American golfer Justin Thomas made a lot of waves at Royal Birkdale today on the first day of The Open Championship. And that's not just because he's carded an impressive 67 in just his second appearance at the tournament. The 24 year old's choice of attire turned some heads after he turned up to play in a tie and cardigan.
Of course, formal dress has always been part of the traditions in golf. Thomas has a way to go before he reached the surely constrictive clothing of Old and Young Tom Morris.
We're not sure if those outfits were particularly suitable to opening up the shoulders for a big drive.
While golf has relaxed their laws since the 19th century, they are still quite stuffy about what players wear. Back in the 1990s, David Duval nearly caused a golf civil war when he wore a polo neck instead of a collar.
Even so, it's a while since we've seen the old tie and cardigan look.
In general, it's gone down quite well, though it's far from perfect.
The looseness of the tie Thomas is wearing is frankly an affront to the legacy of the Tom Morrises, and his navy Titelist hat kind of takes away from the overall effect. Also, Justin... navy and black? Really?
Best dressed for round 1 @TheOpen must be @JustinThomas34 👌🏼 #EXCELing @LanceYoung21 pic.twitter.com/8KEzB1P2tv
— Paul McDonnell (@PaulMac69) July 20, 2017
Justin Thomas is dressed like he's 15 beers deep into a wedding
— Glenn Ingram (@theeaglebald) July 20, 2017
Has to be said - Justin Thomas looks bloody ridiculous
— James Corrigan (@jcorrigangolf) July 20, 2017
Thomas, whose 67 has put in him in real contention, says he wore a tie on the first round of the 2013 Walker Cup, and wanted to replicate it.
"I feel like this is the only tournament where I can really get away with it," he told NBC.
Unfortunately, it seems to be a one day only thing.
