Dalmilling golfer told to remove shirt on first tee

Jul 30 2010 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

A STUNNED golfer was ordered to take off his shirt when teeing off for his weekly round.

Staff at Dalmilling golf course told Andrew Downie to ditch the Ayr United polo shirt – because it threatened to cause offence.

Andrew, the football club’s lottery boss, was forced to change clothes before resuming his round on Sunday.

Now he wants a rule change from council chiefs after being humiliated at the first tee.

Andrew said: “I’m a South Ayrshire golf season ticket holder and play the courses every week.

“I’ve worn this polo shirt and ones like it, with the Ayr United badge, on hundreds of occasions – and not once have I been challenged.

“I totally understand football strips being banned from the golf course but this was leisurewear.

“As an employee of Ayr United, I am constantly quizzed about events at the club when I’m on the golf course and enjoy good-natured banter with fans from rival clubs.

“So for this to happen was totally over the top and the way they went about it was ridiculous.”

Andrew, who has been employed by Ayr United for 15 years, claims he was ordered to “remove or cover up” his shirt in the starter’s office in front of stunned colleagues.

And he insists the matter has left a sour taste in his mouth.

Andrew, 39, said: “I was totally embarrassed. Even after I’d changed, the starter ran up to me at the first tee, brandishing a rule book in my face.

“To be fair, I’ve received a verbal apology from a few senior figures at the course since it happened and I appreciate that.

“I just feel this sort of ruling should be clarified to prevent further embarrassment for me or anyone else in future.

“It seems ridiculous in the extreme that Ayr United is the local team yet they have their leisurewear banned from local courses.”

Now Dalmilling chiefs have held their hands up, issuing a full apology to the United employee.

Dalmilling Golf Club professional Ian Robertson said: “South Ayrshire Council has a dress code for golfers, which prohibits members and guests from wearing football shirts on the course, in the clubhouse or the shop, all of which are independently managed.

“On Sunday morning Mr Downie came into the club shop wearing a polo shirt with a small Ayr United club logo on it and a contractor asked Mr Downie to change his shirt.

“Mr Downie left the shop and returned to the course with his clubs a few minutes later, having changed his shirt in the car park.

“On his return to the course, the contractor handed a copy of the rules and regulations to Mr Downie, who subsequently raised the matter with me.

“I explained this was a misunderstanding and we had got it wrong. Mr Downie’s original attire was acceptable.

“I have made a full and frank apology for this and also for the way the situation was managed.

“I have also assured Mr Downie there will be no repetition and, as a valued member, I look forward to welcoming him back to the course to enjoy his golf.”