Adam Scott surprised viewers during the first round of the US Open when he donned a Uniqlo shirt that bore a striking resemblance to the top worn by the lead character in the film Happy Gilmore.
Was it or wasn’t it a collared shirt? And could you wear it on the course and in the clubhouse at Australia’s most prestigious clubs? We conducted a straw poll and received some interesting answers.
Two clubs where Scott is a member – Royal Queensland and The Grand – didn’t wish to comment on the suitability of the Uniqlo shirt. That probably says something about the aura in which Scott is held in his home state.
Huntingdale Golf Club YES
“This style of shirt would be allowed under our club dress code policy as it has a defined collar and buttons. At Huntingdale, we are very sensible and flexible in relation to the application of our dress code in meeting current trends of the market whilst maintaining the standards expected by our membership of an exclusive private club.”
– Stewart Fenton, general manager, Huntingdale Golf Club
Kingston Heath Golf Club NO
“Whilst dress guidelines have been modernised over the years to be more practical and somewhat reflective of fashion, the collared golf shirt remains a requirement at our golf club. I am not convinced there is a collar on the shirt and we would need to look at one in the flesh. Personally, I think it looks great on Adam and far better than the mock top, which didn’t seem to last long when launched in Australia in the mid-to-late 2000s.”
– Gregg Chapple, general manager, Kingston Heath Golf Club
Lake Karrinyup Country Club NO
“It is acknowledged that golf clubs do need to be mindful of the ever-changing landscape of golf fashion. However, at present, this shirt would not comply with our dress code.”
– Damon Lonnie, general manager, Lake Karrinyup Country Club
New South Wales Golf Club YES
“Although we would not likely encourage such derivative-style collars, it does loosely comply with the definition of a collared shirt for the dress rules.” – David Burton, general manager, New South Wales Golf Club
Royal Adelaide Golf Club YES
“Shirts of this style always pose an interesting dilemma to clubs like ours with dress codes. At Royal Adelaide, our dress code states ‘males are required to wear collared shirts’. So is this a collared shirt?
The definition of a collar is:
1. The part of a shirt, coat, dress, blouse, etc, that encompasses the neckline of the garment and is sewn permanently to it, often so as to fold or roll over;
2. A similar, but separate, detachable article of clothing worn around the neck or at the neckline of a garment;
3. Anything worn or placed around the neck.
This definition doesn’t really assist in clarifying a clear answer and one could argue both ways and still not come to a conclusive decision.
I personally think someone arriving at Royal Adelaide wearing this shirt would be allowed on the course under our current dress code, as you could possibly argue it does have a collar. However, I am sure the wearer would get some very disapproving looks from a number of club members.” – Andrew Gay, general manager, Royal Adelaide Golf Club
Royal Sydney Golf Club YES
“We have monitored the changes in fashion and golf attire over the last decade and, while maintaining our traditional approach to dress code, we have attempted to be progressive at the same time.
Tiger started it with the ‘turtleneck’ and we adjusted accordingly. In an attempt to keep our rules relevant and easy to follow, we have adapted to end up with the following: Sporting attire (including shoes) should be neat and recognised as being appropriate for the sport being played. Golf: Appropriate golf shirt must be worn. Men’s shirts must be tucked in. Therefore, I don’t see any issues with Adam playing here in November in his new shirt – so long as it is tucked in!”
– Paul Hinton, general manager, Royal Sydney Golf Club
Sydney Cricket Ground, Members’ Reserve NO
“SCG dress regulations are very clear. Men must wear a collared shirt to enter the Members’ enclosure. We’d politely direct Adam to the nearest merchandise outlet to buy a Sydney Swans polo shirt.”
– Phillip Heads, general manager of communications, SCG Trust
The Australian Golf Club NO
“The fortunate thing for Adam is that he looks good in whatever he wears! From the club’s perspective, whatever we sell in our golf shop is permissible. Whatever we don’t sell, i.e. collarless shirts, would need to pass a ‘common sense’ dress test prior to tee off. Where there is a ‘borderline’ situation, our golf operations management will make the call.”
– Rob Selley, chief executive officer, The Australian Golf Club
Victoria Golf Club NO
“The shirt does not meet our existing dress regulations which require a ‘fold-over’ collar.”
– Peter Stackpole, general manager, Victoria Golf Club
