In life in general, laws, regulations and rules often change with the passage of time and while some folks of my age might typically view any change with suspicion and mistrust, with the passage of time we can see that change is often – though not always – for the better. And if not for the better, then almost, if not completely, inevitable.
Golf is no different and, in a sport that has traditionally bound itself in a few very awkward knots when it comes to rules and regulations, nearly every change provokes a vociferous reaction and sometimes even outrage.
But much needed to change, and has changed, in golf over the past 25 years, so here I highlight eight things that you and I are now allowed to do that would have been either unheard of or a complete no-no even as recently as the turn of the century…
Wearing trainer-style golf shoes
Wearing trainers not that many years ago would have got you thrown off the course and turfed out of the clubhouse at many traditional golf clubs. Nowadays, the best trainer-style golf shoes probably outnumber more traditional styles.
Trainer-style golf shoes are now commonplace and perfectly acceptable
(Image credit: Future)
In some ways, the clothing and shoe brands have forced golf’s hand and, with many golf shoes progressively becoming more and more trainer-like, the sport was fighting a losing and largely unnecessary battle on this front.
Now, very few, if any, hold out against trainer-style golf shoes and many clubs also now allow trainers in the clubhouse.
Wearing short socks with shorts
Many clubs had already moved away from long socks with shorts, though some such clubs do still exist, as I wrote about recently with reference to Baden Powell.
Even the shortest of socks are now allowed at most golf clubs
(Image credit: Getty Images)
But by and large, even very traditional clubs have relented and allowed the wearing of short sports socks and, in many cases, those virtually invisible shoe liners when wearing shorts.
Wearing hoodies
Once the preserve of the shopping centre youth, the hoodie has now also transitioned from the streets to the fairways, with many a tour pro donning the best golf hoodies as nearly all the top brands introduce them into their ranges.
Few golf clubs would have allowed hoodies 25 years ago
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