The LPGA starting this week will "enforce a dress code policy that cracks down on athletic wear," according to Ashley Mayo of GOLF DIGEST. In a July 2 email to tour players, LPGA player President Vicki Goetze-Ackerman "outlined a list of items that will no longer be allowed." Plunging necklines, joggers and leggings -- unless under a skort or shorts -- are "not allowed." The length of skirt, skort and shorts must be "long enough to not see your bottom area." The email noted appropriate attire also "should be worn to pro-am parties." The harsh language "begs the question" of which LPGA player "began dressing offensive enough to drive the implementation of this new policy?" Goetze-Ackerman's email also explained it is an LPGA player's "job" to notify her clothing sponsors of this new policy, and that "penalties for violating the dress code will be a $1,000 [fine] and it will double with each offense." Mayo noted in an era when "Instagram 'golf babes' are dressing more provocative than ever," perhaps the LPGA is "trying to set an entirely different tone in an effort to command respect and separate itself as a highly different, more professional product" (GOLFDIGEST.com, 7/14). GOLF.com's Kevin Cunningham wrote the news is "surprising coming from the LPGA because that Tour has often [led] the way in making the game exciting to young players and fans" (GOLF.com, 7/14).
