Spotlight shines on women's golf fashion during Solheim Cup

It doesn't just matter who wins or loses, it's also who looks better playing the game.

At this weekend's Solheim Cup in Sugar Grove, people will be checking out what the women golfers wear as much as they'll check the leaderboard. That's why sportswear companies line up for the chance to sponsor the teams for this tournament.

All of the golfers on the U.S. and European teams will be dressed in clothes designed especially for them - everything from their rain gear to their shoes - and will be judged in an unofficial, behind-the-scenes competition as to whose outfits look better.

"There's a rivalry there. (The Americans) want to outshine the European team," explained Eddie Fadel, vice president of apparel for Ashworth Golf, the company dressing the U.S. team. "The Solheim Cup for women is equivalent to a Ryder Cup for men. And women care more about the fashion aspect of it than men."

Fadel and his co-workers met with a few U.S. team members to talk about design styles and comfort, and a few of the women came in for fittings. Each day, they'll be able to choose from a selection of golf dresses, pants, shorts or skorts (skirts with shorts under them) and an array of golf shirts.

"No one tucks their shirts in now ... and the younger players want to wear their skirts shorter," Fadel said. "Sleeveless shirts are less popular now. Sleeves are back."

Since red, white and blue are the U.S. team's traditional colors, Ashworth Golf designers toned things down a bit by using shades of those bold colors and enhancing the designs with details like embroidered stars.

"Women's golf has come a long way," Fadel said. "Now you can be very fashionable on the golf course."

The Americans should look good, but so will the Europeans. Abacus, a company best known for its sporty Scandinavian styles, is dressing the European golfers in colorful outfits each day - colors like lipstick, apple, green and lilac mixed with white. Some pieces will have dots and stripes for added design.

"In addition, we have a secret weapon for Sunday's single matches on the final day," said Chris Mattsson, head designer for Abacus. "Both the public and the American players will find it hard to keep their eyes on the ball!"

ECCO designed high-end golf shoes for both teams, and made the American shoe a bit flashier in its red, white and blue color scheme.

Nearly everything the players wear will be available for purchase at the Soldheim Cup as well as through the individual companies.

Even the keri golf tote bag, which U.S. team captain Beth Daniel will give to her players, was specially designed for this event.

"Golf fashion is extremely influenced by street fashion now," said David Griffith, spokesman for ECCO. "Everyone likes to see what the women are going to wear."

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Photo Galleries</h2> <ul class="gallery"> <li><a href="/story/?id=315268">Thursday images from the Solheim Cup </a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=314990">Wednesday images from the Solheim Cup </a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=314617">Tuesday images from the Solheim Cup </a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=314310">Monday images from the Solheim Cup </a></li> </ul> <h2>Video</h2> <ul class="video"> <li><a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/multimedia/?category=18&type=video&item=3">Solheim Cup Opening </a></li> <li><a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/multimedia/?category=18&type=video&item=2">Solheim Cup After Sundown party </a></li> </ul> <h2>Related links</h2> <ul class="moreWeb"> <li><a href="/packages/2009/solheimcup/">Complete Daily Herald coverage of the Solheim Cup</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>