August National making caddies wear white overalls

[GullLakeMi]

I know there is history here, but surprised this tradition hasn't received more discussion. I've always thought the men's tie what pretty silly. Besides an accent, it is a button cover? What real purpose do these unflattering outfits provide? Corporate America has migrated nearly to athleisure. I'm all for tradition and thoroughly enjoy the Masters tournament. However, don't see purpose in overalls for a sporting event. What am I missing?

[Ronsc1985]

Is the concept of employee uniforms foreign to you?

[GullLakeMi]

In the tournament, only a few are employees of August National. Some will get paid indirectly, but possibly funded by Augusta National only if their guy makes the cut. But maybe you are on to something, is there anywhere you go as a guest/participant that requires you to where their clothes?

[Adrenaline]

No knowledge of the history on the subject, but I feel it looks professional. I also like some traditions and this is one of them (we have cancelled enough recently). Just part of the overall immaculate look of the course and experience of the Masters. Now if the suits were fitted a little better, or they changed to a different hat (fitted), those would be subtle upgrades keeping tradition.

[3on3putt]

Not everything needs a practical purpose. The coveralls are a nod to the club's history and a great tradition. A way cooler look than the bibs and shorts alternative with a big corporate logo slapped across the front. I hope they never change.

[GullLakeMi]

It does allow the club to further control branding of what you see on their grounds, by eliminating caddy marketing opportunity.

They should take the Wimbledon approach and make all the players wear the same color.

[3on3putt]

There is no branding out there for them to control. I believe the clocks say Rolex and that's about the only logo you see on the grounds. It's the least corporate professional golf tournament you'll find.

[GullLakeMi]

That is the point. They could have it if they wanted. Clearly they choose not to and don’t allow the caddies to do so either.

[3on3putt]

Lol exactly. But I don't think the purpose of it has much to do with preventing caddies from sporting logos. Every pro in the field is covered in logos on their shirts, hats and bags so obviously that's not an issue. The history of the overalls is that when the club first opened they employed a lot of poor locals as caddies. They didn't have any nice clothes to wear and the club didn't want them walking around the place in raggedy clothes so they made a uniform for them to class things up a bit. Up until the early 1980s all players in the Masters had to use Augusta caddies. They couldn't bring their own. When they made the rule change to allow players to bring their own caddies, they just kept the overall tradition alive.

[SkeetShooter]

Part of me likes the fact that they are not branded with a bunch of crap all over their bibs... The Master's is just a old-school/old-world kind of tournament, and the caddy overalls really fit that look and feel of it. Now, if I was a caddy I'd hate to have to wear those... On a hot afternoon in GA, the last thing you want to be wearing is a ton of clothing that don't wick sweat away.

[Ronsc1985]

I don't know what goes on at Augusta currently but about 15 years ago I played there in the fall and all the caddies had on the same white overalls. Actually they are not all that bad even in the hotter months although Augusta I believe is closed from May until October.

Check out how the people living in the desert dress. They are fully covered with light colored clothes. The reason white is a preferred color is it reflects a lot of the incoming light spectrum. In fact that is why it looks white.

[fortner28]

I think we have done away with enough traditions. I like that this tournament is different. I hope they don't change anything about it.

[Jwheels9876]

i say they all wear saggy pants next year with their underwear showing . Let's keep up with the times here Augusta National

[GullLakeMi]

Speaking for myself, that would sure be nice not to have to change my clothes when I go to the club.

[Joncoynie]

The tradition of caddies wearing white overalls at the Masters tournament does seem a bit unusual in today's fashion landscape. While it might have historical significance, it's true that it stands out in a world where even corporate attire has shifted towards athleisure.