Troon: Michael Jordan can play golf in cargo shorts at our courses

The last thing the golf industry needs to do is drive more people away from the game by telling them how to dress, but there do need to be guidelines, of course. This issue recently came to light with someone you would think would know better, considering the amount of golf he plays at high profile clubs – Michael Jordan.

According to a recent New York Post story, The Great One was kicked off the course at La Gorce Country Club Country Club in Miami Beach for wearing cargo shorts. Interestingly enough, the Jordan camp admitted to the transgression on the day in question, but it said Jordan had done so before at La Gorce and had never been informed of the policy.

I would never wear cargo shorts on the golf course; I just don’t like them, more than anything. But I can understand why some people would prefer them to Bermuda shorts. When you think about, what does it really matter, especially at daily fees?

So now Troon, which manages hundreds of courses around the world, including upscale Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz., recently published some more relaxed guidelines on dress.

“While history and tradition have always added to golf’s appeal, the game has always embraced the evolution of golf attire in the name of both fashion and performance,” said Troon’s senior vice president, operations, Ryan Walls. “It is important that our facilities adapt with golfers’ preferences by updating dress guidelines to ensure they always feel excepted and comfortable every time they visit.”

Some highlights of Troon’s new dress code include:

– It’s OK, but not preferable to wear gym shorts;

– The footwear policy is flexible as long as you’re not wearing high heels, boots or metal spikes that would damage the greens;

– And in the clubhouse, you can wear denim if you feel the need, but footwear other than sneakers would be preferred for dinner and special events.

In conclusion, Troon is saying this isn’t your stuffy grandfather’s game anymore.

It seems pretty reasonable to me, but I have to admit, I still like nice golf attire, even if I don’t wear it all that well myself. Golf fashion, to me, has always been part of the fun. But to each his own, I guess, if it brings more people into the game.