With so much discussion about how golf has evolved in areas like equipment and fitness, we've overlooked just how much progress golf -- and really society as a whole -- has made in the style arena. For proof, we give you the Players Championship in the 1980s and '90s.
Those Were (Not) The Days
Let these early Players photos remind you how far golf style has come
May 10, 2016
By
Sam Weinman
Golf shirts in the '80 and '90s often defied description. Like this one from Joel Edwards.
Photo By: Getty Images
Or this Nick Price situation.
Photo By: Getty Images
Greg Norman was always good for some bold shirts.
As long as it didn't distract from his mesh cowboy hat.
Photo By: Sports Illustrated/Getty Images
When it comes to mesh cowboy hats, by the way, 1994 at Sawgrass was a high water mark. Norman won the Players in record fashion with one in March.
Photo By: Getty Images
And then some other guy won the U.S. Amateur there wearing his version that August.
Photo By: Sports Illustrated/Getty Images
Other players had their own headwear looks. Duffy Waldorf favored floral patterns.
Photo By: Getty Images
While Ian Baker-Finch was big on the visor.
Photo By: Getty Images
And we'll always give props to the well-maintained mullet.
Photo By: Getty Images
And speaking of business up front, party in the back, sometimes no hat is the best solution of all. Just ask John Daly.
Photo By: Getty Images
Fred Couples was sort of the patron saint of the early '90s puffy shirt.
Photo By: Getty Images
But as Colin Montgomerie proved, it's not as though he had exclusive rights.
Photo By: Getty Images