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The Ideal Golf Fitness Routine

By: Leslie Hughes - Jan 17, 2024

In an ideal world, you could just step out onto the golf course without any prep and have the perfect swing and most precise putts.

We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but that’s not how this sport works. Success on the golf course requires lots of practice – and that practice doesn’t just take place on the practice greens and on the driving range. Practice also looks like keeping up a fitness routine that helps you prepare for the challenges that each round presents. Because every day is different in golf.

The physical and mental focus that this sport requires is something that doesn’t come easily, and most of us have to work for it. But you can make that work fun by creating a golf fitness routine that’s tailored specifically to you; a routine that allows you to focus on your unique strengths while also developing entirely new strengths to make you a challenging opponent out there.

Whether you’re an experienced golfer or hitting the tee box for the first time, this comprehensive fitness routine will empower you to hit the course with confidence while also achieving fitness goals that will benefit you in other areas of your life, too.

Talk about a win-win!

The Basics of Golf Fitness

Before we dive into the ideal fitness routine, let’s first talk about the basics of golf fitness you’ll need to master.

Flexibility

You may be surprised to see this one on the list, as golf is a far cry from your typical flexible activity like yoga.

But, to find success with your swing, you need to master flexibility. That’s because a good swing encompasses a full range of motion. This is not only for a better, more controlled swing but also to prevent injury.

Strength

You may be familiar with the phrase in golf: “Kiss it, don’t kill it,” meaning you don’t want to hit the ball with all of your might. My grandfather used to say that to me all the time, and he was right – every time I tried my hardest to hit the ball, I would miss it or end up with a terrible shot.

However, my grandfather’s great advice doesn’t mean that golf doesn’t require strength. You don’t need to be a bodybuilder, but you do need to have a strong core as well as strong legs and arms to achieve a powerful swing that also boasts consistency.

Endurance

It’s no secret that golf isn’t a quick game. It can take hours to play a round, which means endurance becomes very important in this sport.

It’s crucial to stay focused mentally and physically throughout your time on the course, and that takes practice. Even if you’re playing with a golf cart and cut out all the walking, it still takes a great deal of endurance to swing your way through 18 holes of golf.

Balance

Balance is something you may not have considered as part of golf, but it most certainly is.

Having a stable foundation helps your swing to stay strong, smooth, and consistent. And, balance is also important to reduce your risk of getting injured.

Mental Focus

It seems the physical parts of golf get all the attention and is what many people focus their practice on. But a few rounds of golf will have you see that the mental part of this game is just as important.

Golf requires a great deal of patience and focus, so you’ll need to practice mental exercises as well to help you maintain mental strength when the game gets tough (because, trust us – it always does, eventually).

Effective Exercises To Improve Your Golf Game

Now that we’ve covered those basics, let’s get into your golf fitness routine that can help you achieve success out there.

1. Warm-Up (10 minutes)

You never want to go into a golf game cold. And no, we aren’t talking about temperature (though golf in the cold isn’t something we love doing, either). We are talking about going in with a body that hasn’t warmed up.

Every golf game and every practice should start with a warm-up. This helps prep your body for the workout ahead and also helps to prevent injury.

This warmup can include things such as:

  • Arm circles
  • Leg swings
  • Torso twists
  • Hip rotations
  • Jumping jacks

2. Flexibility (15 minutes)

As we chatted about earlier, flexibility is key for a good golf swing.

Here are some quick and easy ways to build some flexibility practices into your workout routine.

Neck and Shoulder Rolls

Your neck and shoulders play a major role in golf, so you want to give them the attention they deserve.

Start by rolling your neck gently from side to side and work out any kinks.

Next, move to your shoulders. Roll them in a circular motion forward, and then reverse.

Hip Flexor Stretch

Your hips are another crucial part of your golf game, and this stretch is great to loosen them up.

Step forward with your right leg into a lunge position, and gently lean forward into your leg. You should feel this stretch in your hip flexor. Hold for 30 seconds - 1 minute and repeat with your left leg.

