Golf officials & # 039; fixed in 19th century & # 039; says coach who lets children play in tracksuits

Thomas Devine & # 39; s tweet was criticized by some golfers

A junior golf coach says club officials "are stuck in the 19th century" after being criticized for having children play in bottoms and hoodies.

Thomas Devine posted a photo on Twitter of some of his young students practicing their putting.

And although many supported him, the image was criticized by traditionalists for ignoring the dress code of the sport.

"If they feel comfortable in trainers and a hoodie, that's the way we should allow them to dress," he said.

Devine, who leads a & # 39; Future Elite & # 39; program at Oulton Hall in Yorkshire, added: "It is important when these young people are six, seven, eight that obstacles to those who being interested in or getting excited about golf being removed – and that means how they dress. If they feel comfortable in trainers and a hoodie, that's the way we should allow them to dress.

"At that age they just want to play. Moreover, I think we should remove the cost price by having children wear their daily clothes. We guide 21st century children – we are not trapped in the 19th century and only accept the descendants of the privileged classes.

Devine regularly gives more than 170 juniors, between five and sixteen, every week, and says he has never had any complaints about the relaxed dress code.

"The irony of these people using 21st century technology to criticize those of us who move with the times and embrace change seems to be lost," he said.

"We will continue to have young people wear what they are comfortable with, whether it be trackie bottoms and a customized T-shirt or golf pants and a £ 60 polo shirt."

While the official rules of golf only ban clothing that can give players an advantage – for example kinetic clothing that releases energy – many golf clubs enforce clothing regulations to comply with the & # 39; tradition & # 39; of the sport.

Golf authorities have said they are looking to modernize the game to make it more accessible. A new, easier-to-understand rulebook came into force in January while the governing body explained last year's R&A new plans to increase the attractiveness of the sport and promised to invest £ 200 million in the coming decade

2019 Open is played in Royal Portrush, which has the following dress code:

Shirts – Golf shirts must have collars with long or short sleeves. Rugby / football jerseys are prohibited, as well as shirts with slogans, figures or illustrations on clothing that are not related to golf. Colliers without a collar, such as T-shirts of any variety, are not permitted. Long pants – Must be tailor-made and suitable for golf. All types or colors of denim, military style or camouflage style pants, combat pants (multiple pockets), cut-offs or tracksuits are strictly prohibited. Short – Bermudas & # 39; s are allowed on the left and can be worn with white knee length OR short socks. Shorts are NOT allowed in the Dining Room / Babington Room, but are allowed in The Dunluce Room, Locker Rooms, Club Shop and Balcony. Short shorts, training shorts and athletic pants are NOT allowed. Shoes – Shoes designed exclusively for playing golf are permitted. Hard and soft spikes are both allowed on the Links. Golfers may NOT wear training shoes on the Links. Golf shoes and training shoes are allowed in the clubhouse, with the exception of Dining Room & Babington Room. Sandals of any type are NOT allowed on the Links. All sandals / shoes that are worn in the clubhouse must be worn with socks (this only applies to men). Dresses Collarless shirts / tops must have sleeves and sleeveless shirts / tops must have collars and a modest neckline. Halter neck tops are not allowed. Pants, customized bermudas, golf skirts / culottes are allowed. Caps – Caps may not be worn in the clubhouse by ladies or gentlemen.