Overall, the fashion evolution in the '60s from conservative to more casual and colorful attire made its way into golf just as it did in american culture.
1960
Doris day pictured with rock hudson in lover come back, 1961
1970
The '70s style favored loose-fitting polos with billowing collars, cotton shorts, and skirts that couldn’t get in the way of the ball (even if it tried).
Every female golfer in this era fought alongside many others to play and make waves within the budding LPGA community. Players such as Betsy Rawls (above) and Joann Carter (beside) were instrumental in shaping the modern approach to golf that embraced the daring, bold fashion of the changing times, while also showcasing the softer, less serious side of golf and the fun that it is!
Pictured in both photos is Laura Baugh who, at one point in time, was the it girl for golf in the heyday of bellbottoms and sleeveless polos. She was also named golf digest’s most beautiful golfer in 1971!
Groovy vibes and bright patterns flooded the field in the late '70s and '80s as women got louder with their fashion statements, and this allowed for more integration of golf in pop culture.
Women were becoming key fashion icons, such as Judy Rankin and Deborah Mchaffie (pictured above right), who created a door to broaden their audience from just professional golf players.
1980
As the '70s flew out on its psychedelic carpet, the '80s swooped in with a lot more patterns…and so many boss female golfers!
We thank every woman that came before us who laid the groundwork we have today for our colorful and comfortable golf outfits. From skorts with shorties to rompers, we love a fashion upgrade!
Marie Birdie Team
Works Cited
- Photo of Annika Sorenstam -
https://www.lpga.com/lpga-hall-of-fame/annika-sorenstam- Photo of Kathy Whitworth -
https://nypost.com/2022/12/25/kathy-whitworth-winningest golfer-ever-dies-suddenly-at-83/- Photo of Carol Mann -
https://womensgolf.com/carol-mann- Photo of Laura Baugh (just use this one) -
https://sports.yahoo.com/laura-baugh-65-runs-10-120051710.html- Photo of Deb McHaffie -
https://archive.golfdigest.com/article/1992/5/1/how-yoga-can-improve-your-game- Photo of Judy Rankin -
https://www.lpga.com/news/2024/celebrating-judy-rankin-one-of-golfs-original-glass-breakers- Nancy Lopez -
https://golfweek.usatoday.com/gallery/photos-nancy-lopez-through-the-years/- Judy Rankin -
https://www.sj-r.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2013/09/16/rail-charity-golf-classic/445157007/- Photo of Dinah Shore and Althea Gibson -
https://golf.com/news/features/biography-barrier-breaking-female-golfer-won-award/