Long and the shorts of it as fashion hits the fairways

The old war cry that ladies golf fashion was “stuck in the past” or simply copied that of men – with plenty of pink thrown in to make a difference – would seem to have changed for the better.

Things have come a long way from the time when Babe Zaharias, a trendsetter in the game if not in the fashion stakes, won the women’s US Open wearing a button-down long-sleeve top and long skirt.

It is only in recent years that the big fashion houses have woken up to the fact that there is a real market for women’s golfing fashions. The days when the manufacturers simply produced smaller-sized men’s polo shirts and called them ladies T-shirts have disappeared and items like the golf skirt have moved onto the shelves.

Our three golfing volunteers were given the run of McGuirks Golf in Blanchardstown to showcase how fashion trends have developed. Ursula Higgins, from Roganstown, plumped for the Galvin Green, a personal favourite. "I find it very versatile and comfortable to play in, my swing is not restricted when wearing the jacket . . . and it is easy to pack in the golf bag as well!"

Generally, women’s fashion has “improved greatly in the last couple of years, there’s a much better choice of colours,” added Ursula.

Christina McAvinue, who also plays out of Roganstown, went for Callaway clothing, although was somewhat sorry that she had too much pink. “I would normally go for white and I love navy. I don’t think I would go out in all the pink. Black trousers might have been better.”

Like Ursula, Christina felt that women’s fashion trends had improved but added, “I still think there is so much room for improvement, to have some more trendy gear. I think it can be a bit dated sometimes.”

Carol Kirwan, who plays out of Castleknock Golf Club, where the shoot took place, opted for Abacus – a personal favourite – and a change of clothing in Calvin Klein. "I love the fit of Abacus, some of the brands can be too small, and I also like the colour, purple is a bit different, especially for summer . . . we just need the sun to shine now!"

CHECK IT OUT: The winning look

Carol Kirwan chose :
Abacus polka dot skirt € 89.95
Abacus visor €24.95
Abacus sweater €79.95
Abacus polo shirt €59.95
FootJoy sport shoes €115.00

Ursula Higgins ch ose:
Galvin Green misty shirt €79.95
Galvin Green visor €24.95
Galvin Green Ciara sweater €95.00
Galvin Green blaise windstopper €219.00
Galvin Green Dawn Insula bodywarmer €95.00
Galvin Green trousers €95.00

Christina McAvinue cho se:
Callaway Microfibre €19.95
Callaway Capri crop €59.95
Callaway Capri sleeveless €59.95
Callaway Katie trousers €79.95
Callaway Lunar Links shoes €99.00

Carol Kirwan - Change of outfit
Calkin Klein windstopper €94.95
Calvin Klein visor €20.50

Calvin Klein polo shirt €69.95
Calin Klein lengths €74.95
FootJoy sport shoes €115.00

All fashion kindly provided for the photo shoot by McGuirks Golf, Blanchardstown Shopping Centre