Torso Twist

Twisting is a natural part of your golf game, but it may not feel natural in other parts of your life. So you want to make it feel more natural by practicing.

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and twist your torso to the right, reaching your left arm across your body. Do this a few times and repeat on the other side.

3. Strength (20 minutes)

There are many ways you can build the strength you need to power your golf swing, but here are some ways for you to get started in adding strength to your core, your legs, and your upper body.

Planks

You may dread the thought of these, but hear us out: planks are an incredible way to build your core. Start with holding your plank for 30 seconds, and work up from there as you increase your stamina and strength.

Squats

You can work on boosting your leg stregnth in the comfort of your own home while watching your favorite show.

Squat down 10-12 times, each time returning to the starting position. Try to get your knees to go behind your ankles, or as close to it as possible.

Do at least 2 sets of 10-12 squats.

Push-Ups

Another easy at-home workout is pushups. Well, when we say “easy” we mean that it doesn’t require any equipment. Push-ups certainly aren’t easy, though they are a great way to strengthen your upper body as well as your core – a two-for-one deal!

Try to do as many as you can, which will increase over time.

4. Endurance (15 minutes)

Golf is an endurance sport, and that endurance is something that you’ve got to work your way up to.

A great way to do this is with some cardio. Before you get too worried, we don’t mean that you have to run 5 miles. Cardio can also mean a light jog or even a brisk walk. Hiking serves as a fun way to build up endurance, too.

Start with 15 minutes, and build your way to more time as you can.

5. Balance (10 minutes)

Boosting your balance will help your golf game in so many ways. You’ll see more consistent shots, more stability, and better control of where your ball goes.

Here are some ways to work on that.

Single-Leg Stance

This sounds easy, but we promise it’s challenging at first (but worth it). Stand on one leg and try to balance for at least 30 seconds.

Switch to the other leg and do the same.

Bosu Ball Exercises

Bosu balls are like those giant exercise balls but cut in half. And they present a great challenge for balance.

You can use a Bosu ball in many different ways – for squats, lunges, and to elevate your single-leg stance exercise, too.

6. Mental Focus (20 minutes)

And now comes the mental part, which for some may be the most difficult.

There are lots of options when it comes to working on your mental focus, but here are some of our favorites:

  • Meditation
  • Breathwork
  • Journaling
  • Crossword puzzles
  • Reading
  • Visualization

Think of mental focus exercises as practices that will help you stay calm, focused, and confident out on the course – especially when things get tough.

7. Cool Down and Stretch (10 minutes)

It’s important to take time to cool down after a workout. This aids with recovery and is also a bonus for getting some more flexibility work in.

Take at least 10 minutes to stretch all your main muscle groups. Hold each stretch for 30 seconds. You want to feel the stretch, but you don’t want to push it so far that it becomes painful.

All these exercises are great for your golf game, but also your life as a whole.

In Review

When you bring together all of these exercises, you have a holistic approach to golf fitness. You cover everything from flexibility to strength to endurance to balance to mental focus and beyond.

If you take the time to incorporate this routine into your life at least 3 times a week (ideally 4-5), then you will notice a big difference out on the course. Not only will these exercises help to improve your game, but they will also help with preventing injury and boosting your overall physical and mental health. And they make golf more fun, too, which is really what it’s about.

So get out there, start moving your body and quieting your mind, and you’ll soon be reaping the great rewards.



A Definitive List of Cold Weather Golf Essentials

By: Eileen Klink - Jan 17, 2024

We Southern Californians can brag all we want about our great weather, but the reality is that many winter mornings are often near freezing. While some golfers won’t venture out for a round if they catch a glimpse of their breath in the air (spoiled Californian syndrome), I’m not going to skip the fun of a good golf match, team play or guest day during the cooler months. And you don’t have to miss out, either.

