‘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
-
Ryder Cup
New Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald motivated by ‘bitter’ memories of 2021 defeat
Stenson was stripped of the role for breaking his contract by joining the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder Cup
The task facing Luke Donald after replacing Henrik Stenson
Stenson was appointed on March 15 and said he was fully committed to a role before signing with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder Cup
Luke Donald named Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
Donald replaces Henrik Stenson after he was stripped of the role.
-
PGA Tour
Tony Finau claims second straight PGA Tour victory
The American won the 3M Open in his previous outing.
-
News
Henrik Stenson cushions Ryder Cup blow with £3.6m debut win in LIV Golf
The Swede was stripped of his role as Europe captain after joining the Saudi-backed breakaway tour.
-
News
Former Masters champion Bubba Watson becomes latest player to join LIV Golf
The left-hander is currently sidelined by a knee injury and is not expected to play until next season,
-
Ryder Cup
Luke Donald tipped to replace Henrik Stenson as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
The Swede lost the job 127 days after his appointment following his decision to join the LIV Golf series.
-
News
Max Homa: Tiger Woods now understands the respect he commands from his peers
Homa has made no secret of his admiration for Woods.
-
Ryder Cup
Bernard Gallacher fears Greg Norman is not the man for compromise with LIV Golf
Players who have resigned from the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf will not be eligible for next year’s Ryder Cup.
-
LPGA Tour
Brooke Henderson takes two-shot lead into final round of Evian Championship
South Korea’s Ryu So-yeon climbed into outright second place on 15 under.