectly match your style. When the sun starts beating down and you’re mid-game, these products can be ideal.

Sweaters

On top of these light and thin garments, you may decide to don ladies’ golf sweaters. The combination of small top and sweater is great for slightly cooler but still spring-like conditions.

We offer a wide variety of sweaters from a number of top brands, including Calvin Klein, Adidas and Catmandoo. Traditional V-necked versions can look especially smart and fashionable on the golf course, and we offer other kinds too, including thicker zip-up tops.

Waterproof jackets

On top of these two garments, it’s well worth wearing ladies’ waterproof golf jackets. These are a must in unpredictable British spring weather.

We stock a range of coats in different styles, colours and thicknesses, meaning you won’t struggle to find versions that tick all of your boxes. Whether you’re after bright or understated jackets, you can rely on us.

Other items

Other items that can work well as part of a layering combo include body warmers and golf cardigans. Of course, you’ll also need some trousers and shoes, and it’s well worth investing in some gloves and hats just in case temperatures drop.

One thing’s for sure though, no matter what you’re looking to buy, you can find it on our website. To check out our full range, just take a look around our website. You won’t be disappointed!

Successful sand shots

When you’re on the beach, you might love playing in the sand, but when you’re trying to get a good score on the golf course, it may be the last thing you want to see.

Sand shots are notoriously tricky to get right. It doesn’t matter how well equipped you are with all latest women’s golf clothing and equipment, you might struggle to get the ball to go where you intend it to.

Help is at hand

You’re certainly not alone in dreading sand shots. The good news is, help is at hand. By browsing the web, you can pick up plenty of hints and tips when it comes to these manoeuvres. For example, writing on About.com recently, expert Marty Fleckman suggested that being successful depends on three things: correct setup, proper technique and a consistent point of entry.

The specialist, who is director of instruction at the BlackHorse Golf Club, recommended using a sand wedge when playing short sands shots around the green. These clubs can vary from 55 to 58 degrees of loft with eight to 12 degrees of bounce, he noted.

Preparing

Mr Fleckman added: “Once you have the correct setup with the same amount of weight on each foot, the face of the club should be slightly open. This puts loft on the ball and allows the back portion of the bottom of the club to bounce off the sand, as opposed to having the leading edge dig into the sand.”

He went on to suggest that there should be an immediate breaking of the hands as you start the backswing, helping to produce a more vertical swing that encourages the club to enter the sand about two inches behind the ball.

According to the expert, what you’re trying to do is take as little sand as possible without contacting the ball. Meanwhile, you should allow the sand to lift the ball from the bunker, he added.

Cupping

As you make contact with the sand, there should be a cupping of the left wrist, he advised. Describing this motion, he remarked: “Assume you are wearing a watch on your left wrist and the face, as usual, is pointing outward. When contacting the sand on the forward swing, you should try to take the back of your left hand and move it towards your watch face, thereby creating wrinkles underneath your left wrist.” This helps to lift the ball into the air with backspin.

Peruse our website

Armed with tips like these, you might be keen to get back out onto the golf course to test your skills. To help you make the most of your games, you can invest in some stylish and comfy new clothes. Here at LeSports we offer an impressive selection of items, including ladies’ waterproof golf trousers, ladies’ waterproof golf trousers and much more.

The great thing is, ordering products via our online catalogue is quick and easy and because we go out of our way to offer superb value for money, you needn’t break the bank. We stock items from many of the top brands, including Adidas, Green Lamb and Fila.

Perfecting your putting

As a sport, golf has really opened up to women over recent years. Whereas in the past, golf clubs were often seen as the preserve of men, women are now a common sight on fairways and greens and there are plenty of talented female golfers on the world circuit.

To help ensure you get the most from your sessions on the course, it’s well worth investing in some of the stylish and practical ladies’ golf wear available. Meanwhile, you might also want to take heed of some tips to help enhance your technique.

Putting

Despite being the shortest shots, putts can be among the trickiest to get right. However, by bearing in mind a few key principles, you might be able to boost your putting skills.

According to a BBC article, getting this right comes from developing a smooth rhythm. It suggested that there are no “hard and fast rules” when it comes to putting and you can develop any style you like as long as it delivers a smooth and reliable stroke.

Wrists

The article suggested that very few top golfers break their wrists when they putt, instead letting their “arms hang loosely” and holding their putters lightly so both “hang like a pendulum from the shoulders”.

It added that you should set the ball near your front foot, with the club face square to the target line and your eyes over the ball. It’s important to keep your hands level ahead of the ball through the stroke, the news source suggested.

Smoothly

The next step is to move the putter away smoothly with your arms hinging from your shoulders rather than your elbows or wrists and it’s good practice to keep the putter head as low to the ground as possible. Keeping the club on a line square to the target, you can swing back and then forth.

Tempo

The article went on to draw attention to the importance of maintaining tempo through the swing, accelerating slightly into the ball.

It added: “Watch the putter head strike the back of the ball on the upswing, feeling almost as if the palm of your right hand is striking it towards the target. The best putting strokes look smooth because the club is swung back and forward at the same speed.”

You should then follow through to the hole with the club and not your eyes and it’s good practice to keep eye contact on the spot where the ball was rather than trying to see where it’s gone, the article went on to note, stating: “Practice counting two seconds in your head before you allow yourself to see how well you’ve done.”