I am fortunate to have customers and golf buddies from colder parts of our country who happily contributed to this story. Yes, the same friends that snicker at our weather resistance are here to help! From them, I have discovered many cold weather products that Southern California golfers need to get up to speed on. Their secret is simple: be prepared.

The most obvious advice: Dress in layers to stay warm. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin, add an insulating layer for warmth, and finish with a windproof and waterproof outer layer.

A good base is most important. My single-digit handicap customer, Doris, from Arizona, (who is not afraid of the cold), swears by the 32degrees.com website to find light, mid-weight and heavy weight tops and bottoms. Their offerings are value priced (love that) and are moisture wicking, 4-way stretch, anti-odor and anti-static.

If you prefer natural fibers, Tracey, a most knowledgeable blogger (TheWomanGolfer.com), suggests Merino Tech for wool base layers that regulate body temperature and are naturally odor-resistant. You can stay smelling fresh even after a grueling round. Go to Merino.tech or find them on Amazon.com.

Get creative with your insulating layers. My friend Carol, from Colorado, swears by stylish turtlenecks from Renwicksport.com.


For reasonably priced cashmere my friend Michelle from San Diego suggests visiting the Quince.com website. Check out the Mongolian Cashmere crewneck sweater offered in 17 colors.

For your laying finish, my Skorzie.com customers lap up anything from Sunice.com that shows up on my website. Their Performance Layer System offerings help golfers perform their very best in all weather conditions, and they look great too. Visit Sunice.com to see their entire line.

My golf buddy Nicole introduced me to Ororo Wear and their UL-rechargeable battery heated apparel. This company started in the mid-west, where they know what cold weather is. They offer vests, jackets, gloves and mittens that heat up at a press of a button and keep you warm for hours. I like that they stand by the heating elements with a three-year warranty. Heated apparel is a golf game changer, and you can find them at www.Ororowear.com.

Today I played in low 50-degree weather and my Southern California raised hands began to go numb. My bad. I forgot to bring my OCOOPA rechargeable portable hand warmers. They are one of the best golf gifts I have ever received (thanks Dori). Keep them charged and ready from November through February, then stash these nifty warmers in jacket pockets. They are less wasteful than disposables, charge quickly, heat up to 131 degrees and can be reused hundreds of times – and are reasonably priced.

I don’t golf with gloves, but when it’s seriously cold, just about all my buddies wear the thermal ones. They provide warmth and a secure grip in extreme cold, windy and wet conditions. Plus, many are sold as pairs. There are several good ones on the market. Polls of my playing partners say the I don’t golf with gloves, but when it’s seriously cold, just about all my buddies wear the thermal ones. They provide warmth and a secure grip in extreme cold, windy and wet conditions. Plus, many are sold as pairs. There are several good ones on the market. Polls of my playing partners say the Callaway Thermal Grip Gloves do the trick very well.


Make sure to top off your cold weather outfit with a beanie. The snug-fitting topper, which covers the top of the head and ears, traps heat close to the head, which will contribute to your warmth. I chose the beanies offered at Skorzie.com because they have a touch of warm cashmere and a removable pom-pom for easy care.

Maybe THE BEST warming tip I learned about this winter is from my member-member partner, Kim, from Bellevue, Wash. I thought I’d seen it all, but this long-ball hitter showed up to a particularly chilly round with Mr. Heater. And mister is a doozy. This heater (made for golf carts) warms up the space like a toasty fireplace. It requires a one-cylinder propane tank which provides heat for over 5 hours. On cold days we vie to ride in Kim’s cart. You can buy yours on Amazon.com.

For ultimate protection from cold and rain, you might want to invest in a golf cart cover. You slide it over the cart and clip or snap to attach. Side doors and windows use zippers or Velcro for access and visibility. Play a round in an enclosed cart and cold, rain and winds are limited to the number of swings you venture out of your cart to take. Tracey, from the Womangolfer.com has owned a few covers and highly recommends the Fairway Golf Cart Deluxe Enclosure from the Classic Accessories Store on Amazon.com.

