Kilted Golfer DENIED Play at Royal Troon because of the kilt

**Bigkahuna** · 11th August 10, 07:14 PM

Originally Posted by davedove

Now we're talking; just where are these courses?

I believe that if you check out some of the courses in the Las Vegas, Nevada area, they can set you up with the Caddie of your choice.

**Jock Scot** · 10th August 10, 10:11 PM

Ah that's better! All is right with Jock's world now.Yes it was nice to have a chat with you Jeff and you never know, one of these days we will share that wee dram. Have fun.

**Riverkilt** · 11th August 10, 07:41 AM

God help me I do so love the no sporran look. Shows off the tartan so well.

**artificer** · 11th August 10, 07:17 PM

Jeff Forrester, making life hard for head caddies all over Scotland!

Seriously, I know rules are there for a reason, but barring a KILT in Scotland? That's like not allowing beer on the course in the US!

**EagleJCS** · 11th August 10, 09:05 PM

"Gunga galunga... gunga, gunga-lagunga."

P.S. Hope you're having fun and staying cool Jeff. You'll be sure to melt when you get back home - temps in the middle/upper 90's here this week.

**Scott West** · 12th August 10, 06:13 AM

Jeff, I'm sorry to hear your golf outing was unnecessarily waylaid because of jackassery. Your denial to play makes absolutely no sense whatsoever, and is, of course, ESPECIALLY egregious given your attire + location. The abject failure of the determining authority (Coursemaster?) to exercise any judgement or independent thought beyond mindlessly deferring to the 'rules' is pathetic and inexcusable. I'm an avid golfer and have seen young folks (and some not so young!) on courses in thoroughly inappropriate attire, e.g. jeans shorts, the 'sagging' pants and shorts, tank tops, tennis shoes, etc. Royal Troon, is a golfer smartly wearing a kilt really THAT major of an issue, especially in light of the historical/cultural benefits to be garnered?!

**wildrover** · 12th August 10, 07:52 AM

Who knows, maybe the guy was an import from somewhere else in The Empire, and forgot he was in Scotland. I can think of no possible explanation, and it would be hilarious to see the "straightening out" session between the members and this middle-management guy who soiled your cheerios.

**davidlpope** · 13th August 10, 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by wildrover

Who knows, maybe the guy was an import from somewhere else in The Empire, and forgot he was in Scotland. I can think of no possible explanation, and it would be hilarious to see the "straightening out" session between the members and this middle-management guy who soiled your cheerios.

Do you really think so?

Perhaps I'm the pessimist here, but the fact that this incident played out the way it did makes me believe:

1. Members of the club don't regularly play golf while wearing the kilt.
2. Members of the club don't consider the kilt appropriate golf-playing attire.
3. Members are the club are more likely to share a quiet chuckle over the "Yank who showed up wearing a kilt" than "straighten out" one of their own.

I guess I'd be interested to know how many kilted golfing Scots Jeff has run across during his visit...

Cordially,

David

**ronstew** · 13th August 10, 01:54 PM

MOR is right about the time frame for an apology. A proper written apology is sent by mail with much formality. The secretary would not be able to apologise without authorisation, and that would probably require some sort of board meeting. A rushed, emailed apology is not formal.

My take: The rules say no shorts. The rules do not say no kilts. The rules do not say trousers are required. The rules do not say no leg skin showing. Jeff was within the letter of the rules. The spirit of the rule seems to be to avoid overly casual attire, and Jeff was clearly not overly casual.

I am assuming that Jeff had to pay for his round. In that case, the facts that the club is private, exclusive and snooty are irrelevant. It refused service to a paying customer for a reason that is not mentioned in its published rules. That's bad business, and begs for repercussions.

If Jeff was a guest of the club, the club violated hospitality conventions.

That said, the club is probably within its rights to have a dress code and to interpret it as it chooses. And it may be that its members want to maintain an image of hardnosed snobbery.

It is impossible to foresee every possible situation. Therefore the caddymaster needs freedom to make rulings on the field. And therefore the caddymaster must exercise wisdom in unforeseen situations. I think that wisdom was lacking here, but wisdom is rare. And I am doubt that the caddymaster has been directed to be wise - I suspect that he has been directed to be inflexible.

I hope that you get an apology, Jeff. But be patient.