Kilted Golfer DENIED Play at Royal Troon because of the kilt

[CMcG]

[sfb]

It's years since I played golf - partly because some of the rules that clubs made up (including no women in the bar in my day!) always grated on me. Golf clubs in general have far too high an opinion of themselves, if you ask me.

I agree it's ridiculous that it happened in Scotland at all, and it's discourteous that the "Caddiemaster" didn't trouble himself to speak to you in person.

Interestingly, the dress code is on their visitors information page. I can't see where it says there's a rule about no bare legs. Just shorts.

Might be worth pointing out.

[Nighthawk]

The letter I sent:

"To whom it may (or may not!) concern:

I received rather a disturbing letter from a friend of mine, by the name of Jeff Foster. It read:

"Today I played at Royal Troon just north of where we spent the night in Prestwick. Showed up properly kilted and looking grand and was denied my right to play because there is a rule against men playing in shorts, and they equated my kilt to shorts. Final decision was made by the CaddieMaster of all people, as he was the highest ranking official present at the time, and he did not even bother to come and see how I was dressed before making his decision. Here is what I looked like when I showed up to play: ***Jeff looking as splendid as Jeff always does***"

Your course is in Scotland, correct? Where the kilt is the national dress, and a matter of cultural pride? Correct me if I'm wrong on that. So you equating the kilt with shorts? I had another friend recently who was told by a Baptist minister that his kilt was nothing more special than sweats and a t shirt, and I thought that only happened in America! And the way your caddiemaster treated him- not even giving the courtesy of a face to face denial of a reasonable request? I would expect that kind of treatment here in the States, because everywhere else in the world, we're referred to as Ugly Americans. I guess there are some Ugly Scots, too. Good to know- and good to know where I won't be golfing when next I go to visit my family on Skye.

Sincerely,

Rev. Travis Butterworth
303 437 2587
www.CoCelticWeddings.com"

I think I was tactful, and yet to the point.

[seanachie]

Jeff I had a bunch of things to do tonight, but I took the time to write a note on your behalf. I was appalled that this should have happened to you. I choose not to share the content publicly, but rest assured it was polite, respectful and dignified. My ancestry is not Scot, but I do have great pride in my ethnicity and was easily able to place my self in your shoes. As someone else had commented it was very boorish behavior at a place, with so many visitors, that you would expect more respect. I certainly hope you won't report that wearing the saltire got you in trouble.

[Schiehallion]

I am amazed but not surprised. Having seen some of the garish trousers and questionable dress sense of some golf players I would have thought that a well dressed and turned out man in a kilt as Jeff indeed was, would have been a sartorial asset to the greens.

[sathor]

One of my friends commented a few days back that he saw a GUY wearing CAPRIS on a golf course. <<shudder>>

I remember a news story like this a few years back, where a kiltie was denied playing a course, and the official reason wound up being the socks he was wearing, and the course thought it was disrespectful of the kilt.

[PEEDYC]

I am not a golfer but have had to get involved due to previous jobs where my employer Company sponsored games. I was once asked by my boss to stand at the back of the hall during the prize presentations as I was not wearing a suit and he didn't want me expelled. I was dressed very smart casual with jacket and tie and was probably one of the smartest looking there as many wore ill fitting and faded suits. Unfortunately rules are rules no matter how stupid.

This decision by the Club may have been a loose interpretation of the rules by them but it was their decision and right. As far as the Caddiemaster not seeing Jeff I am sure he knew what a kilt looks like. Out of courtsey I suggest he could have conveyed his decision in person if he had the time.

There are clubs in the Uk that only admit men if they are wearing neckties. It would be their decision as to what constituted a necktie. Would it include the bootlace type with a steers head woggle or a cravat? I don't know but I defend their right to decide.

I used to try and bend the rules when I was at school. One had to wear grey trousers and so I chose charcoal grey (almost black). Nothing in the rules mentioned waistcoats so I wore one under my blazer. It was often pointe dout that my interpretation of the rules did not comply and was sent home to change several times.

[jrmiller]

Just don't give them your business again. It's probably over-priced and evidently pretentious, so leave them to their "panting" clientele!

[sanddog28]

Just don't give them your business again. It's probably over-priced and evidently pretentious, so leave them to their "panting" clientele!

This particular situation isn’t really helped by not giving them your business in the future as to many Americans and really most golfers outside the UK the chance to play the Open loop is a once in a lifetime chance, so as a passionate golfer I understand were Jeff is coming from. To have the experience ruined or at the very least its enjoyment greatly reduced is intolerable. Like so many others have said to have your kilt be called suspect in the states is something we all are used to, but at a course in Scotland is something truly unexpected. It is a sad reflection on the course and the Caddie Master, and one we hope will be addressed internally by Royal Troon.

[Riverkilt]

Seems like this situation would make a great story for one of the golfing magazines.....