Finally, my tip to warm you from the inside. Pick up a hot cup of coffee or tea at the turn and don’t forget your flask. Golf’s founding fathers from both Scotland and Ireland like to claim to have invented whiskey. There’s a reason for that….added to a warm drink or a quick swig is sure to heat up your game.



The No. 1 Question I’m Asked as a Golf Professional

By: Tina Mickelson - Jan 17, 2024

As a passionate golfer and longtime PGA member, I've fielded my fair share of questions over the years, from golfers who are brand-new to the game to the most seasoned of golf professionals. But there is one question that always sticks with me, and always seems to get brought to the surface when I'm teaching...

I’m a beginner and don’t have my own clubs. When should I invest in a new set, and what should I use in the meantime?

This is a great question. And very important. Beginners (especially women) often borrow a set of clubs when they first take up the game. This is fine, provided you keep a few things in mind. First and foremost, make sure the clubs are not too long or too heavy. These are key factors because clubs that are too heavy or too long can lead to developing bad habits in the golf swing right from the start. Many new women’s golfers have come to me for their first golf lesson using their husband’s/brother’s/male friend’s old set up clubs. They struggle with the weight, especially in the backswing, which leads to an incorrect position at the top. The overall swing is rather clumsy and out of control.

So, generally speaking, if you are a female just learning the game, the best thing to do is simply rent a set of women’s clubs (or men’s senior set if available) until you feel confident enough with your swing to get fitted for your own set. Your swing doesn’t have to be great in order to invest in a set of clubs, nor does it have to be at a point where you’ve successfully made your major swing changes.

You simply want to make sure you have developed a swing that is somewhat consistent, meaning you have the same swing “flaws” most of the time. For example, if you seem to always hit the ball to the right, they will fit you with clubs that can help counter that.

As beginners, though, it takes a while to get comfortable with swinging a golf club so it’s only natural that each swing would be different from the next. But once you become more comfortable with your golf swing, you will start to notice certain patterns emerge in terms of where both your good and bad shots go. Once your swing is consistent enough to know what your general tendencies are, the easier it is to successfully fit your clubs to your individual specifications.

So when you take your first initial golf lessons or hit balls on the driving range, and as you pick up the game in general, you want to make sure you either rent a set of women’s clubs (usually available right there at the golf course), or borrow a female friend’s clubs.

Another benefit to renting golf clubs at a few different courses as you are starting out is the fact that not all golf courses offer the same brand of rental sets. So you have the opportunity to try out a few different brands before you decide to get fitted for your own set. This will help you narrow down which brands you want to look at first.

Keep in mind that your first set of golf clubs does not need to consist of a full 14 clubs. In most cases, beginners don’t really need that many. In general, if a beginner has a driver, fairway wood, hybrid, 7-iron, 9-iron, sand wedge, pitching wedge and putter, they are good to go. Because a beginner’s golf swing is still rather inconsistent, the gap in yardage between clubs isn’t there like it would be with a more consistent swing. So going with a smaller set at first not only helps keep the cost down, but helps alleviate confusion when deciding which club to use. Once you are comfortable with the limited set, you can always add clubs later.

And I would be remiss if I did not point out the benefits of hybrid golf clubs. A hybrid club takes the place of an iron, and they come in a variety of lofts so you can match them to just about any iron in your golf bag. There are sets that offer a hybrid option for every iron. Why are hybrids to coveted? This is an extremely broad explanation, but the center of gravity is a lower and set back a tad so it is easier to get loft on the ball. Definitely try out the hybrids in your fitting session so you can compare the feel of them versus the irons.

And be sure to remember there is no “right” or “wrong” way to assemble the clubs in your bag. If you decide to go with irons because they feel better to you, then great. If you decide you really love the hybrids, then go for it. That is the beauty of this game. Each person, each player is unique with different preferences and factors that work for them.

