Tournament players make fashion statements
They’re catching the eyes of spectators at the 84 Lumber Classic golf tournament, and it’s not just for their swing. Some golfers enjoy making a fashion statement when they work.
Take Aaron Baddeley of Melbourne, Australia, who wore a deep purple (“I call it ‘plum.’ It sounds more sophisticated.’) shirt and pants to practice Tuesday and light green pants and a brighter green shirt on the first day of the tournament Thursday.
“That’s just my personality,’ Baddeley said of his clothes. “I got a whole set out for the week. It’s not too bad. There’s a couple of brights. I worked the pink last week.’
Another standout Tuesday was Camilo Villegas of Medellin, Columbia, who wore bright orange pants to the practice range.
“I’m 22,’ he smiled. “If I want to wear something like this, this is the time to do it. I like a little bit of color, and it’s fun.’
Villegas also said he had a couple of outfits picked out for the tournament.
“You might see some pink pants,’ he predicted.
PGA Tour rules stipulate only that golfers wear long pants and some kind of collared shirt, although many are wearing T-shirts with collars. Other than that, the players can express themselves however they like through their clothes.
One name often mentioned with golf fashion is Jesper Parnevik, who impressed tournament-goers with his wardrobe and flipped up bill of his cap last year but is not playing in this year’s 84 Lumber Classic.
Historically, Jack Nicklaus was one of the first players to wear plaid pants, and a very classy Gary Player was known for wearing black and white, or all black. The late Payne Stewart attracted attention for his knickers that bore the logos and colors of National Football League teams.
Many players have clothing contracts or prefer the clothing of a particular company or designer.
Amy Quigley, whose husband, golfer Brett Quigley of Barrington, R.I., is playing the 84 Lumber Classic, said, “Brett doesn’t need much help. He wears Tommy Hilfiger, and they take care of him.’
Quigley noted her husband wears the American Hilfiger line while Dory Faxon, also of Barrington, whose husband, Brad Faxon, is also playing in the tournament, said her husband wears Fairway and Greene.
Yet, Mrs. Faxon said she helps him pick his clothes, “because he’s colorblind.’
Both Mrs. Faxon and Mrs. Quigley said their husbands wear more classic clothing, but they still enjoy seeing the bright fashions and white belts that some golfers choose.
“I would never like it on my husband, but I think the guys who wear it can pull it off,’ said Mrs. Faxon. “They always look good.’
Off the course, Baddeley said he also likes to dress up.
“I wear flared jeans, wide belts, red-leather jackets and wide-collared shirts. I’m a shop-a-holic. My girlfriend and I like to go shopping. I love to go to New York and L.A. to shop,” he said. “I don’t wear as many loud colors as I did, but I’m going to get back into loud colors very soon.”
Villegas added, “If I go out, I dress up. If I’m relaxing, I like to keep it simple. It depends on the occasion. But I like clothing and I like to dress up.’