Origins
Golf originated prior to the 14th century in Holland or France. Since golf was outlawed by Scottish parliament in 1457 and didn't gain popularity until the late 17th century, the kilt--contrary to popular belief--is probably not the original golf-attire.
Changing Styles
In a 1897 Harper's magazine article on golf, the men were all pictured in long sleeved button-ups, newsboy caps and pants tucked into knee-high boots. A 1901 Canadian magazine article showed men wearing long, light-colored trousers and jackets.
Early Women's Wear
In the early 1900s, women golfers wore sweaters and pleated skirts. After 1921, according to Lead Apparel's Justin Morris, some were pictured in knickers, though many clubs would have likely not allowed such attire.
Sponsorship
In 1948, Henry Cotton won his third British Open and subsequently tried to attract apparel endorsements by offering to change his name to Henry Nylon, Henry Banlon, Henry Orlon, Henry Rayon, Henry Dacron, Henri Piquet, Harry Polyester, Hari Madras, Enrico Viyella, Enrique Vicuna or Hank Doubleknit. He didn't receive any offers.
Transition into the 21st Century
Men's golf clothing evolved from knickers and argyle socks of the 1940s and 1950s to the polo shirt and Bermuda shorts of the 1980s and 1990s. Generally, Justin Morris stated, today's municipal courses don't have dress codes but many private courses require golfers to wear a collared shirt and Dockers-style shorts.
Scandal
During the media frenzy surrounding Tiger Woods' alleged infidelities in 2009, many sponsors took a wait-and-see approach to renewing his contracts. As of December 2009, he was still an apparel spokesperson for Nike.
About The Author
David J. Harvey has worked as a journalist since 2006, while earning a degree in political science and writing at the University of California, San Diego. He has written and edited for the UCSD "Guardian" and the AUC "Caravan" in Cairo, and currently freelances with San Diego's "Uptown News."
Photo Credits
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Bob Bobster