If you have any questions about the fitting process, feel free to reach out to your local PGA or LPGA Professional. And I invite you to send any questions in general that you or your friends might have regarding the game of golf. We want to address what our readers are curious about. I encourage you to send in any questions you have ever had about any golf related topic and we will try to address them in our upcoming issues. As always, thank you for being a part of our golf community. We appreciate you.



Your New Best Friend: The Stroke & Distance Rule

By: Marcela Smith - Jan 17, 2024

When I was asked to write an article about my favorite rule in golf, I almost leapt with joy. I know, it sounds strange to think that anyone could get that excited about the Rules of Golf, but I was thrilled to be able to share something that is guaranteed to shave strokes off your game if you’re a higher handicap player (like me).

One of the best kept secrets in the Rules of Golf is Rule 18.1, which basically gives you the opportunity to play any shot you want over again. Don’t get too excited, it’s not free, like a mulligan, but it is a way to fully play under the Rules of Golf and get yourself out of a sticky situation by what we like to call “taking your medicine.”

Stroke-and-distance can be found under a few different rules as both an option at the player’s discretion and as a requirement. As you likely know, if you hit your ball out-of-bounds, you must go back to the location of your last shot under 18.2. The same requirement applies if you cannot find your ball after searching for it for 3 minutes. Both of these situations will cost you a one-stroke penalty.

Now, the hidden gem here is that if your ball is anywhere on the course and you’re not feeling inspired to hit it as it lies, you can use this stroke-and-distance rule to hit again from the last place you played. But, this will also cost you a one-stroke penalty.

When I said “anywhere” I really meant it! You can do this if your ball is in a bunker, in a penalty area (a.k.a. a water hazard), in a bush, or even sitting on the fairway.

During my golf rules clinics, I hear the gasps of disbelief from the players I’m teaching. They cannot believe that they can take their ball out of the bunker under this rule and essentially try it again for just a one stroke penalty.

Now, if you’re a lower handicap player you may very well love hitting bunker shots, side hill lies or muscling the ball out of thick rough. But many of us who aren’t as confident would certainly rather take that one stroke penalty and try it again, rather than whacking at a ball up against a lip of a bunker that we have no idea how to hit!

Here are some situations when you may want to use my favorite rule:

  • “Fried egg” lies in a bunker (when the golf ball is buried almost completely in the sand)
  • When your ball is up against the lip of a bunker
  • When your ball is up against a tree and the other options of lateral relief and back-on-the-line relief don’t leave you with nice angles in to the hole
  • When your ball is in a bush and it would be tough to use other unplayable lie options
  • When you’re just off the green and you accidentally hit your chip shot thin, and it rolls into the water

Full disclosure here, I think I’ve been in every single one of those issues at some point during my 16 years of playing golf. I’m a very average player who doesn’t have the skills to hit some of those awful lies, so I’ve learned that using stroke-and-distance is a great way to take back control of my round after a bad shot.

And the best part is you don’t even have to retrieve your ball first. Just tell another player that you’re playing under stroke-and-distance and grab a fresh ball from your bag. You can thank me later!



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The Ultimate Guide to Golf Etiquette

By: - Dec 19, 2023

What was once considered a gentleman’s game has come a long way and is now a sport that is enjoyed by all. We love that more and more women take up this sport as a way to stay healthy, learn something new, expand skills, and, of course – have fun and socialize!

Regardless of whether you’re new or seasoned, regardless of whether you’re playing golf casually or competitively, one thing that is crucial to this sport is understanding and navigating golf etiquette. Golf relies a great deal upon respect – respect of the course, yourself, and your fellow golfers.

So, if you’re new to golf etiquette or need a little refresh, we are here with a comprehensive guide on the nuanced world of golf etiquette so that you can feel both respected and respectful while out on the fairways.

The Outfit

Proper attire is important to golf, though what one course deems “appropriate” may be different than the next course.

