The evolution of women's golf fashion
Recently, I stumbled across an image of Mary Queen of Scots in a golf publication, which reminded me of just how far women's golf, and golf fashion, has come. Mary, known to many as the first woman to passionately embrace the sport, played in her home country of Scotland, where golf originated. In her era (mid-late 1500s), women wore full length skirts, petticoats, corsets and boots, even on the links.
Reflecting on this, I realized the incredible journey women's golf fashion has undergone, from cumbersome heavy layers to today’s skorts with built-in shorties. This evolution has been driven by the demand from women enjoying golf, and the influence of some of golf’s first female trailblazers, who required functional golf clothes and enjoyed some fashion too. Inspired, I researched some of the truly remarkable women who have transformed our sport with functionality and style.
Enter Britain’s Joyce Wethered, who revolutionized women's golf in the 1920s and 1930s. Winning the British Ladies Amateur four times and the English Ladies Amateur Championship five consecutive years, Wethered played exhibition rounds with the iconic golfer Bobby Jones, who praised her play and swing. She introduced practicality and elegance to the course, wearing tailored blouses and skirts that allowed better movement while maintaining a refined appearance.
Babe Zaharias, a trailblazing athlete and SoCal Golf Hall of Famer, added athleticism to women's golf fashion. This remarkable woman won three Olympic medals (two gold) in track and field in 1932 before turning to professional golf. Zaharias wore pragmatic, sporty attire reflecting her multi-sport background, including shorter skirts and sleeveless tops, emphasizing comfort and functionality. Known for her powerful drive, Byron Nelson once claimed only eight men at the time could outdrive her. Babe famously said, “You’ve got to loosen your girdle and really let the ball have it.”
Mickey Wright, who won 82 tournament titles and achieved victories each season from 1956 to 1969, favored classic and understated styles. She wore collared shirts and tailored skirts, a look that became a staple for female golfers during her era. Wright's most notable achievement was shooting a 62 in the final round at Hogan Park in Midland, Texas, setting an LPGA record at the time and surpassing the men's record of 66. As she proved, when you play well, you can also look good.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Nancy Lopez became a fashion icon in women's golf. Winning three majors and 48 LPGA tour events, her trendy fashion sense, including pleated skirts and colorful coordinated outfits, garnered attention. Lopez's popularity helped make golf fashion more mainstream and accessible. In 2000, she founded Nancy Lopez Golf, offering stylish apparel in a wide range of sizes, including plus sizes up to 3X.
Jan Stephenson, the LPGA’s first “glamour girl,” brought a new level of allure to women’s golf. With her model-like looks and bouncy blonde hair, she could have easily been a Charlie’s Angel. A three-time major championship winner with 16 LPGA wins, she also had 15 hole-in-ones, nine in competition. Stephenson made waves by posing in a bathtub covered only by golf balls and modeling in her pinup calendar, urging the LPGA to embrace her form of marketing.
Perhaps the most legendary female golfer, Annika Sörenstam, has 72 wins on the LPGA tour and 96 international professional wins, making her the most victorious female golfer. Even after retirement, she returned at age 50 to win the 2021 US Senior Women’s Open. Known for her sleek, performance-oriented attire, Sörenstam partnered with Cutter & Buck to produce the Annika line of performance golf apparel. Today, she serves as the Global Brand Ambassador for Lohla Sport, a brand known for its classic European designs.
Another influential figure is Paula Creamer, the "Pink Panther," whose signature pink outfits and stylish accessories made her a trendsetter on the LPGA tour. With 10 LPGA tournament wins and a peak ranking of number 2 in the Women’s World Golf Rankings, Creamer said, “There is no reason why, when you play golf, you can’t look like an athlete and a woman at the same time.” She is my personal golf fashionista heroine.
Michelle Wie is known for her bold and modern fashion choices, often pushing the boundaries of traditional golf attire. Starting at age 10, she became the youngest player to qualify for a USGA amateur event and later the youngest to qualify for an LPGA tour event. Turning professional at 16, Wie had five LPGA wins, combining fashion risk-taking with immense talent.
Lexi Thompson, another early starter, qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open at age 12 and turned professional at 15. With 11 LPGA wins, her dynamic style, featuring brightly colored and patterned outfits, reflects her energetic personality and makes her a fashion icon. Standing six feet tall, Thompson sports racer-back tops and shorter skorts with ease, influencing golfers of all ages.
As Lexi’s career seems to slow and retirement talks surface, the question arises: Who will be the next fashion influencer on the LPGA tour? Nelly Korda, Leona Maguire, Patty Tavatanakit, Muni Lily He, Charley Hull? These women will undoubtedly help golf fashion evolve, combining wins with innovation and making the sport more fashionable and fun for women.
Of course, I'll truly celebrate when female professionals win purses as substantial as their male counterparts. While that milestone may still be years away, the takeaway is clear: it is our passion for the game, whether through fashion, equipment, or support, that drives the evolution of women's golf. Ladies, keep watching, wearing, and supporting this wonderful sport!