[Photo: Matt Roberts]
Annabell Fuller became one of the most talked-about players in the Australian WPGA Championship. The 23-year-old Englishwoman finished seventh, her best result of the season. But when videos and photos of Fuller circulated online, chatter emerged about her outfit. Fuller wore a skort and collared crop top in competition, with many commenters complimenting the athletic look and others questioning whether exposing one’s midriff during a round of golf is appropriate. The assumption circulated online that Fuller was violating the dress code.
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Fuller did not receive a fine or any form of reprimand for her clothing, she told Golf Digest in a message as she flew from Queensland to her next tournament.
“A lot of girls have worn crop tops in the past couple years, too,” Fuller said. “I don’t actually know why mine’s sparked more interest.”
Fuller herself has never been fined, and she’s never heard of other players getting fines for their clothing, either.
Beyond golf, Fuller spends a lot of time in the gym doing CrossFit and Hyrox, and you can see some of that inspiration in her golf clothing. When dressing for intense indoor fitness, you’re wearing clothing that maximises freedom of movement. She takes that mentality to her golf clothing because she knows what can happen to the golf swing if she’s wearing something that restricts movement.
“In winter in England, my clubhead speed drops a lot because wearing lots of jumpers stops me turning freely,” Fuller says. “I think golf attire should probably be more similar to tennis, to be honest.”
Women’s golf clothing has evolved significantly in the past two decades, with more options becoming available and players dressing in more athletic styles. Fuller feels women’s golf clothing is evolving in a good direction.
“I think it’s following the idea that golf is a ‘physical sport’. People are becoming so much more athletic, swinging it so quickly, and in today’s world I think it would help grow the game to make it look more appealing to wear cute clothes,” Fuller said.
She knows her outfits aren’t for everyone. But she likes how she dresses, and knows other women will resonate with her apparel.
“I understand people might not feel comfortable in different clothing. But I think wearing cute clothes that look feminine, cute and sporty is a great way to make the game look more appealing for girls and women to want to be a part of it,” Fuller said. “Take away the stereotype [that] it’s a man’s game.”
Fuller, who wears Adidas golf apparel, believes golfers should wear what makes them feel confident.
“As long as I’m comfy and I feel good about myself, then I feel good to play,” Fuller said.