The typical attire rules for women include a collared shirt with a golf skirt, shorts, or pants. Golf shoes are optional the majority of the time, but that doesn’t mean you can don your flip-flops on the course. Opt for golf sandals with spikes or close-toed tennis shoes.

It’s a good idea to check the attire rules for each course before you play it, as they do vary, and you don’t want to show up underdressed.

The Pace

You can only play as quickly as the people in front of you, and the people behind you can only play as quickly as you. So, it’s important to maintain the pace to keep your golf etiquette in check.

Be mindful of your pace and whether you are slowing down others. If this is the case, consider letting the group behind you play through. They don’t enjoy waiting, and you also don’t enjoy feeling rushed.

Speaking of rushed, you never want to be in a hurry while you’re playing golf, but it is important that you are ready for your shot and don’t take too much time lining up and practicing.

This is referred to as “ready golf” – always be ready for your shot so that others aren’t waiting on you.

Remain mindful of where the groups in front of and behind you are.

The Course

It only takes one look at a golf course to see that it is a delicately and meticulously manicured space. This takes a lot of time and effort by those who maintain the course, and it relies upon players’ respect for the course.

This means repairing your divots, raking bunkers after you use them, and watching where you walk to avoid unnecessary damage to the course.

Oh yeah, and be sure to always obey the cart path rules if you’re using one. Those carts definitely come in handy for toting around your clubs, but can also do serious damage to the course if driven in the wrong places. Pay attention to cart path signs and any other rules the course may have.

By treating the course well, you keep it in tip-top shape for yourself and others.

The Noise

It’s no secret that golf is typically a quiet sport. That’s because it takes a lot of focus! It seems as if there are 50 different things you need to remember each time you step up to the ball, so having excess noise makes it even harder than it already is.

Though golf is a social sport, it’s important to keep noise to a minimum for others on the course. And when it comes to your group, you want to always stay quiet during others’ swings.

Give them the chance to focus and line up their shot without distraction. Some people don’t mind others talking while they’re hitting, but it’s always better to err on the safe side and give them quiet moments to focus.

Spend the first few holes getting a feel of your group to see how they feel about things like talking, music, etc. Each group will be different, so it’s important you assess each individually and don’t just assume.

The Tee Time

Think of your tee time as a meeting. You wouldn’t be late for a meeting, would you? So don’t be late for your tee time.

In fact, you want to be early to your tee time. Show up to the golf course with plenty of time to hit a few balls and get in some putts on the practice greens – we say at least 30 minutes ahead of time.

And be ready at the tee box about 5 minutes before your designated time slot so that you don’t disrupt the carefully planned schedule. All it takes is one person being late to their tee time to throw off the schedule for the entire day. You don’t want that to be you!

The Tradition

Golf is a sport that’s been around for quite some time and has a rich history with traditions that are still enjoyed today. One such tradition is shaking hands at the start and end of a round as a way to show respect.

It’s important that you participate in these traditions that others may find important to their golf experience (as long as they’re within reason). They help keep the spirit of the game alive and often serve as a way to better connect with your fellow golfers as well.

The Scoring

How competitive golf is depends upon who you’re playing with. Some people don’t bother keeping score, while others are on top of each and every shot for each player in the group.

Regardless of where you fall on that scale, it is vital to always approach golf with fairness and honesty. We don’t have to tell you that golf is a sport that would be somewhat easy to cheat at – shave a stroke or two off – but why would you? It doesn’t affect anyone else’s game, and you’re only lying to yourself.

So, if you are going to keep score, do so accurately. Though sometimes it may pain you to write down the number of shots you had on a hole (I know I’ve had plenty of those), you want to embrace the challenges that this sport presents and also be able to fully celebrate the wins when they do happen.

Handicaps are another part of golf that can feel quite complicated, especially if you’re new. Take some time to better understand handicaps and how to use them to help improve your game.

But above all, keep a positive attitude despite how many hits you take to complete the round. This is for fun, remember?

The Stance

When others are hitting, you never want to stand behind them.

