PGA looking liks the Yankees

[uttexas]

One problem here is that the "PGA card members" are independent contractors. They are members, not employees. If they don't like the PGA rules on attire, facial hair, chewing tobacco rules, etc, they can just go off to the Euro tour or the Austalasian tour. (Just like Tiger threatened to do if the PGA didn't allow caddies to wear shorts in hot weather)

The independent contractors could clean up their act for PGA events like the PGA Championship or whatever. The PGA, imo, is not holding the trump cards in this situation. The British Open, the Masters, the Player's championship, and the Ryder Cup are not run by the PGA (I think I'm right on this) and the PGA championship get's less respect annually. FedEx/Charles Schwabb whatever it is end of year thing.....please.

[Golfgal]

Maybe you just have a fetish for guys with long hair. I personally think that this is a good thing. I hate looking at baseball players and thinking that they are trying to save some money by not shaving. Half of them look like bums instead of athletes. The PGA tour golfers are role models to many children across the world, get your Sh** together and start looking like a real men. The Yankees have a locker room policy because they want to look professional, and while they are on the feild, they are at WORK. Do you see buisnessmen showing up to meetings wearing pj's? no, they look professional, just like any paid athlete should.

I think the issue comes down to "independent contractor" versus employee. You seem to think all business men look the same. I am in high tech - believe you me...business men in that space look anything BUT business'y :)

Do I like long hair? Not on most men. But on some...it really works. Sorry..I'm a golfgal who loves sexy men and CV is sexy, Greg Norman is sexy (have you seen his hair lately) and Miguel Angel is sexy. (And I'm not the only woman in the world that thinks that). But sexy isn't just long hair. I think Tiger is sexy (not only short hair, but losing it big time!). So hair length is irrelevant. Dictating hair length is very relevant and I'm against it. I would hate to see Tiger in long hair or Phil. Some men looks good scruffy - some men don't! I just want "independent" contractors to have some freedom to choose. Some guys make the wrong choice and I cringe, but they should have that choice (i.e. Charley Hoffman). My comparison to the Yankees was supposed to be funny because I find Damon sexy. If Ichiro were to grow his hair, I'd roll over in my grave - he's my fave player, but I'd hate to see him in long hair. It's not one way or the other across the board with me. I understand what the Yankees did - it's a "team". I was using the JD example to be funny (I guess I failed with you ;)). But in the end, independent contractors like golfers need to be independent. We may hate their choices, but we must stand behind them to make them regardless of our personal opinions. If sponsors back off, then they might get a message. But something tells me that for the truly talented, there will be sponsors standing in the wings waiting to snatch them up. Whew! I think this is the longest post I've ever made

[zeg]

I think it's ridiculous to require hair of a particular length. Different people have different reasons for choosing how to wear their hair. For some it's simple preference, for some it's style, for some it's cultural, etc. I don't see a problem with requiring it to be neat and clean, but it doesn't have to be short to meet that requirement.

[albatross]

I agree that this would make the tour less interesting. If a guy wants to grow his hair, let him. I think this helps expand golf to those that view the PGA as a big group of pretty boys.

It does add to the cast of characters on tour and I think that helps the game. I know it makes me more interested.

There would be a lot of backlash from players also. I think the PGA's image is squeaky clean compared to other professional sports right about now

Facial hair shouldn't be anywhere near a concern.

[-BAMA-]

I agree that this would make the tour less interesting. If a guy wants to grow his hair, let him. I think this helps expand golf to those that view the PGA as a big group of pretty boys.

i concur 100%

[HytrewQasdfg]

I haven't read the rules, but it seems to me they are confusing neat and old-fashioned. Styles change over time (heck, when's the last time you saw plaid pants on a golf course?) Modern styles of dress/grooming are not bad.

I'm guessing a guy like Troy Polamalu (Steelers DB) wouldn't pass the cut on the new rules. Yet this is a guy who in his private life is a settled down, religious, married family guy. The kind of guy you'd like your daughter to marry. Yet, because he doesn't look the part he wouldn't be allowed on the tour?

I agree there should be some standards (basketball's embrace of hip-hop probably had a negative affect on the sport), but golf should be wary of becoming stereotyped as a old-man's sport. The next generation comming along needs to feel comfortable playing also.

Styles change over time. Golf should adopt the BETTER styles that come along, not attempt to cling to the past.

[Drennen13]

I can't stand what the Yankees did in terms of dictating "

Its called playing the best and looking the best. Dignity.

[2bGood]

I haven't read the rules, but it seems to me they are confusing neat and old-fashioned. Styles change over time

Say what? Plaid is back big time - I see (and where) Plaid shorts and pants all the time. Funny thing is plaid is not considered that conservative.

I think the PGA could tighten up their dress code a little bit. I have no issue with long and longer hair as long as it is neat. Facial hair should either be grown in (no half shaven guys) and the dress code should stay the same, but they should not allow the mock neck shirts - they look too much like t-shirts

[DavidFehertysBike]

One problem here is that the "PGA card members" are independent contractors. They are members, not employees. If they don't like the PGA rules on attire, facial hair, chewing tobacco rules, etc, they can just go off to the Euro tour or the Austalasian tour. (Just like Tiger threatened to do if the PGA didn't allow caddies to wear shorts in hot weather)

QFT. I was just about to mention this. The PGA cant dictate anything to the players, more or less. As you said, they can just leave.

I dont understand who this is directed at, anyway. There usually is one person that sparks this kind of policy, and i cant think of anyone on the PGA tour that is so "unsportsman looking"

[mtsalmela80]

What if a super phoenom who never ever shoots higher than 60, but insists on wearing camoflage cut off shorts and heavy metal t-shirts who sports a neon green long goatee arrives on the scene? Do you think he will not have a future in the PGA because of his attire?

[DavidFehertysBike]

What if a super phoenom who never ever shoots higher than 60, but insists on wearing camoflage cut off shorts and heavy metal t-shirts who sports a neon green long goatee arrives on the scene? Do you think he will not have a future in the PGA because of his attire?

Scott Ian plays golf?

[mtsalmela80]

I dont think so, at least there is no record of it, but a lot of heavy metal enthusiasts / players do, starting right here!

Oh I forgot to nail the point on my above post, which is, I think when it comes to games and careers of pure personal skill, if one really excells in it, they can do whatever they want and the industry, out of pure financial concern, has to roll with it.

[DavidFehertysBike]

I dont think so, at least there is no record of it, but a lot of heavy metal enthusiasts / players do, starting right here!

I agree. The PGA has no bussiness dictating how the players should look.

[LBlack14]

The REDS used to do it until they signed Greg Vaughn.

This guy's a clown!

[Drennen13]

The REDS used to do it until they signed Greg Vaughn.

but one of the greatest baseball players of all time none the less.

[LBlack14]

but one of the greatest baseball players of all time none the less.

I wouldn't go that far. He sucks in the outfield, PERIOD! Hitter....Yes, but now TAINTED.

[ugottabjoshinme]

I dont think so, at least there is no record of it, but a lot of heavy metal enthusiasts / players do, starting right here!

I disagree. If one wants to be part of the governing organization and make money through that organization, then that person has to abide by the rules. The other option for them would be to not participate and not make money.

[sooperstring]

What if a super phoenom who never ever shoots higher than 60, but insists on wearing camoflage cut off shorts and heavy metal t-shirts who sports a neon green long goatee arrives on the scene? Do you think he will not have a future in the PGA because of his attire?

A super phenom who never shoots higher than a 60, and cares more about wearing camo cutoff shorts than making $100m?

The PGA tour has a lot more leverage than any individual player.