Ian Poulter’s outfitshave been debate fodder before, but the Paula-Creamer-esque pink outfit he wore Thursday is farther out on a fashion limb than he’s previously gone.
The following is a transcription of a text message exchange between Rico and Robert, the founding editors of styledtoatee.com:
Rico:Just turned on Memorial. Have you seen what Poulter is wearing?
Robert:Colorful, I presume.
Rico:The most outrageous pink-and-white ensemble I’ve ever seen. Deep pink shirt, light pink belt, pink-and-white plaid pants and two-tone pink shoes!
Robert:It’s hard for me to argue against pushing the fashion envelope, but what I’m hearing and seeing reminds me of the line…it’s but a step from the sublime to the ridiculous. I think Ian may have gone over.
Rico: But as a fellow style aficionado don’t you hew to the concept that in order to make a fashion statement you have to take a fashion risk?
Robert: Good point. But Poulter’s on the razor’s edge with this get-up. He’s flirting with going from character to caricature. As accomplished as Doug Sanders was, he became better known at the end of his career for his clothes. I guess better that than gift wrapping a British Open, but my point is the Poultie may be placing statement-making above style.
Rico: You could be right, he could be placing it above golf as well seeing as he is currently +4, not that I would outwardly suggest your clothes affect your game (Tiger’s Sunday red notwithstanding.)
Robert: Poulter’s problem is he has to win [editor's note: on the PGA Tour]. This comparison may be stretch but look at Elton John. Guy made great music but as the clothes became more outrageous, the music genius withered. It got to the point where even Elton realized the clothes had taken on too much importance. And he actually refused interviews on the subject. Poulter’s running the same risk. He’s got to get people talking about his golf, which is very good.
Rico: Well, considering I’ve seen him now three times during the Golf Channel’s coverage and he’s nowhere near the leaders, he does have people talking about and more importantly showing his golf to the general public. And you know how sponsors like that : )
UPDATE: Poulter shot 75-72 and is projected to make the cut.