Stand far enough away from them, either next to them or slightly in front of them, so that they can see where you are.

This is also important for safety, too. You may think you’re far enough away from them until they swing their club back and right into you.

Where you are on the putting green when others are hitting is key, too. You never want to walk or stand in someone’s line, which can affect their putt. This goes for people wearing shoes with spikes and without, too.

The Lost Ball

We’ve all been there – we can’t seem to find a lost ball, and not only are we embarrassed about our poor shot, but we are stressed because we know that others are impatiently waiting on us.

The rules were updated in 2019, stating that you now have 3 minutes to look for a lost ball rather than the previous 5. So allow yourself those 3 minutes to look, and rest easy knowing that you have that allotted time to look for your ball before the group behind you is allowed to get impatient.

If your 3 minutes are up and you still haven’t found your ball, drop a new one. We know it’s disappointing to lose the ball and to deal with the penalty stroke(s), but it’s better than wasting your time (and everyone else’s) hunting through the rough to find it.

The Phone

It should go without saying that phones are a no-no while golfing unless it’s something that your group says is okay.

If you have an important call come in that you need to take, check with your fellow players to see if they mind that you take the call – just make it quick!

Texting should be okay (as long as you have your notifications turned off), but you also don’t want to be looking at your phone constantly when others are hitting. It’s important to be present during this game and be part of the group. No one likes that friend who is always on their phone.

The Players

Many golf courses mix men and women playing together, so you always want to create an inclusive atmosphere for all, regardless of gender. Each player should be treated with equal respect by all, which means avoiding gender-specific comments.

Every golfer brings unique skills to their game and contributions to the group, so celebrate that!

In Summary

Navigating golf etiquette as a woman out on the course doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, by doing so, you make the game much more enjoyable for yourself and others!

All you have to do is respect the few key things we talk about above, and you’ll have a fun, positive, and inclusive golf community that will bring great joy to your life.



Refresh Your Golf Look Ahead of 2024

By: Eileen Klink - Dec 19, 2023

Lady golfers have a lot of fashion styles to choose from these days. What will be your look in 2024? Sporty, classy, flirty, eccentric, artsy or fun loving perhaps? The golf outfits we choose say a lot about our personality and maybe even our playing style. Even those of us with multiple personality traits are covered. Bold colors and unique patterns often exude confidence. Artsy and unconventional apparel demonstrates creativity. I generally perceive those in well-coordinated outfits as being detail oriented and probably more organized than myself. If she’s outfitted in subdued or neutral tones, you may find her to be reserved. When I see a golfer in a wild cocktail print, well I immediately assume she’s fun.

As the owner of a retail golf apparel business, I run across lots of different brands, and I stock what I think will appeal to most of my customers. Although I like most of what I buy, occasionally I will merchandise an item that I would never choose for myself. When that choice flies off the rack, I realize how much tastes vary. In this article, I will align some favorite brands with style types. This is based solely on my experience in the industry and please, please note, is totally subjective. Hopefully my brand-to-style matchmaking will help you discover your personal look!

Classy

Lohla Sport tops my “classy” list with designs that combine European flair with well-coordinated luxury fabrics. When I see a player in Lohla Sport, I get a sense of “posh” on a player with a confident attitude. The company was founded by Lisa O’Hurley, who had a 10-year career with the Golf Channel before bringing the European company, Golfino, to the US. She has taken her strength in the game (she’s a low single digit handicapper) and fashion experience to create a premium line for serious golfers and country clubbers.

If your look is first class, you will also want to peruse Daily Sport, a Swedish company offering classic lines, patterns, and colors (and even a 20” long skort). You can wear these timeless pieces for several seasons and always look current. RLX (by Ralph Lauren) has sophisticated styles dating back to traditional polo, but with a modern touch. They are crafted with top quality fabrics and construction. G-Fore is a classy line based out of Los Angeles and has some disruptive styles, but still honors the traditions of golf with beautiful fabrications and designs. A player wearing any of these lines will certainly look first class!