Looking and feeling the part

In order to help ensure you get the most from your experiences on the golf course, whether you’re lining up a putt on the green or driving the ball down the fairway, it’s important you look and feel good.

To check out the impressive selection of ladies’ golf trousers, ladies’ golf polo shirts and other items we offer here at LeSports, just take a look around our website.

Good shoes are a must on the golf course

Before you head out to play a round of golf, whether for fun or as part of a competition, you have to think about what you’ll wear. These days, there are plenty of stylish ladies’ golf clothes for you to take your pick from.

Among the most important items you select are your shoes. After all, while you’re playing golf, your feet can come under lots of strain and it’s vital that your footwear is practical and comfy. If your feet are sore, it can be really tricky to concentrate on your game.

Take your pick

Here at LeSports we’re well aware of the significance of these products and we offer an impressive range of women’s golf shoes. By taking a look around our website, you should be able to find the perfect pair for you.

With footwear from just £29.99, you won’t have to break the bank to access the products you’re after and we stock items from top brands including Hi Tec and Adidas. Because we concentrate solely on female golfers, you can be confident that you’ll benefit from plenty of choice. This means you won’t have to compromise in terms of looks or practicality and we even offer free UK delivery.

Adidas Ladies Driver Isabelle 3.0 Waterproof Golf Shoes

Perhaps our Adidas Ladies Driver Isabelle 3.0 Waterproof Golf Shoes in white featuring flamingo pink stripes would suit you perfectly. These shoes are 100 per cent waterproof, meaning you won’t have to suffer soggy feet even on wet days.

They also boast a lightweight upper with CLIMAPROOF for enhanced comfort and durability and they have a THINTECH low profile outsole with six cleats for improved stability. As if this isn’t enough, they feature a TRAXION™ outsole for secure grip in all conditions and they have an AdiWEAR sole for maximum durability and traction.

Hi-Tec Ladies Covent Gardens Golf Shoes

Another fabulous option is the Hi-Tec Ladies Covent Gardens Golf Shoe in white and stone. These products come with full grain leather uppers, Dri-Tec waterproof membranes, soft textile linings for added comfort and wax laces.

They also have a medial roll bar to enable your left foot to roll more easily on the backswing and your right toe to roll as you follow through.

Nike Ladies Course Air Accel Golf Shoes

If you’re a big fan of Nike products, maybe the Nike Ladies Course Air Accel Golf Shoes will tempt you. They are 100 per cent waterproof and come with leather uppers complete with Watershield waterproof membranes.

They also have Airliner sockliners and the world’s fastest cleat changing system.

Wear them in

Before you start a full round of golf or take part in a competition wearing your new ladies’ golf shoes, it’s a good idea to wear them in. Shoes can take a little time to mould to the shape of your feet and so it’s wise to start off with shorter outings and you should take some blister plasters with you just in case. Good quality socks can also help.

Golf Clothing and Essentials for Beginners

If you have recently been bitten by the golfing bug then you are in good company. Indeed, there are now more ladies playing golf then there have been at any other time in history.

If you are still very new to the game then you will more than likely be wondering exactly what you need to call yourself a ‘proper‘ golfer. Well. It stands to reason that there are some things which you simply cannot do without – these are your ‘essentials’.

Essentials
Of course, you’re not going to get very far in golf without a set of clubs. Fortunately, it is very easy to rent clubs these days so getting your hands on these essentials is never a problem. Balls too are pretty important. These are widely available and are very inexpensive to buy.

Okay, so you’re all sorted for clubs and balls. Now all you need to do is ensure you are suitably attired. Whilst suitable ladies golf clothing is perhaps not regarded as being as ‘essential’ to the game of golf as clubs and balls, you will find very few golf venues that will be willing to let you play a quick nine holes in the buff!

Golf Clothing
Wearing the right golf clothing doesn’t just make you look good, it also helps you with your game, too. Fortunately, it’s not necessary to spend a fortune buying golf clothing and accessories when you are new to the game. Indeed, even just a few basic purchases will be enough to ensure you perform well and aren’t shunned from the golf course for having the incorrect attire.

So what kind of basic clothing items should you purchase?

Read on.

Ladies Golf Tops
Some golf clubs will require female players to wear a collared shirt, just like the men. A polo t-shirt is normally enough to satisfy such requirements so it is worth buying a few of these to have in your wardrobe. In addition, it’s also wise to have at least one sweater or sweater jacket to help you when the mercury starts to drop. Like any other outside sport in the UK, golf is frequently interrupted by rain; therefore you will need to ensure you have a decent rain jacket close by whenever you go out for a long afternoon on the links.

Ladies Golf Trousers
Despite what some people might tell you, it is not mandatory to wear to tartan golf trousers when playing golf (although you can if you want to). Indeed, a pair of khaki trousers, golfing shorts or indeed a skort is more than adequate for most golf courses.

Ladies Golf Shoes
If you have golf shoes then that’s great; if you haven’t then don’t sweat it – most courses don’t make them a requirement these days. It is worth noting that most serious golfers swear by their golf shoes, so you may want to invest in a decent pair if you become a true aficionado of the game!