More rain delays at U.S. Women's Open - and why do spectators wear golf shoes?

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. – Play has been suspended for the second time today due to lightning in the area at the U.S. Women’s Open.

Play is expected to resume sometime later this afternoon…Bummer that ESPN isn’t covering the event in the morning - when play has been uninterrupted both days.

While there’s a break in the action…can someone explain to me why spectators, the dorkiest golf writers and even swing coaches walk around the course and range with golf shoes on?

It’s kind of pathetic - like the 40-year-old guy who brings a mitt to a big league game.

The caddies and photogs - who both get more exercise and need traction at times more than the players themselves don’t wear golf shoes. I’ve never had a pair of golf shoes that were more comfortable than sneakers.

There have been remarkable advances in the dress sneaker over the last decade, thanks to Puma and other fashionable brands. You could wear the right sneakers with a tuxedo these days and it’s acceptable - just keep ‘em out of the dirt.

There is no excuse for wearing Foot-Joys if you aren’t in the tournament.

I do appreciate people making the effort to “dress the part", and I’m glad I don’t see a bunch of “Dale Jr.” tank tops and “jorts” out here. But I think we can all agree the golf spikes are a little desperate.

Looks like I’ll be staying here till sunset…more on results at WorldGolf.com.