Flirty

Tzu Tzu sport started the flirty golf revolution. This brand gets the credit for offering up the first golf racerback top. Their colorful and clever prints adorn their fitted tops. Partnered with their ruffled shorter skorts, you are sure to turn heads.

If you have the body and want to show it (within clubhouse rules, that is) then also look at FlirTee Golf. Their name speaks for itself. These are bold colors, tighter cuts, and ruffles in the right places. If you are fit, you will rock this line.

I also recommend Calliope Golf in my “Flirty” category. While a bit more tempered with color, they are fitted with deep racerbacks and shorter skorts. They even offered a black leather line this year.

Sporty

I’m thinking of athletic kind of brands in this section. I like Dunning Golf for their technical fabrics and active styling. They design with performance and playability for golfers in mind. To drive the point home, Dunning was selected as this year’s (and next) Solheim Cup uniforms designer in charge of dressing the best women golfers in the country.

Taylor Jordan also comes to mind when seeking a sporty look. They aren’t too funky or crazy, but they do have an athletic edge. Their apparel is made for breathability and comfort. I especially like their camo prints and TJ Tour skorts.

I am also seeing more Lulu Lemon appear on the golf course. This company is all about meeting performance needs. They say that everything they make is rooted in the science of “feel.” I used to think of Lulu Lemon as a yoga apparel company, but they have evolved to offer skorts, pants and tops that are all suitable for the golf course. They even have a search category on their website for golf.

Eccentric

Loudmouth apparel had been leading my eccentric category for years now. If you want some crazy, then look no further than this brand. They consistently offer the loudest and boldest prints on the course, and they’re fun! Current prints include the Dirty Martini, Mosaic Skulls, and Jungle Bogey. You won’t get lost on the course or in the crowd wearing this line.

I’m going to put Bad Birdie Golf in this category because they work hard to design standout golf apparel. As they say on their site, “we didn’t come here to lay up!” While they offer some classic polos, check out the “Cotton Candy Skies” print on their Exec Skort if you like to play on the wild side.

Artsy

Famara Golf is performance wear inspired by original European artwork. Uniqueness is blended into every garment. Their fabrics and designs push creative boundaries. This is a fairly new company, founded in 2019. If you enjoy a one-of-a-kind, lux look, then you MUST check them out.

It’s not the first time that Amy Sport has been mentioned in my articles. No, I don’t own stock, I just love the brand for their unique prints and fabulous fabrics. It’s a personal fav. Amy sport defines “artsy” with bold patterns designed by (you guessed it) artists.

Fun

If you are all about styles that make you smile (and especially if you are obsessed with skorts), and you haven’t discovered Skort Obsession, then I have saved the day. You cannot wear these skorts and not feel happy. Every skort has a twist…just check out the undershorts to find a clever coordinating print. There are handy pockets in the undershorts, and you can wear them high on your waist for a shorter look or lower for a longer look (without the skort riding).

Dona Jo was created by a husband-and-wife team (Ashley from the US and Rapha from Brazil). Ashley is inspired by her husband’s culture of vibrant colors, bold patterns and the fun and free-spirited nature of the Brazilian culture and it is demonstrated in the Dona Jo collections. The brand carries apparel for several athletic endeavors but I suggest the “Birdie” and “Par” skorts (17” long) for a fun and fresh look that’s perfect for golf.

Like going into the final hole of an exceptional round, I’m finishing this article strong with one of my favorite brands. Kinona Sport offers collections that are easy to put in several categories. They could have landed in my “Classy” section with their lux Italian Fabrics and classic designs, but their clever use of applique, stripes, color blocks and unique patterns lands them here. They are fun in a classy way.


While wearing an outfit that matches your personality on the course may not be a critical factor in a great round, it can certainly boost your confidence and mood. I for one, will take every advantage I can get. I hope this article has helped you bring out more personal style to your game in 2024!



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