Dan's Papers - May 30, 2008 - Fashionista! by Kelly Kreiger

Women's golf attire was extremely conservative in the early years, when the greats, such as Betty Jameson, Babe Didrikson Zaharias and Marlene Bauer Hagge - who was known as the glamour girl of golf at the time - stepped onto the course. Fast forward decades later, and we have golf clothing that is trendy and fashion forward.

According to the National Golf Foundation, there are nearly five million female golfers in the United States. The growing popularity and media attention has created a higher demand for sportswear designers to get in full swing with the times.

As in any sport, there are rules and requirements to follow. And as always, there are some who play by the rules, and there are some who like to push the envelope. Criticized in the past for wearing inappropriate clothing, Michelle Wie's style still earned her a hefty bank account. Sponsored by Nike, Wie made nearly $20 million in endorsements in 2006. Not bad for a 17-year-old.

Hall-of-famer Annika Sorenstam decided to retire this year. Winner of 10 Majors and 72 victories overall, Sorenstam has brought women's golf to a level of greatness that will go down in history. And when it comes to women's golf apparel, she knows her stuff. Swedish-born Sorenstam has joined forces with Cutter & Buck to create a line of women's golf apparel that is stylish and comfortable. Check out Annika's Tab Placket Polo or Dry Tee Balance Mock made of 95% nylon and 5% spandex. Her Technique Skort, made of 84% polyester and 16% spandex, or Sedona Microfiber, includes front pockets, back welt pockets, side vents and a knit undershort, which are all machine washable. Comfort and quality fabrics that are breathable are essential. Staying dry and cool on the course helps with concentration. For her full line, log on to cutterbuck.com.

Think pink. Newcomer Paula Creamer, who has two LPGA wins under her belt, can definitely get away with wearing pink anytime she chooses. Check out Walter Genuin's pink and eggplant colored slip-on golf shoes at waltergenuin.com. Love them!

Since 2006, Lorena Ochoa has maintained her winning streak with 23 victories to her credit. Ochoa remained cool wearing Lacoste Polo during the British Open at St. Andrews.

Is it celebrity tee time? Tea Leoni, with an impressive handicap of 12, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Celine Dion, Heather Locklear and Belinda Carlisle absolutely love playing golf. In fact, Carlisle, a solo artist and lead singer of The Go-Go's, would love to design her own line of golf apparel.

There are many lines to choose from, but some of the more popular lines include: Adidas, Ashworth, Callaway, Bobby Jones (yes, they design for women as well), Lacoste, Nike, Wilson, Jamie Sadock and Tail, just to name a few.

On the East End, stop by The Nines, in East Hampton. This specialty shop is a female golfer's dream. They carry everything you could possibly need for a day of golf.

Many websites cater to women's golf apparel including Bella Golfwear, bellagolfwear.com. Check out www.golflocker.com or www.golfsophisticate.com as well.