‘Controversial’ junior dress code policy applied to six more resorts

A leading golf resort group has followed the lead of one of its coaches by allowing juniors to wear what they want when practising and learning at any of its seven family-friendly venues.
The Almarose-managed group – comprising five QHotels and two DoubleTree by Hilton properties – has backed the stance of Thomas Devine, the junior coach at Oulton Hall, in Leeds, who made headlines recently after being criticised for not applying a dress code to his pupils.
The bold approach saw Devine come under fire on social media from some traditionalists, and the story was picked up by national golf magazines and even the BBC. A survey conducted by a golfing website also discovered that golfers were almost split down the middle on the topic.
But the management at Almarose has shown its support for Devine and its determination to bring more people into the game by now applying the same relaxed approach to juniors’ clothing at its other six venues: Belton Woods, and DoubleTree by Hilton Forest Pines Spa & Golf Resort, both in Lincolnshire; Dunston Hall, Norwich; Slaley Hall, in Northumberland; Telford Hotel & Golf Resort, in Shropshire; and, in Scotland, DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Westerwood Spa & Golf Resort.
Alan Foley, Almarose’s director of golf and spa sales, explained: “We were quite astonished by the response in some quarters to Tom’s approach at Oulton Hall, which we support fully. His stance reflects perfectly our approach to junior golf: it should be relaxed, fun and easily accessible, with no barriers to participation.
“If youngsters want to learn in a hoodie and tracksuit bottoms then they can. We’re not going to stop them learning and enjoying a game we all love merely because they don’t think the dress code is cool or simply don’t feel comfortable in it.
“And the best way we could show that we were fully behind Tom is to extend his approach to all of our golf resorts. We hope to see more youngsters take up the sport and also hope to see a wider softening of views from, what might be called, more ‘traditional’ golfers.”
Devine added: “To be honest, I’ve been overwhelmed by the support I’ve had from across the spectrum: students’ parents, members, the media, golfers at other clubs, and fellow teaching pros, have all contacted me to wish me success with the move.
“I never imagined one simple picture on Twitter could create such a storm – but if, in doing so, we’ve highlighted an issue that still prevails in the sport and can make a change that will benefit junior golfers and, in the long term, the sport itself, then it will all have been worthwhile.
“I’m delighted that the other venues in the group have put their collective heads above the parapet to adopt the same practice. It can only be a good thing in the long run.”
Almarose – part of Aprirose – is one of the UK’s leading independent hotel management companies, managing a diverse collection of 20 branded and private-label hotel properties.
Latest
-
News
On this day in 2008: Ryder Cup misery in Louisville for Nick Faldo’s Europe
Faldo was heavily criticised for his tactics in the closing singles.
-
Lucas Glover edges past Patrick Cantlay to claim back-to-back Tour wins
Glover, 43, ultimately claimed victory with a par on the 18th hole playoff after Cantlay found water off the tee.
-
Lilia Vu wins second major as Charley Hull comes up short despite stunning eagle
American Vu added the Women’s Open title to her Chevron Championship.
-
Lucas Glover holds onto lead in Memphis with Tommy Fleetwood two strokes behind
Glover said it was a scrappy day but he got ‘a lot out of’ what he had.
-
Charley Hull shares lead with Lilia Vu heading into final day of Women’s Open
The pair are nine under for the tournament.
-
On This Day in 2007 – Tiger Woods claims 13th major with victory in Oklahoma
The world number one successfully defended his US PGA Championship title.
-
Ally Ewing out to emulate Brian Harman with Open win
The pair share their southern roots, passion for hunting and college teams named the Bulldogs.
-
Ally Ewing storms clear during second round of AIG Women’s Open at Walton Heath
At 10 under par Ewing enjoyed a five-shot lead over compatriot Andrea Lee and Japan’s Minami Katsu.
-
Jordan Spieth leads by one after first round of FedEx St Jude Championship
England’s Tommy Fleetwood and Aaron Rai are the best of the British contingent, closing out Thursday on four under par.
-
Rory McIlroy delighted with Tiger Woods’ role on PGA Tour’s policy board
Woods, 47, has not played since withdrawing from April’s Masters and concedes his playing opportunities will be extremely limited going forward.