I played golf in college for the Lewis Clark State Warriors in Lewiston, Idaho. For those that do not know, the school is small and the town it is located in is small as well. Lewiston is the quintessential blue collar town. Situated on the confluence of two major Northwest rivers, Lewiston’s chief employer is a paper mill. There are 2 courses in Lewiston and 2 in the adjoining Clarkston, Washington.

Now then, my father raised me in the game to present yourself a certain way. He always had me wear slacks or cuffed pants and cuffed shorts when the weather was warmer. I was in a polo shirt EVERY time we played. No T-shirts. In fact, I rarely wore T-shirts when I practiced. We adhered to the dress codes of the local courses even on courses that did not enforce them.

So imagine my shock when I drive up to the course we practice at, for our first full practice, and see a guy naked!!! I mean he was naked…no clothes…..playing golf. I was sure of it. Turns out that he was just wearing a flesh colored speedo and was not wearing a shirt. I was a long way away when I saw the naked guy so you can see why I thought what I did.

I soon found it obvious that it was not only accepted, it was encouraged to play this golf course with shirts off and even in bare feet sometimes. It was the “every working man’s golf course.” I still wore my slacks or shorts and polo shirts, but it was kind of a cool place to play. Everyone felt comfortable. Come one, come all, EVERY one was welcome.

But the story illustrates a very important part of this game. Comfort. I assume that you play at a course that makes you wear a shirt ha ha. If you do, you have to feel comfortable in that piece of clothing. Gone are the days where you walked into JC Penny and bought any old shirt to golf in. Clothing manufacturers have discovered that the clothing you wear can be conducive to golf just as it can be restrictive to golf if it is not created correctly.

Golf apparel has been designed to aid in range of motion for the golfer. The shoulders have been enlarged and the torso lines have been slimmed to allow for more turn and less restriction from the fabrics. Apparel is also being designed with fabrics that breathe better and wick away moisture to allow for more comfort.

Nike leads the way, in my opinion. I wear their stuff almost exclusively. The Dri-Fit stuff is great. It breathes well and offers that range of motion that is so important in this game. I would also check out Adidas and Under Armor. We do not carry the Under Armor brand, but their stuff is getting better and better.

Any apparel you choose, make sure that it fits you well. Comfort is the first key. Make sure that you are able to make your normal swing without hindrance and you have the right clothing for your game.

Random Thoughts